Advantages of breast biopsies under ultrasound guidance

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Hong Lien - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Ultrasound is a common medical imaging technique. In addition, ultrasound also effectively supports breast biopsies, early detection of breast cancer and other breast diseases, and helps in the treatment process.

1. What is an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy?

Ultrasound provides dynamic and real-time examination and can be used to guide biopsies of mammary gland lesions suspected of malignancy.
Freehand technique: The doctor will conduct the biopsy under the guidance of the ultrasound machine by holding the ultrasound probe in one hand, the other hand using the biopsy needle. The freehand technique requires the doctor to have certain experience.
Cases with suspected metastases in axillary lymph nodes should be biopsied under ultrasound guidance.
The biopsy needle position on the skin is very small, only about 1-2mm, so it does not leave scars and does not affect the patient's aesthetics.

2. When is an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy indicated?

Breast biopsy technique under ultrasound guidance is indicated in the following cases:
Lesions with images classified as BIRADS 4 and 5; Axillary lymph nodes suspected of metastasis; Axillary nodes recurrent lesions; Cystic lesions suspected of malignancy; Lesions require aspiration before biopsy.

3. Advantages of ultrasound-guided breast biopsies

Through breast ultrasound, doctors will detect abnormal problems, suspect breast tumors. At that time, the patient will be assigned to perform a breast biopsy under ultrasound guidance to evaluate, diagnose, and differentiate between fluid-filled cysts or solid tumors.
In addition, breast ultrasound can also help detect small lesions that we cannot feel or see, as well as identify abnormalities in the mammary glands in pregnant women. Ultrasound is a safe diagnostic tool for women during pregnancy that other methods cannot apply.
Breast ultrasound helps to identify solid lumps in the breast in patients about 35 years of age, in cases where the results of mammography are not clear. Based on 6 morphological features of solid breast lumps, it is possible to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. From there, identify and assess the nature of the injury. Those 6 characteristics include:
Shape; Direction; Edge; The boundary of the injury; Internal structure of u; Characteristics of the rear sound. In addition, breast ultrasound also helps to timely detect the growth of cancer inside, causing thickening of the skin in the breast. In these cases, it is usually indicated to perform a breast biopsy under ultrasound guidance.
Breast ultrasound helps guide the needle for biopsy, helping the patient feel more comfortable, not having to put too much pressure on the breast compared to mammography.

4. Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

Check the patient's condition: X-ray results, breast ultrasound results, classification of BIRADS, locate lesions, check basic tests; Explain to the patient about the biopsy procedure so that the patient is psychologically prepared and cooperates well during the breast biopsy; The patient lies in the supine position or on the doctor's side; Determine the location of the lesion, access on different planes, choose the shortest route, do not go through blood vessels and nerves, do not insert needles into the lung or pleura; Conduct aseptic sterilization of the biopsy area; Anesthetize the needle point to the lesion site 1cm, can cause tissue tissue damage to the superficial and deeper side of the lesion; Select the biopsy needle and insert the needle into the area to be biopsied; If it is a cystic lesion, the fluid in the cyst should be drained. Conduct tests and then biopsies the capsule shell; After the biopsy is completed, the doctor inserts a metal clip or wire needle into the biopsy area to indicate the biopsy area for the doctor to perform surgery later; Press biopsy to remove tissue pieces and put them in the preservation solution; Apply compression bandage to the biopsy site.

5. Possible dangers

The patient may experience bleeding that forms a hematoma in the chest muscle or breast. However, this is very rare. Usually the hematoma will dissolve on its own and collect in a small amount. If the hematoma is large, it is necessary to perform aspiration or surgery to remove the hematoma; Infection after a breast biopsy is rarer. Diabetic, immunocompromised patients are at higher risk of infection. To proactively protect their health, women over 20 years old should regularly self-examine their breasts by looking in a mirror to check that the breast is in a normal position, then raise both hands and put both hands on the hips to View breast status when changing position. Besides, touching and pressing on the breast to check for lumps, swelling and pain. If you find that your breasts are abnormal, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Women over 35 years old should have regular breast exams every 3-6 months.
Vinmec International General Hospital is applying breast biopsy technique under ultrasound guidance to diagnose, evaluate, and detect breast cancer early.
The system of ultrasound machines and instruments at Vinmec is modernly and synchronously invested, using leading advanced equipment, making the biopsy process easier and more accurate, minimizing the risk of risk of complications after biopsy.
Breast biopsy technique under ultrasound guidance at Vinmec is performed by a team of highly specialized and well-trained radiologists at home and abroad. Experience and expertise are the two leading factors in achieving high results with ultrasound-guided breast biopsy techniques. Therefore, patients can be completely assured when performing this technique at Vinmec.

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