Receive Compassionate Breast Biopsy in Arizona

At Dignity Health, our OB/GYNs help women of all ages detect breast cancer and other breast conditions with a variety of breast biopsy procedures. During a breast biopsy, a small amount of tissue is removed from the breast for examination. Biopsy results help doctors confirm or rule out the presence of breast conditions, such as cancer. 

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about a breast biopsy in Arizona, speak with one of our caring doctors at Dignity Health. For the women’s health services you need, Find a Doctor today. Our OB/GYN’s are dedicated to providing personal care with humankindness.

Types of Breast Biopsy

Depending on your specific condition, women’s health providers at Dignity Health can perform several different types of breast biopsy procedures, including: 

  • Core needle biopsy. This technique uses a large needle to withdraw a small core of tissue.
  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy. This method uses a thin needle to withdraw tissue.
  • Excisional biopsy. An entire area of breast tissue is removed (the most invasive type).
  • Incisional biopsy. A sample is taken through an incision in the skin, called a surgical biopsy.
  • Vacuum-assisted biopsy. Several samples are removed using a probe through one small incision. 

Speak with a women’s health provider at Dignity Health to learn which type of biopsy, if any, is best for you.

Why Breast Biopsy May be Performed

Generally, your doctor may recommend breast biopsy if the results of your mammogram are abnormal, or if a lump is found in your breast. Your biopsy may be done by a general surgeon/breast surgeon or radiologist.

Your Breast Biopsy at Dignity Health

Before your procedure, talk with your doctor about the results of your mammogram and other breast exams you may have had. Ask your doctor about the type of biopsy you will need, and if a minimally invasive option is right for you. In most cases, a needle biopsy can be performed. The results of a breast biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week. 

Your breast biopsy recovery will depend on the type of procedure you have. If it is surgical, your recovery time will be a bit longer than a needle biopsy. With less invasive procedures, the recovery period is usually 24 hours. To help with any post-biopsy discomfort and swelling, try over-the-counter pain medicines and ice packs. Tell your doctor if your pain worsens or changes in any way.

The sample of your breast tissue will be sent to a pathologist, who will examine it and provide a diagnosis. If cancer is detected, the results of the biopsy will help your doctor determine the next steps for treatment.

Women’s health providers at Dignity Health offer a range of diagnostic tests to prevent and detect breast cancer, including breast biopsy in Arizona.