What is a breast biopsy or needle biopsy?
Three types of breast biopsies are performed – fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy and needle localization. This procedure is performed only at the Yale Physicians Building • Fine needle aspiration (FNA) – FNA is a procedure in which a thin needle on a syringe is used to draw back liquid or cells from an area of concern. The liquid and/or cells can be sent to pathology for evaluation. • Core needle biopsy – A physician inserts a needle into the suspicious area and withdraws several samples of tissue. This can be done with mammographic (stereotactic), ultrasound, or MR guidance. The tissue samples are then analyzed under a microscope by pathologists to determine if cancer is present. The procedure takes about an hour and avoids surgical biopsy for many patients • Needle localization – A needle with a wire is inserted into the breast by mammographic, sonographic or MR guidance to localize an area of concern for the surgeon. The patient is then brought to the operating room in orde
