Biopsy

What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is performed when an abnormality is detected during a mammogram or ultrasound. A sample is taken from the suspected area using a needle, under local anesthesia. In most cases, a radiologist takes the sample.

The diagnosis of a suspicious lesion can only be confirmed by a biopsy. If the biopsy confirms a cancer, anatomopathological examination under the microscope allows to specify the type of the tumor and its characteristics.

The different types of biopsy

To diagnose cancer, several types of biopsies are used.

• Microbiopsy allows the removal of fragments of the lesion. It is performed with a fine needle under local anesthesia.
• Macrobiopsy allows for larger and more numerous samples to be taken. The needle is larger than the one used for microbiopsy. This technique is particularly used on microcalcification sites.

When the biopsy is guided by ultrasound, it is called “ultrasound-guided biopsy”. When it is guided by mammography, it is called “stereotactic biopsy”. More rarely, the biopsy is guided by MRI. In some cases, a clip is placed in the biopsied area. It is used as a reference point for further treatment.

It is also possible to remove cells from the lymph nodes using a simple needle: this is called a cytopuncture.