Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Breast biopsy, Minimally invasive breast biopsy
• Technical/Medical Term: Clinician diagnosed breast cancer preoperatively by a minimally invasive biopsy method (HCPCS Code G8875)

Summary

A minimally invasive breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of breast tissue is removed and examined to diagnose breast cancer. This method is less invasive than surgical biopsy and usually involves a needle and imaging guidance.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: It is used to diagnose breast cancer preoperatively.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To accurately identify the presence of cancer cells in the breast tissue and guide treatment planning.

Indications

• Symptoms: Lumps in the breast, suspicious findings on a mammogram or ultrasound, changes in the skin or nipple.
• Patient Criteria: Women or men with suspicious breast abnormalities that need tissue diagnosis.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Fasting may not be necessary. Patients may need to discuss medication adjustments with their physician, particularly concerning blood thinners.
• Diagnostic Tests: Prior imaging studies like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be required.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the biopsy area.
2. Imaging: Imaging techniques like ultrasound, stereotactic mammography, or MRI guide the needle.
3. Biopsy: A small needle is inserted through the skin into the breast tissue to collect a tissue sample.
4. Technology: Core needle biopsy or vacuum-assisted biopsy devices may be used.
5. Completion: The sample is sent to a pathology lab for examination.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Setting

Usually performed in outpatient settings, such as a hospital's radiology department, an outpatient clinic, or a surgical center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved: Radiologists, breast surgeons, specialized nurses, and, if necessary, anesthesiologists.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Bruising, mild pain, bleeding at the biopsy site.
• Rare Risks: Infection, significant bleeding, changes in breast appearance.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Accurate diagnosis of breast abnormalities, minimal scarring and recovery time, rapid results.
• How Soon: Pathology results are usually available within a few days.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Keep the biopsy site clean and dry, over-the-counter pain relief as needed.
• Recovery Time: Most patients can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours; some restrictions may apply based on physician's advice.
• Follow-Up: As advised by the healthcare provider, typically includes discussing pathology results and planning further treatment if necessary.

Alternatives

• Other Treatments: Surgical biopsy, fine needle aspiration.
• Pros and Cons: Surgical biopsy is more invasive and involves longer recovery; fine needle aspiration might not always provide sufficient tissue for a definitive diagnosis.

Patient Experience

• During: Patients might feel pressure or slight discomfort during the biopsy but no severe pain due to local anesthesia.
• After: Mild soreness at the biopsy site, manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and a short recovery period.