TEST ACRONYM

FULL TERMINOLOGY

Biopsy

DEFINITION

A breast biopsy involves removing a sample of breast tissue to determine whether it is cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). A biopsy followed by pathological (microscopic) analysis is the only definitive way to determine if cancer is present.

WHEN TEST WOULD BE PERFORMED

Once a breast lump or breast abnormality has been detected, your doctor may want to conduct a breast biopsy. This procedure involves taking sample tissue from the suspicious area to determine whether the breast lump is cancerous.

INFORMATION VALUE

The benefit of a breast biopsy is that the patient should receive a definitive diagnosis of whether she (or he) has breast cancer or whether the breast abnormality in question is benign (non-cancerous). Once armed with this information, she can either breath a sigh of relief that she does not have cancer and continue to closely monitor her breasts with self-exams, physician performed clinical breast exams, and screening mammography at regular intervals. Or, if the biopsy reveals cancer, she can begin to consider treatment options.

CAUTION

N/A