Candela and Schreier Surgical Group
Surgical Oncologists & Robotic Surgery Specialists located in West Hills, CA & Thousand Oaks, CA, serving the San Fernando Valley
At Candela and Schreier Medical Corporation in West Hills and Thousand Oaks, California, while also serving the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Frank Candela and Dr. David Schreier understand the anxiety that often accompanies the need for a breast biopsy. That’s why they always take the time to sit down and discuss the procedure in detail, ensuring you understand what to expect and why this screening tool is so important to your overall health. If you’re in need of a breast biopsy, schedule your appointment by phone or online today.
Breast Biopsy Q & A
A breast biopsy is a screening tool used to gather more information about the cells in your breast tissue. If your doctor finds tissue abnormalities during your routine breast exam, or if there are other potential signs of cancer present, he or she might advise you to have a breast biopsy to learn more.
There are several types of breast biopsies. Dr. Schreier and Dr. Candela choose the approach that’s right for you based on factors such as:
- The size of your abnormal tissue mass
- Where it’s located in your breast
- Whether there are multiple areas of concern
- Your overall health and personal preferences
You’ll understand the pros and cons of each option before making an informed decision.
Having choices is always a positive thing, and breast biopsies are no exception. Your options include:
Fine needle aspiration
This approach uses a very thin needle to remove a small portion of tissue from the targeted area.
Core needle biopsy
This approach uses a larger needle to remove a small column of breast tissue from the area of concern.
Surgical (open) biopsy
This approach requires a small incision to access the suspicious tissue. All or a portion of the tumor can be removed and examined for signs of cellular abnormalities. Some of the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor might also be removed.
Lymph node biopsy
If your specialist is concerned about cancer spreading to your lymph nodes it may be necessary to remove one or more lymph nodes to check for cellular changes.
Regardless of the type of breast biopsy you have, the recovery process is relatively simple and straightforward. Your specialist bandages the area, and an ice pack reduces swelling.
It’s a good idea to take things easy for the rest of the day, but you’ll be able to resume normal activities within 24 hours of your procedure. If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications that don’t contain aspirin can help. Bruising is normal around the biopsy site.
If you need a breast biopsy, book an appointment at Candela & Schreier Medical Corporation today. You can set up your visit by phone or through the simple online scheduling tool.
