Breast Biopsy

Biopsy, Breast

Results

A breast biopsy removes of a sample of breast tissue that is looked at under a microscope for breast cancer.

Breast biopsy

Normal:	No abnormal or cancer cells are present.
Abnormal:	Noncancerous (benign) problems include fluid-filled cysts, fibrocystic lumps, and firm tumors (fibroadenomas). Fibroadenomas may be either taken out or left in but checked closely. They do not go away, but they are not likely to become cancer.
	Other noncancerous problems include growths of fat tissue (lipoma); scar tissue with calcium (calcification); an abscess; too much growth of cells (called atypical ductal hyperplasia, or ADH); or changes in the breast tissue cells called columnar alteration with prominent snouts and secretions (CAPSS). If ADH is present, an open biopsy is needed to make sure there is no cancer.
	Cancer cells are present.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: April 29, 2009
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery
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