Having a Breast Biopsy: A Review of the Research for Women and Their Families - Consumer Summary | AHRQ Effective Health Care Program

Having a Breast Biopsy: A Review of the Research for Women and Their Families - Consumer Summary | AHRQ Effective Health Care Program

Consumer Summary – May 26, 2016

Having a Breast Biopsy: A Review of the Research for Women and Their Families

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Table of Contents

• Is This Information Right For Me?
• Fast Facts
• Introduction
• Finding Breast Cancer
• What Is a Breast Biopsy?
• Kinds of Breast Biopsies
• Research About Breast Biopsy
• Biopsy Results
• Questions for Your Doctor or Nurse
• Source

Is This Information Right For Me?

This information is right for you if:

• You are a woman. The information in this summary is from research on women.
• Your doctor* has found a breast lump or shadow on your mammogram and has recommended a breast biopsy.

*In this summary, the term doctor refers to your health care professional, including your primary care physician, gynecologist, radiologist, surgeon, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

Fast Facts

• For a breast biopsy, a small amount of breast tissue is taken out. A biopsy tells if the lump is breast cancer.
• Most women who have a breast biopsy do not have breast cancer. About four out of every five breast biopsies are negative for cancer.
• There are two main kinds of breast biopsies: core-needle biopsy and open surgical biopsy.
• Side effects are less common with core-needle biopsy than with open surgical biopsy.

Having a Breast Biopsy: A Review of the Research for Women and Their Families - Consumer Summary | AHRQ Effective Health Care Program