What is the definition or description of: breast biopsy?

Sample of tissue: A breast biopsy is where a sample of tissue is taken in order to obtain a diagnosis. The types of biopsy: fine needle, core needle and surgical. A core needle is performed most often by using ultrasound or mammogram (stereotactic) imaging to direct the needle into the area of interest (mass, calcifications, lymph node).

Tissue samples: Breast biopsy means obtaining tissue samples from an area of concern in the breast to be sent to the lab to make a diagnosis. This could be from a suspicious lump or a suspicious finding on you mammogram or ultrasound (or mri). The biopsy is obtained using a biopsy needle under imaging guidance. Occasionally an open surgical biopsy may be needed.