Breast Biopsy
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When a lump, or breast abnormality, has been detected, your physician may want to conduct a procedure known as a breast biopsy. As you may already be aware, a breast biopsy involves taking sample tissue from the suspicious area to determine whether the breast lump is in fact cancerous. While the thought of having a breast biopsy might be frightening to many, the results can provide peace of mind. For most women, a breast biopsy will test negative for breast cancer. However, a breast biopsy is currently the only way to establish an accurate breast cancer diagnosis.
Although many women do not look forward to the idea of having a breast biopsy, a breast biopsy is critical if an irregularity is detected. Currently, there are a number of breast biopsy methods and your doctor can help you determine which breast biopsy procedure is right for you.
It is also worth noting that survival rates increase dramatically when breast cancer is detected and treated early, which is why the breast biopsy procedure has become so critical. Regular self-breast exams every month, and a mammogram every one to two years after age 40, can help with early detection.
If I Need a Breast Biopsy, Does it Mean that I Have Cancer?
Once the physical breast biopsy has been performed, the sample is usually sent along to a laboratory for testing. The laboratory will then determine if the abnormality is cancerous and, in the majority of cases, the breast biopsy will come back negative. If, however, the breast biopsy does reveal a cancerous growth, it is important that you know and understand your full range of treatment options. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we are ready to help you with this decision should it be necessary.
Breast Biopsy: More Information
Although the thought of a breast biopsy may occasion fear and anxiety, it may be necessary to determine the status of an irregularity. Cancer Treatment Centers of America gives you back the control that a cancer diagnosis often strips away. CTCA offers you the power of choice, following a breast biopsy, by giving you the information and tools you need to participate actively in your treatment. At CTCA, you will learn about the complete range of traditional and new therapies, which are designed to treat the whole person, not just the cancer.
