Breast Biopsy and Image-Guided Intervention

Not every mass or suspicious lesion found in breast tissue means cancer. However, to determine the exact nature of these lesions, biopsy may be needed. Thanks to advancing imaging technologies today, breast biopsies are now performed non-surgically, without sutures and without scars, under ultrasound, mammography, or magnetic resonance (MR) guidance.
Dr. Atasoy Clinic stands out in breast biopsy and image-guided interventional procedures with high accuracy and patient comfort.

What is Breast Biopsy?

Breast biopsy is the procedure of obtaining a tissue sample from a suspicious area detected in the breast in order to understand its nature.
The obtained samples are examined under a microscope in the pathology laboratory and it is determined definitively whether the lesion is benign, suspicious, or malignant.

This procedure is considered the gold standard in diagnosis.
The purpose is not only to diagnose cancer but to prevent unnecessary surgery and determine the correct treatment plan.

Types of Breast Biopsy

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, different biopsy methods are applied depending on the lesion's structure, size, and location.
Each is performed minimally invasively under imaging guidance.

1. Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

The simplest biopsy method.
A very fine needle is used to withdraw cell samples from the suspicious area.
Cytological (cell-level) examination is performed.
It is painless, quick, and has low complication risk.

2. Tru-Cut (Core Needle) Biopsy

This method uses a special needle to obtain a tissue sample from the breast mass.
The obtained sample shows both cells and tissue architecture; this provides much higher diagnostic accuracy.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance.
It is the most commonly used biopsy method.

3. Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy (VAB)

An advanced method.
Thanks to the vacuum system, multiple tissue samples can be obtained with a single needle insertion.
Can be performed under stereotactic mammography, ultrasound, or MR guidance.
Particularly preferred for small-sized or calcification-containing lesions.
Can be used for both diagnosis and, in some cases, complete removal of small lesions.

Importance of Image-Guided Interventions

The most important difference in modern breast biopsies is that the procedure is performed under imaging guidance.
This way, the lesion's location is precisely identified with millimeter-level accuracy, only the target area is accessed, and surrounding tissues are not damaged.

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, biopsies are applied using the following guidance methods:

• Ultrasound-guided: The most commonly used method. Provides real-time imaging, is quick and comfortable.

• Mammography (Stereotactic) guided: Preferred for lesions seen on mammography, such as microcalcifications, that cannot be selected by ultrasound.

• MR-guided: Used for lesions that can only be seen on MRI or for deeply located lesions.

Thanks to these methods, biopsy accuracy rate exceeds 98%.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

1. The patient is informed before the procedure and the relevant breast area is cleaned with antiseptic.

2. Local anesthesia is applied; the patient experiences no pain.

3. Under ultrasound, mammography, or MR guidance, the needle is directed to the target area.

4. Tissue samples are obtained and sent to pathology.

5. Since bleeding risk is low, sutures are not required; only a small bandage is applied.

The procedure typically lasts 15-20 minutes.
The patient can return to normal activities after the procedure.

How Are Biopsy Results Evaluated?

The obtained samples are examined in detail at the pathology laboratory.
Results typically come out within 3-5 business days.
Evaluation is done according to BI-RADS classification and pathological diagnosis.

Result categories are typically as follows:

• Benign: Follow-up is recommended.

• Suspicious / Atypical: Additional testing or rebiopsy may be needed.

• Malignant: Surgical or interventional treatment plan is established.

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, results are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team and the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient is established.

Post-Biopsy Precautions

• Heavy exercise should be avoided for the first 24 hours.

• Cold compress can be applied to the biopsy area for several hours.

• Mild bruising or swelling is normal.

• Infection risk is extremely low.

• Minimal dressing is needed since sutures are not required.

Attention to these recommendations accelerates the healing process and reduces complication risk.

Is It Possible to Remove the Lesion Completely During Biopsy?

Yes, particularly with vacuum-assisted biopsy method, small benign masses can be completely removed.
No additional surgery is needed in this case.
Additionally, the procedure does not distort breast shape and tissue integrity is preserved.

Breast Biopsy Experience at Dr. Atasoy Clinic

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, breast biopsy and image-guided interventions prioritize patient safety and comfort.
All procedures are performed with high-resolution equipment, under sterile conditions, and by experienced interventional radiology specialists.
A personalized plan is created for each patient; which method will be used is determined by analyzing the lesion's location and type.
Results are evaluated with pathology experts and surgical referral is made if necessary.

The foundation of the clinic's approach is the understanding of correct diagnosis, minimal trauma, and maximum comfort.