What Percentage of Breast Biopsies Are Cancer? Facts and Statistics

What is breast biopsy?

A breast biopsy is a standard medical procedure where the healthcare practitioner removes a small sample of breast tissue. It is then examined under a microscope to check the presence of any abnormal or cancerous cells.

A breast biopsy often recommended when:

• A suspicious breast lump or mass
• A mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI shows an area of concern in the results
• Experiencing the changes in nipple or breast skin
• An unusual nipple discharge
• Blood discharge from the nipple

Types of breast biopsies and its cancer detection rates

To recognize the cancer, healthcare providers use different types of biopsies, which involve different procedures. A healthcare provider will suggest the best biopsies for you, which are used to identify the changes in your breast; these may include:

There are several types of breast biopsies, including:

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A radiologist performs this procedure, using the syringe with a thin needle to remove fluid and tissue from the breast.
• Core Needle Biopsy: Radiologists also perform core needle biopsies.These biopsy types often use a slightly larger needle than a FNA biopsy. The larger needles can collect more breast tissue than the amount of tissue that an FNA does.
• Stereotactic or Image Guided Biopsy: These biopsies are often performed to a suspicious area which is often seen in imaging tests, while the cancer detection depends on the imaging findings.
• Surgical biopsy : These procedures help to remove the entire lump or abnormal area. These procedures are usually performed when the biopsy results are inconclusive. With a higher rate of cancer diagnosis, these are highly used for highly suspicious findings.

If these are not cancer, then what could it be?

Here’s the majority of non-cancerous benign biopsy results fall under the categories, including:

• Fibroadenomas: These are common types and they are solid and non-cancerous tumors made out of fibrous and glandular breast tissues. 
• Cysts: Cysts are generally fluid-filled sacs developed in breast tissues that can range from very small to several inches in size.
• Fibrocystic changes: These are very common, non-cancerous types of lumps and swellings or thickening of the breast tissues. These changes are often associated with the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycles.
• Fat necrosis: This is a type of benign condition which occurs when an area of fatty breast tissue is damaged. These can happen due to any kind of injury, surgery or radiation therapy to the breasts.
• Intraductal papillomas: These are small, kind of wart-like growths that grow inside the milk ducts of the patients.

These health conditions are generally not considered dangerous, but they might require health screenings and regular monitoring or minor treatment as well.

Consult Today

Remember that the majority of these breast biopsies do not result in a breast cancer diagnosis. While 4 out of 5 represent benign, performing a breast biopsy gives a chance to ensure and gives the chance of early detection of breast cancer and get an effective cancer treatment on time. If you have been recommended to get a breast biopsy, then stay informed and ask questions to your doctor and follow their guidelines.

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!