Breast Cancer

Core needle biopsy

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  A core needle biopsy uses a long, hollow tube to extract a core of tissue.
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  A biopsy is the only definitive way to make a diagnosis of breast cancer. During a biopsy, your doctor uses a specialized needle device guided by X-ray or another imaging test to extract a core of tissue from the suspicious area. Often, a small metal marker is left at the site within your breast so the area can be easily identified on future imaging tests.
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  Biopsy samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis where experts determine whether the cells are cancerous.

Staging breast cancer

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  Once your doctor has diagnosed your breast cancer, he or she works to establish the extent (stage) of your cancer.
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  Your cancer's stage helps determine your prognosis and the best treatment options.
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  Complete information about your cancer's stage may not be available until after you undergo breast cancer surgery.