Pathology Clinic for Breast Cancer Patients

If a lump or other type of abnormal tissue is found in breast tissue, the following types of biopsies may be used to check for breast cancer:

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy uses a thin needle to remove tissue or fluid.  
• Core-needle biopsy uses a wider needle to remove tissue samples, sometimes called cores. A small metal clip may be placed in the biopsy area to mark the spot for any future procedures.
• Image-guided biopsy is sometimes used for fine-needle aspiration biopsies and often used for core-needle biopsies. In this type of biopsy, ultrasound, mammography, or MRI are used to guide the needle to the area where the tissue needs to be checked. It is often used when the abnormal area is deep inside the breast or when the doctor cannot feel a lump or mass. When mammography is used to guide the needle, the procedure may be called a stereotactic biopsy.  
• Surgical biopsy is the use of surgery to remove some or all of a lump or abnormal area. There are two types of surgical biopsies:
  • Incisional biopsy removes part of a lump or a sample of tissue.
  • Excisional biopsy removes an entire lump. A small amount of healthy tissue around the lump may also be removed.  

One of the pathologists on our breast team will study the biopsy sample and provide the results of their analysis in a pathology report. If the pathologist finds that you have cancer, the pathology report will help you understand your cancer and treatment options. The report will include information about:

• where in the breast the cancer started, such as the ducts or lobules
• the tumor grade, receptor status, and stage
• whether the cancer has spread to nearby normal tissue (called invasive breast cancer)

Our patients also have the option to meet with the pathologist to discuss these results.  Usually this is provided as a video visit.

If you are a patient interested in making an appointment, please call 734-647-8902.  Healthcare providers looking to refer a patient, please contact M-LINE: 800-962-3555.

For those with questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.