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Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
The pathologist will examine the tissue specimens after they are processed. A definite diagnosis will be available within a few days, the main question being whether the breast mass is benign or cancerous. When the final biopsy findings are available you may have a session with your physician to discuss the results and decide together on the next step. If cancer is diagnosed you probably will be referred to a tumor specialist or surgeon.
Are there any risks associated with Breast Biopsy?
- When the VAD is used for ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, large pieces of tissue are removed and there is a risk of bleeding and formation of a hematoma, a collection of blood at the biopsy site. The risk, however, is less than 1 percent.
- An occasional patient has significant discomfort, which can be readily controlled by non-prescription pain medication.
- Infection can occur whenever the skin is penetrated, but the chance of infection requiring antibiotic therapy is less than one in 1,000.
- Doing a biopsy of tissue deep in the breast carries a slight risk that the needle will pass through the chest wall, allowing air around the lung that could collapse a lung. This is a rare occurrence.
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