Fine needle and core needle biopsy

Biopsy is one of the most important diagnostic tools — it allows doctors to quickly and precisely assess whether a breast lesion is dangerous. At our clinic, Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk, we most often perform breast biopsies, helping patients rule out serious problems or start treatment early. It is a short procedure performed under local anaesthesia, but its importance is enormous — it provides certainty. In this guide, we explain what a breast biopsy looks like, whether it hurts, how to prepare for it and why histopathological examination is so important.

Many women call us frightened because during an ultrasound examination they heard that “it may be cancer”. We understand this fear and know how important quick action and support are. That is why we perform biopsies as quickly as possible, while a team of experienced oncological surgeons and radiologists ensures precision and empathy.

What are the types of breast biopsy?

Depending on the nature of the lesion, different methods are selected:

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy — FNAB — collection of cells with a thin needle; the fastest and least invasive method.
• Core needle biopsy — CNB — collection of a tissue fragment with a thicker needle; provides a more complete histopathological result.
• Vacuum-assisted biopsy — mammotome biopsy — performed under ultrasound or mammography guidance; allows precise sampling from small lesions and, in some cases, removal of a benign lesion.

We described the detailed differences between fine-needle and core needle biopsy — and when each method is used — in a separate comparison article. Here, we focus on what the breast examination itself looks like.

What does a breast biopsy look like step by step?

It is a short procedure, usually lasting 15–30 minutes, performed under local anaesthesia — thanks to this, it is practically painless, and patients most often feel only mild discomfort. At our clinic in Gdańsk, it is performed by experienced oncological surgeons and radiologists under ultrasound guidance, which ensures high precision.

1. Preparation — the patient lies down on the examination couch, the doctor disinfects the skin and administers local anaesthesia.
2. Lesion localisation — using ultrasound, the doctor precisely determines the location of the lesion.
3. Sample collection — a sample is taken with a needle, either thin or thick; sometimes several punctures are performed.
4. Completion — the puncture site is covered with a dressing; the patient returns home. For 24–48 hours, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion.

Most patients say that the procedure was less stressful than they expected — and the relief after receiving the result is priceless.

Histopathological examination — why is it so important?

After the biopsy, the collected tissue is sent to the laboratory for histopathological examination. A pathomorphologist examines the sample under a microscope and assesses whether it contains cancer cells or whether it is a benign lesion, such as a cyst or fibrosis. In selected cases, additional tests are performed, such as immunohistochemistry, which helps determine the type of lesion — for example, whether the cancer is hormone-dependent — and plan treatment.

Breast lesions — they are not always cancer

Fear is natural, but in most cases breast lesions are not cancerous. They may be:

• cysts — fluid-filled lumps, often harmless,
• fibrosis — benign lumps made of connective tissue,
• fibroadenomas — common in younger women, benign,
• mastopathy — hormonal changes causing tenderness and lumpiness.

A biopsy makes it possible to confirm that the lesion is benign — bringing relief — or to detect a problem early, which significantly increases the chances of recovery.

What if the result confirms cancer?

If the biopsy detects cancer, do not panic — early detection brings great hope. Early stages of breast cancer are curable in the vast majority of cases. At our clinic, you are in experienced hands — including Dr Iwona Chruścicka, MD, PhD, who has specialised in oncological breast surgery for many years. We guide patients through every stage: from diagnosis, through treatment, to recovery.

Fast action and support

We focus not only on medical precision, but also on the patient’s peace of mind:

• we act quickly — we perform biopsies as soon as possible,
• we provide emotional support — we explain every step and help calm anxiety,
• we educate — a breast lesion is not a sentence, and a biopsy is a way to gain certainty.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. Diagnosis, interpretation of results and treatment decisions are made by the doctor.