What are the advantages and disadvantages of non-surgical procedures versus surgical breast biopsies?
Generally, non-surgical biopsies are less stressful, do not disfigure the skin, leave no internal scar to interfere with the accuracy of future mammograms, and minimize the risk of complications. However, non-surgical biopsies are not always as reliable as surgical biopsies in producing a conclusive diagnosis. For this reason, some patients who undergo a non-surgical biopsy must also undergo a follow-up surgical biopsy. What are the different types of breast biopsy procedures and what do they involve? Breast biopsy procedures include: • fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), • core needle biopsy (CNB), • vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, and • excision biopsy (surgery). How is a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) done? A fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) can be done in several different ways: • Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for palpable growths: A palpable growth is one that can be felt. The patient usually sits up while the doctor inserts a small hollow needle with a syringe t