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The Rose: Biopsies
A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if a breast change is benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Types of Biopsies
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)
The Rose uses ultrasound when performing an FNAB. It is performed under local anesthetic and requires the use of a needle and syringe to drain the lump. A needle is inserted into the lump and removes a sample of cells that are then examined under a microscope. An FNAB does not require stitches and can usually be performed on an outpatient basis.
Core Needle Biopsy (Tru-cut biopsy)
An ultrasound guided core needle biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. A large needle fitted with a special cutting tip is used. As the needle goes through the skin toward the lump, it collects a core of tissue approximately the size of a pencil head. Patients may experience a slight pressure during core needle biopsy but should not experience any significant pain. Core Needle biopsy may cause some bruising but does not usually leave an external scar or an internal scar that is seen on later mammograms. The Core Needle Biopsy can usually be performed on an outpatient basis.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
A Stereotactic Biopsy is performed using a local anesthetic. A small incision is made through which the biopsy needle is inserted. Slight pressure may be felt during this time. To monitor future breast health, the physician may place a tiny marker at the biopsy site for future follow-up. This marker is very small, and will not be felt it once it is placed in the breast. The single incision is closed with a small adhesive bandage.
After having the FNAB, Core Biopsy, or Stereotactic Biopsy, patients will usually be able to resume normal activities.
Wire/Needle Localization
This technique is used when the abnormality (lesion) can only be seen utilizing ultrasound or mammogram. This procedure is required to guide the surgeon to the area of concern. The Wire/Needle localization is followed by an excision biopsy or open biopsy.
A mammogram may be taken to locate the lesion. The radiologist or surgeon will use a thin, hollow needle to indicate the exact area of removal. The radiologist/surgeon will then remove the hollow needle, and the wire will be used as a guide to locate the lesion in surgery. The wire/needle localization may be performed guided by an ultrasound or during a mammogram. During the mammogram guided procedure the breast remains compressed when the guide wire is placed. A local anesthesia is used.
Excisional Biopsy or Open Biopsy
During an excisional biopsy, the physician removes the area of concern. The entire specimen is then sent to the lab for examination by a pathologist. The surgeon will call you with your results. The patient is contacted with the results by his or her surgeon.

The Rose is Houston area's preeminent non-profit breast health care center.

The ROSE Diagnostic Center
The Rose Medical Plaza
12700 North Featherwood
Suite 260
Houston, TX 77034
Phone: 281.484.4708
Fax: 281.484.5626
therose@the-rose.org breast cancer care center diagnostic non profit association woman health mammograms biopsies bone density The ROSE Joan Gordon Center
3400 Bissonnet
Suite 185
Houston, TX 77005
Phone: 713.668.2996
Fax: 713.668.3173
therose@the-rose.org


The ROSE Diagnostic Center The Rose Medical Plaza 12700 North Featherwood Suite 260 Houston, TX 77034 Phone: 281.484.4708 Fax: 281.484.5626 therose@the-rose.org		The ROSE Joan Gordon Center 3400 Bissonnet Suite 185 Houston, TX 77005 Phone: 713.668.2996 Fax: 713.668.3173 therose@the-rose.org