A 33-year-old female asked:
If a lump in the breast is detected via ultrasound, is the only solution to know if it is benign or not is by taking a biopsy?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Accursoanswered
Radiology 29 years experience
Generally: To know what the lump is, assuming it is not a simple cyst, a biopsy is needed to get tissue from it and look at the cells under a microscope. However, the ultrasound appearance can sometimes predict what the biopsy shows, based on the presence or absence of specific findings on the ultrasound image. Please see a breast health professional to discuss options based on the particular situation.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Gaboranswered
Diagnostic Radiology 33 years experience
It depends: Sometimes benign features are so characteristic on ultrasound that there is little chance of malignancy, and the lesion can be safely followed with serial imaging. Otherwise, biopsy is probably indicated.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Jun 11, 2014
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