Breast biopsy in Turkey - Effective diagnosis & competitive costs 2024

Breast biopsy in Turkey

A breast biopsy in Turkey is a medical procedure that involves the analysis of a sample of breast tissue. The sample is taken when an abnormality is detected during a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical examination.

The sample is sent to a specialized laboratory where pathologists examine it under a microscope. The results of this analysis are essential for making an accurate diagnosis and determining the nature of the lesion (benign or malignant).

Breast biopsy is generally recommended in cases of:

• Presence of a palpable mass.
• Abnormal findings on medical imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI).
• Follow-up of a previously identified lesion.

A breast biopsy can thus confirm or rule out the presence of breast cancer and guide subsequent therapeutic decisions (surgery, surveillance, etc.).

Indications for breast biopsy

A breast biopsy is an important medical test to analyze suspicious breast tissue.

Your healthcare provider may order a breast biopsy if

• You have found a lump or thickening in your breast.
• A mammogram has shown an abnormality.
• An ultrasound or MRI shows a suspicious area.
• You notice unusual changes in the nipple or areola (e.g., scaling, discharge, retraction).

Breast biopsy techniques

The choice of biopsy technique depends on a number of factors, including the location, size, and nature of the lesion.

There are two main breast biopsy techniques:

Percutaneous breast biopsy

Percutaneous biopsy, performed under local anesthesia, is a minimally invasive technique that avoids more extensive surgery. There are two main types of biopsies:

• Microbiopsy: A tiny sample is taken with a fine needle. This technique is handy for small lesions or fluid samples.
• Macrobiopsy: A larger sample of tissue is taken with a larger needle. This provides a more representative sample and improves the quality of the pathologist's analysis.
• The physician uses an imaging technique (mammography, ultrasound) to guide the needle to the lesion. The sample is then sent to an anatomic pathology laboratory for microscopic examination.

Surgical biopsy

Surgical biopsy is performed under local or general anesthesia and requires a skin incision. It is generally reserved for cases where other techniques are not feasible or where the entire lesion needs to be removed.

• Excisional biopsy: The entire lesion is removed.
• Incisional biopsy: Only a portion of the lesion is removed.

This technique is often used when the lesion is difficult to access or when the results of a percutaneous biopsy are inconclusive.

Potential risks

Breast biopsy may have some common side effects, such as:

• Temporary local discomfort: bruising, swelling, or tenderness in the breast area.
• Small risk of infection: manifested by fever, redness, warmth, or unusual discharge from the biopsy site. In this case, you should contact your doctor immediately.

In most cases, these side effects will go away quickly. However, the shape of the breast may change slightly depending on the size of the lesion and individual healing.

Post-operative follow-up

Most women experience only moderate discomfort after a breast biopsy. If necessary, an analgesic may be prescribed to relieve any pain.

It is common to see some bruising at the puncture site. This is not a serious sign and will disappear on its own. Applying ice and a compression bandage may help reduce swelling and bruising.