A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes breast tissue for further testing, commonly used to diagnose breast cancer or other breast abnormalities. Early detection of breast abnormalities is crucial for prompt treatment and increased chances of survival.
A breast biopsy is a diagnostic procedure to detect and assess breast abnormalities. This minimally invasive technique involves removing a small sample of breast tissue for further examination under a microscope.
By accurately identifying the presence of cancerous or benign cells, a breast biopsy aids in early detection and treatment planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
An open biopsy is a more invasive procedure that removes a small piece of tissue from the breast for testing. It is usually done under general anaesthesia.
Fine needle aspiration biopsy involves inserting a thin needle into the breast and removing a small sample of cells for testing. It is a quick and relatively painless procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office.
A core needle biopsy uses a larger needle to remove a small tissue core from the breast. It is usually done under local anaesthesia.
Vacuum-Assisted biopsy is similar to a core needle biopsy but uses a vacuum to remove a larger tissue sample under local anaesthesia.
An image-guided biopsy uses imaging techniques such as ultrasound, mammography or MRI to guide the biopsy needle to the precise location of the abnormality.
Eligibility factors for breast biopsy:
Before a breast biopsy, some preparations must be made to ensure the procedure is safe and effective. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a breast biopsy:
If you require a breast biopsy, it is crucial to choose a specialist who is experienced and qualified to perform the procedure. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a breast biopsy specialist:
Look for a specialist certified by a reputable medical board with a proven track record of success performing breast biopsies.
Choose a specialist with extensive experience performing breast biopsies, particularly the type of biopsy you require.
Opt for an approachable specialist who can communicate clearly, answer your questions and explain the procedure in detail.
Look for patient reviews and ratings of the specialist online to get a sense of their reputation and patient satisfaction.
Breast biopsy costs in Singapore vary depending on several factors such as:
This fee covers the cost of seeing the doctor and discussing your condition with them. It may also include the cost of any necessary imaging tests or examinations.
A biopsy procedure fee is the cost of performing the biopsy, which includes the use of the equipment and the expertise of the medical team.
After the biopsy, the tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for examination by a pathologist. The pathology fee covers the cost of analysing the sample and providing a diagnosis.
If you require anaesthesia during the biopsy, there will be an additional fee to cover the cost of the anaesthesiologist and any necessary medications.
This is the cost of using the hospital or clinic facilities, including the examination room, equipment, and other resources.
Breast biopsy, like any medical procedure, carries some risks and possible complications, such as:
After a breast biopsy procedure, you’ll need to take some necessary precautions to ensure proper healing and recovery. Here are some vital aftercare steps to take:
Dr Jesse specialises in managing both benign and malignant breast and thyroid conditions, which also includes breast pain, breast lumps, breastfeeding problems, neck lumps, amongst others.
Her dual expertise in cancer removal and plastic surgery techniques expands the design of individualized treatments, leading to holistic patient outcomes.
Dr Jesse was part of the teaching faculties of both NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of medical students and trainee doctors.
Dr Jesse is recognized as an authority in breast cancer and thyroid surgery and a sought-after conference speaker.
Dr Felicia is actively involved in promoting breast cancer awareness. She has also been invited to give lectures and public talks on breast cancer related issues both locally and internationally.
Her clinical interest lies in treatment of breast cancer and the use of various surgical techniques to achieve the best oncologic and cosmetic outcome for her patients.
She is the pioneer of the procedure radioisotope occult lesion localisation (ROLL) in Singapore – which is used for locating non-palpable breast lesions and micro-calcifications for surgical excision.
She is also adept with the whole range of breast surgical procedures including vacuum assisted biopsies and endoscopic (key-hole) breast surgery for breast lesions.
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The time it takes to get the results of a breast biopsy varies depending on the type of biopsy performed. Some results can be available within a few hours, while others may take several days to a week.
If the biopsy results are positive, patients may need to undergo additional procedures such as surgery or radiation therapy. However, no further treatment may be necessary if the results are negative.
A core needle biopsy uses a larger needle to remove a small cylinder of breast tissue for examination. In comparison, fine needle aspiration biopsy uses a thinner needle to extract a sample of cells from the breast.
