Breast Matters - Early Detection

Early Detection — Biopsy

Fine Needle Biopsy: Palpable Mass
A fine needle biopsy or "aspiration" as it is better known, is a 2-5 minute procedure. It is relatively painless, but there may be slight bruising. The technique for fine needle biopsy changes according to whether the area of concern is palpable or non-palpable.

1.	A very thin needle and syringe are used to retrieve a few cells from the center of the breast lump. The needle makes multiple passes circumferencially throught the initial needle entry point.
2.	Once retrieved, the cells are examined under a microscope by a cytologist or pathologist. These specialists are looking for abnormalities in the size of the cell or appearance of the nucleus.