By Lillie Shockney, R.N., M.A.S. - Posted on Sun, Jan 29, 2006, 10:26 am PSTWhen a woman finds a lump in her breast, her first reaction may be to "get it out, NOW." If, after diagnostic evaluation, the lump is determined to be a solid mass that may need to be surgically removed, it is usually advisable to do a core biopsy, which will provide more information before succumbing to the scalpel. Here are some reasons why:
1. If the mass is benign (has no cancer cells in it), it can be removed without taking out additional tissue around it. Wide margins will not be needed, and less tissue coming out means less breast volume is lost.
2. If the mass is malignant, the type of breast cancer it is will influence what is done in surgery. For example, if it is invasive breast cancer, then the sentinel node will need to be biopsied at the same time. If it is non-invasive breast cancer, then no nodes will need to be checked.
3. If the mass is malignant and its size is of concern, then the oncologist may recommend chemotherapy before instead of after surgery to shrink the tumor.
4. If the mass is benign and, based on your doctor’s judgment, doesn’t have to be surgically removed, then the patient could avoid an operation that requires general anesthesia and an incision. Incisional procedures result in changes to the breast which can in some cases make it harder to interpret future mammograms.
The bottom line is that when the doctor says, "We need to do a biopsy," you should respond, "OK. I assume a core biopsy will be done, then?" Get all the additional information you’ll need to know what you are dealing with -- it’s in your best interest.
The bottom line is that when the doctor says, "We need to do a biopsy," you should respond, "OK. I assume a core biopsy will be done, then?" Get all the additional information you’ll need to know what you are dealing with -- it’s in your best interest.
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