Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
What is a Fine Needle Aspiration?
A fine needle aspiration removes a collection of tissue or liquid from the breast using a tiny hollow needle. This test is performed under image guidance and is then sent to a pathologist to check if there are any cancer cells.
The procedure from start to finish generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes if ultrasound is used.
If the results of the FNA biopsy do not give a clear diagnosis, or if your doctor still has concerns, further investigation might be required, and you may be referred to have a core needle biopsy.
Vacuum Assisted Core Biopsy
What is a Vacuum Assisted Core Biopsy?
This is a method for taking a specimen of abnormal tissue under x-ray or ultrasound guidance. The vacuum biopsy provides sufficient tissue for diagnosis, avoiding the need to take the specimen by means of an operation. A vacuum assisted biopsy may also be used as a non surgical method to remove benign (non cancerous) lumps in the breast.
What are the benefits?
The benefits from making a diagnosis and consequently giving you the right treatment outweigh any small risks involved. With vacuum assisted biopsy, a larger specimen can be taken with a less invasive procedure. The risk to your health from not having the examination and missing a serious disorder may be much greater.
Cyst Drainage
Breast Cysts
Most cysts develop rapidly and then stay the same size, a small number of cysts shrink or continue to grow. Cysts are often too small to feel but larger cysts can be felt in the breast tissue. Cysts may be firm or soft, often women can have more than one cyst at a time. Cysts are sometimes uncomfortable or painful, often women find that their cysts get more tender or enlarged in the days before their period.