Complications of Breast Biopsy

Introduction

Breast cancer has a significant financial burden on the society. The majority of instances were discovered using imaging (2.2 million cases of breast cancer) in 2018. The diagnosis of breast cancer helps in detecting breast cancer. The diagnosis of breast cancer includes diagnostic testing, including a biopsy and pathology of the suspected lumps of the breast. Previously, the only treatment option was a surgical excisional biopsy of the suspected mass. The advancement in the technologies in the middle to end of the 1980s gave minimally invasive techniques such as ultrasound-guided biopsy for the treatment of breast cancer. This article explains the complications of the biopsy.

What Is Breast Biopsy?

A breast biopsy is a medical procedure used to remove a small sample of breast tissue for laboratory testing. The purpose of a breast biopsy is to evaluate any abnormal areas detected on a mammogram, ultrasound, or physical examination of the breast. During a breast biopsy, a doctor or radiologist uses a needle or small surgical instrument to remove a small piece of tissue from the breast. Typically, local anesthesia is used during the procedure, so the breast is numbed with a medication injected into the area.

There are several types of breast biopsy, including:

• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: A small needle is used to remove a sample of cells from a breast lump or abnormal area. After that, a microscope is used to analyze the sample to determine if it is cancerous or not.

• Core Needle Biopsy: A larger needle is used to remove a sample of breast tissue from a suspicious area.

• Vacuum-assisted Biopsy: A needle is inserted into the breast and uses suction to remove multiple tissue samples.

• Surgical Biopsy: A small incision is made in the breast and a larger piece of tissue is removed for analysis. After a breast biopsy, the tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where it is examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous or not. The results of the biopsy help guide the treatment plan for any breast abnormalities that are detected.

What Are the Complications of Breast Biopsy?

A breast biopsy is a medical procedure used to remove a sample of breast tissue for laboratory testing. While breast biopsy is generally considered safe, as with any medical procedure, there are potential complications that may occur. It is crucial to talk about the advantages and potential concerns. of breast biopsy with the healthcare provider to determine if it is the right course of action for patients.

Some possible complications of breast biopsy include:

• Bleeding - Hemorrhage could happen where the biopsy was done. which may result in bruising, swelling, or a hematoma.

• Infection - There is a risk of infection at the biopsy site, which may result in pain, redness, swelling, or drainage from the area.

• Pain - Some women may experience discomfort or pain at the site of the biopsy, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

• Scarring - Some women may develop a scar at the site of the biopsy, which may be visible and can affect breast appearance.

• Nerve Damage - In rare cases, a breast biopsy may damage nerves in the breast, resulting in numbness or tingling in the breast or arm.

• False Negative or Positive Results - Biopsy results are not always accurate, and there is a risk of a false negative or false positive result, which may require further testing.

• Abscess Formation - An abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms within a tissue due to infection or inflammation.The abscess can be formed after the biopsy in the breast as a result of a bacterial infection within the breast ducts or the tissue surrounding the ducts.

• Pneumothorax - Pneumothorax is the rarest complication of breast biopsy. A medical disorder called pneumothorax develops when air seeps into the gap between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely.

• Hemothorax - Hemothorax is a medical condition that occurs when blood accumulates in the space between the chest wall and the lung, known as the pleural space. The most common symptoms of hemothorax include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and a dry cough. In severe cases, the affected individual may experience significant difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or even go into shock.

• Milk Fistula Formation - A milk fistula is a rare complication that can occur after breast surgery or trauma, particularly in women who are breastfeeding or have recently given birth. It is a circumstance where there is an abnormal connection between the mammary gland ducts and the skin, resulting in the leakage of breast milk through a hole or wound in the skin.

• Cosmetic Deformity - Cosmetic deformity refers to a physical abnormality or disfigurement that affects a person's appearance, causing them to feel self-conscious or embarrassed. The size of the breast can be affected after biopsy which affects women’s personality.

• Seeding of Tumor - Seeding of the tumor is a fatal complication of the biopsy which can lead to metastasis (spread of the cancer). Seeding of a tumor is a medical complication that can occur during surgical biopsy that involves the removal or manipulation of cancerous tissue. It refers to the accidental spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body, such as nearby tissues, organs, or lymph nodes, as a result of surgical or medical intervention.

• Skin Bruising - Skin bruising, also known as a contusion, is a common medical condition that occurs when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged or ruptured, leading to bleeding into the surrounding tissue.

• Hematoma - A hematoma is a medical condition that occurs when blood accumulates outside of blood vessels, typically within tissues or organs, due to injury or trauma. Symptoms of a hematoma depend on the severity but can include pain, swelling, and discoloration of the affected area of the breast.

Conclusion:

Complications of breast biopsy may include bleeding, infection, pain, scarring, and rare but serious complications such as pneumothorax and hematomas. However, the benefits of breast biopsy typically outweigh the risks, as early detection and treatment of breast cancer can greatly improve outcomes and survival rates. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and potential complications of breast biopsy with their healthcare provider, as well as any concerns they may have, in order to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Additionally, healthcare providers should take appropriate measures to minimize the risk of complications during and after breast biopsy procedures, such as using ultrasound or other imaging guidance and providing thorough post-procedure care and monitoring.