Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous. A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells—surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle—from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. A special mammography machine uses ionizing radiation to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth.
For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.