What is the difference between an open surgical breast biopsy and a needle breast biopsy?
A. An open biopsy is a surgical procedure that requires local or general anesthesia and an incision in the breast to remove the abnormal area. A minimally invasive breast biopsy—also called a needle biopsy—is a simpler procedure in which the patient is given local anesthesia before a small, hollow needle is carefully guided into the suspected region, using the same imaging modality on which the abnormality was best visualized. A minimally invasive biopsy removes a core needle sample, resulting in no more than a 3-millimeter scar, whereas an open biopsy can leave scarring and indentation. With a needle biopsy, there is no need for general anesthesia, so it does not come with the risks associated with surgery. Q. What are the risks and costs associated with each type of breast biopsy? A. An open surgical biopsy carries the risk of infection, blood loss, and scarring, as an incision is made during the procedure that then has to be stitched closed. An open biopsy costs three to four times
