FNAB extracts cells rather than tissue and has been described in the text for Algorithm 8. This technique is relatively simple, minimally invasive, and can be performed in a variety of outpatient settings. Excisional biopsy surgically removes an entire mass and a zone of tissue surrounding the mass. Needle localization involves inserting a guide wire through the lesion, which is verified through mammography, and then an excisional biopsy is performed. Following excision, specimen radiography is used to confirm lesion excision.
Pathological analysis is performed to arrive at a diagnosis.
Alternatively, ultrasound can be used as the imaging method by which physicians can either place a guide wire for excisional biopsy or use a core needle to obtain tissue. Stereotactic core biopsy is performed using a special mammography apparatus. The breast is compressed between two mammographic plates and the suspicious area is located by an imaging system. A core biopsy needle in an automated spring-loaded biopsy instrument is inserted into the lesion. Multiple biopsies are obtained.