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Beware of Open Breast Biopsies 3/2/2015 7:25:55 AM
Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy according to the 3rd International Consensus Conference is the gold standard for diagnosing breast problems. Despite this conclusion a third of all women having a breast biopsy have an open procedure, an incision or cut on their breast. Diseases of the breast pronounce themselves in several ways: three possible mammographic findings, including: a mass, a group or cluster of calcium dots (microcalcifications), or distortion of normal tissue. Also, a breast lump may be benign or malignant (cancerous) tissue. ANY suspicious breast finding must be biopsied. Tissue must be examined by a pathologist.
BENEFITS OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE BREAST BIOPSY:
less pain
less scarring
less costly
faster time from diagnosis to treatment
avoid multiple open biopsies
makes treatment planning for breast cancer by a multidisciplinary group of specialists for effective
WHO'S AT RISK OF HAVING A MORE INVASIVE OPEN (INCISION) BREAST BIOPSY?
younger woman
having a biopsy at a small rural hospitals (non-teaching)
Asian women
Hispanic women
those with private insurance
Radiologists do the ultrasound or stereotactic core breast biopsies with a big needle with a tiny incision. Surgeons do the open incision-based operations. Open biopsies pay more than the less invasive procedures.
ASK: to have a less invasive breast biopsy if you need a diagnosis.
