A biopsy is the main way doctors diagnose most types of cancer. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. The most common types of biopsies include: incisional biopsy (a sample of tissue is removed); excisional biopsy (an entire lump or suspicious area is removed); and needle biopsy (a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle).
As with any medical procedure, there are known risks. It is possible that patients may have pain, bleeding or infection. Also, some people are concerned that a breast needle biopsy might cause cancer to spread. But there’s no evidence of a negative long-term effect from a breast needle biopsy.
I had a needle biopsy. I wanted to be sure the lump was cancerous, and I wanted to know what the exact diagnosis was. I work better with facts AND intuition. What I would really like to see is a FULL review of what was in the cells taken by the biopsy: viruses, fungus, bacteria, and any other pathogens. I had mastitis* when my daughter was a baby, I produced a lot more milk that she could consume, and it created a flaming hot infection in my breast tissue. I would love to know if there is a connection between the infection and the site of the cancer. I know that there are labs that will give this information. Sadly, I don’t know those details.
When I review work by other people who healed themselves from cancer, if that person chose not to have a biopsy, the lack of lab confirmation is held against them and the naysayers choose to believe the person never had cancer, rather than to give credit to healing. I am glad I had the biopsy. I have proof.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute
(https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/biopsy) - The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
(https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/8-breast-biopsy-questions-answered.h00-159303834.html)
* Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. The inflammation results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness. You might also have fever and chills. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breastfeeding.