Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women. Breast cancer usually affects women at their late age and there is a high chance that it might be fatal if not treated properly. So, it is no wonder that women are afraid about this particular type of cancer. However, thanks to the advancement in technology, we now can detect breast cancer at its early stage in order to prevent its complication becoming worse. Besides, there are also lots of organizations that conduct breast cancer programs such as health screening and breast cancer day in order to promote awareness and teach all we need to know about breast cancer to especially women. Techniques such as physical examination, the use of mammogram and also breast biopsy are considered the main techniques in diagnosing breast cancer and other breast diseases. However, some of the women might have a lot of questions about breast biopsy and what it actually does? So, this article will try to explain what breast biopsy actually is and its importance. Please read the whole article if you want to gain knowledge about this particular matter.
So, breast biopsy is actually a procedure where a needle will be inserted into the breast or a small cut is needed in order to collect breast tissue specimen. This specimen will later be used to investigate and to confirm an initial diagnosis. Usually, a healthcare professional will order a breast biopsy if they suspect a breast cancer during breast physical examination or mammogram. Many women raise their concern regarding this procedure because they taught that it is very painful. This procedure is considered a minor procedure, so rest assured it will not be that painful. However, the after effect might differ depending on the severity of your disease, your body type and also the type of procedure.
There are some types of breast biopsy that will determine the extent of the process involved. These include fine needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy, excisional breast biopsy and also incisional breast biopsy. Usually, most of the breast biopsy procedures only need an injected needle to collect the tissue specimen. However, a more progressive and severe disease might need an incision in order to take a larger specimen. If your doctor thinks that it might be painful to do the procedure, do not worry because you will be given a localized anesthesia or generalized anesthesia in order to reduce the pain. Usually, you will not feel any pain at all during the procedure.
However, you might feel some effects after the procedure. These complications might include pain at the biopsy site. This pain will usually be pretty minimal and it might increase upon pressure. Usually, it will go away after about one week. Besides that, you might also feel soreness or swelling at the procedure site. If it is an intensive procedure, some blood clots will form around the procedure site and cause bruises. But do not worry because this is usually minimal and will not cause any harm to your body. A rare event might occur where your breast might bleed. But this is usually happening when there is some injury or pressure upon your breast, so please be aware and protect the procedure’s site. Another rare occurrence is a breast infection. This will happen if your wound gets infected by a microorganism. Usually, it happens because of poor hygiene or wound dressing. In order to avoid a breast infection after breast biopsy procedure, make sure you control and manage your hygiene well.