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Step 3

Biopsy: confirming the diagnosis

Breast biopsy at a specialized facility
If imaging shows a suspicious change, the next step is usually a at a specialized facility. The tissue sample is sent for analysis. The result provides the tumor type and grade and biological characteristics: , , , and .
Where is it performed?

At / health care facilities – specialized hospitals/oncology or radiology centers with experience in breast procedures.

Preparation before the procedure

Bring a list of medications. If you take blood thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, Rivaroxaban, etc.), inform the doctor – you will receive instructions on whether and when to pause them.

Safety and anesthesia

Performed under . You will feel a prick and pressure, but pain is usually mild and brief. Complications are rare (minor , mild pain).

What does the procedure look like?

Breast is most often performed by a , especially when the change is small or cannot be palpated. Biopsies are performed under guidance, most often with , but can also be guided by or . The locates the change, disinfects the skin, administers , and takes several samples with a needle. A bandage is applied. Afterward, you receive care instructions. For large and accessible tumors, a surgeon can also perform the biopsy.

What does the report contain?

Histopathological type and grade, as well as receptor status: and , then and . This data is crucial for treatment decisions.

After the biopsy

After the biopsy, you will receive instructions on how to care for yourself. For example: keep the bandage on for 12–24 hours, rest your arm that day, apply ice for 10–15 minutes periodically. Mild pain and bruising are normal. If you experience stronger pain/swelling/redness – contact your doctor.

What's next?

With the results, you go to the . The team (, , and ) decides on the plan: surgery, / therapy, , .

Does it hurt and will there be a scar?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia – you will feel a brief prick and pressure. The scar is usually very small (a few millimeters) and fades over time.

When will I get the result?

In practice, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on laboratory and additional analyses.

What do ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67 mean?

, , , and are factors reported in every of a breast tumor. They determine different biological subtypes of breast cancer, which have different prognoses and are treated differently.

When to contact the doctor urgently?

  • Fever, severe pain, or pronounced redness at the biopsy site.
  • Large swelling/hematoma that is worsening.
  • Signs of infection (purulent discharge, unpleasant odor).
  • Painful lump in the armpit on the same side where the biopsy was performed.

Why is biopsy important?

Imaging (, , ) can suggest suspicion (e.g., 4/5), but only a confirms the diagnosis. The tissue sample is examined in the laboratory and provides precise information about the presence of malignancy. Biomarker findings (, , ) are used for treatment planning.

What does the histopathology report contain?

  • Tumor type (e.g., or carcinoma).
  • Histological tumor grade (grade 1, 2, or 3).
  • Receptor status: , , and .
  • Proliferation index ().

What follows after results?

With complete findings (imaging + + laboratory analyses), you go to the . The team of experts will suggest the best treatment sequence.