Scared about a Core Needle Breast Biopsy? Let's talk about this simply

It's normal to feel a little scared when you find out you have a lump in your breast, or when your doctor tells you that there's something wrong with your mammogram . That fear can be even greater when you're told you need to have a biopsy . But the 'Core Needle Breast Biopsy' we're talking about today is not something to be scared of. This is often done to dispel any doubts in your mind and that of your doctor.

What exactly is Core Needle Breast Biopsy?

Simply put, this is one of the most common types of breast biopsies. Your doctor may order this test if they suspect that a change in your breast, such as a lump, could be breast cancer.

This involves a specialist, usually a radiologist, using a small hollow needle to remove a very small piece of tissue from the area of ​​your breast where the lump is. It's like cutting a small piece of cake to taste. Then, a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to see if it contains cancer cells or other problems.

Why would I want to do this kind of test?

There are two main reasons why your doctor might ask you to do this test:

• If you or your doctor finds a lump in your breast.
• If an abnormality is found during a scan, such as a mammogram, breast MRI , or breast ultrasound.

What is the difference between Core Needle Biopsy and Fine-Needle Aspiration?

Both are needle biopsies. But there is a slight difference. Fine-Needle Aspiration takes fluid samples and individual cell clusters. Core Needle Biopsy takes a larger, thicker piece of tissue. This gives the pathologist a better sample to examine. It can give a clearer picture of the disease.

How should I prepare before the test?

This doesn't require much preparation, but it's important to keep these things in mind:

• Tell your doctor about all the medications you take . If you are taking aspirin or blood thinners (anticoagulants), you may be asked to stop taking them a few days before the biopsy.
• Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the test. Also, it is a good idea to wear a soft bra that will not rub the wound after the test.
• Plan to avoid overexertion for about a day after the test.

What happens during the test?

Most of the time, this biopsy is done with the help of a scanner. That is, the doctor inserts the needle into the exact location of the lump while looking at the scan. Various scanning methods are used for this.

How the test is done step by step:

1. The doctor will make you comfortable for the scanning machine being used. For example, in a stereotactic biopsy, you will lie face down on a special bed that is designed so that your breast hangs down.

2. Using a scanner, we find the exact location of the knot.

3. Then the skin in that area is thoroughly cleaned and a numbing medicine is injected into the area . So you don't feel any pain.

4. After numbing, a very small incision is made in the skin and the biopsy needle is inserted through it.

5. The doctor may take several tissue samples from the area where the lump is. You may hear a slight push and a "click" sound when each sample is taken.

6. Once the sample is taken, the needle is removed and a very small metal clip (biopsy marker) is placed inside to mark the site where the sample was taken. This will allow you to find the exact location of the biopsy if you do a scan later.

7. Finally, apply pressure to the area for a while to stop the bleeding and cover it with a clean, sterile bandage.

Does this hurt? How long will it take?

You shouldn't feel any pain, because the area is numb. But you may feel a little pressure when the tissue is removed. However, if you feel any pain, tell the doctor right away . They will give you some more numbing medicine.

The biopsy itself takes about 15-20 minutes to perform, but you may have to stay in the examination room for about 60 minutes, including the time it takes to prepare for the scan.

What should I expect after the test?

You can go home the same day. You can also do your normal activities. However, it is best to avoid strenuous activities such as running, jumping, or lifting weights for at least 48 hours . It is normal to see some bruising where the biopsy was done.

Are there any risks in this?

This is a very safe test. Risks are very rare. Possible complications include:

• Blood accumulation inside the breast due to bleeding (breast hematoma)
• Having an infection
• Lung damage (pneumothorax) - This is extremely rare.

What will my results be like?

The pathologist will examine your tissue sample to see if there are any cancer cells.

• If there are no cancer cells (Benign): The report states that. That means there is no problem.
• If there are cancer cells (Malignant): The report the doctor receives will include the following details:
• Tumor type: Whether the cancer is invasive (spreading into breast tissue) or noninvasive (noninvasive).
• Tumor grade: How fast the cancer cells divide and how similar they are to normal cells.
• Hormone receptor status: Whether hormones in the body affect the growth of cancer.
• HER2 status: Whether a protein (HER2) that helps some cancer cells grow is present.

How long does it take for the results to come?

Results are usually available within a week to 10 days of the biopsy. Sometimes this time can vary depending on the process used to test the sample.

When should I see the doctor again?

Complications from this test are rare, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately .

Can this test prevent cancer?

Yes, there is a very small chance that this will happen. This means that the biopsy needle may not pick up cancer cells, but only nearby healthy tissue. This is called a 'false negative' report. However, research has shown that this is very unlikely to happen with a Core Needle Biopsy.

Finally, if you notice any changes in your breasts, the best and safest way to find out for sure is to have a Core Needle Breast Biopsy. This will give you a clear answer. So don't be afraid of this. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.

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