breast exams

What types of breast biopsy are available?

by
concept image of types of breast biopsy

Facing the prospect of a breast biopsy can bring about a mix of concerns, apprehensions, and questions about what the future may hold. When you consult your breast cancer surgeon regarding testing, undergoing a biopsy often marks the initial step in establishing a diagnosis. This procedure involves delicately extracting a small tissue sample from your breast, which is subsequently analyzed in a laboratory for accurate results. So what types of breast biopsy are available? What types of breast biopsy are available? While many patients dread getting a biopsy, it still stands as the most reliable method to immediately detect the presence of cancer cells within your body. In this article, we will talk more about why you might need a biopsy, the advantages of doing so early, and the different breast biopsy types that are available to you. Getting Your First Breast Biopsy It doesn’t matter whether you’ve already …

Read more

Breast Biopsy Preparation Guidelines

by
featured image for breast biopsy preparation guidelines

Preparing for a breast biopsy can come with a lot of worries, fears, and questions. When consulting with your breast cancer surgeon about getting tested, a biopsy is typically one of the first steps in figuring out a diagnosis. A biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a tiny piece of tissue from your breast, so it can be further analyzed in a lab for an accurate diagnosis. This is the best way to tell whether or not there are cancer cells present in your body. Today, we will lay out some straightforward breast biopsy preparation guidelines so you know exactly what to expect. Breast Biopsy Preparation Guidelines Why You Might Need a Breast Biopsy Visiting your doctor for breast concerns can cause a number of worries, and you can go through a series of tests to narrow down possible medical conditions based on your symptoms. Whether or not …

Read more

What Can a Mammogram Detect?

by
concept of what can a mammogram detect

In order to detect breast cancer – and prevent it – as early as possible, your breast cancer surgeon in Austin will want to provide a number of screenings in support of your best health. One of the most thorough and functional screening tests is called a mammogram, and it is typically done on patients with breasts to detect any anomalies within the tissue. What Can a Mammogram Detect? But what can a mammogram detect, exactly? How do they work to identify any instance of cancer? What treatments are typically prescribed based on the results of the mammogram? At Breast Institute Austin, we are invested in taking proactive measures with your health and well-being in mind. Keep reading to learn more about the mammogram process and see how you can sign up for preventative breast cancer screenings today. The Mammogram Process The procedure starts with an x-ray machine. While …

Read more

Is It Normal to Be Afraid of a Mammogram?

by
Young woman with anxiety for mammogram

Cancer screenings are nerve-wracking for many people. You’re faced with the possibility that something could be wrong, and being tested will make it impossible to ignore. The feeling can be so intense that individuals may put off or entirely skip routine screenings to avoid dealing with the recognition of their own mortality. So, is it normal to be afraid of a mammogram? Is It Normal to Be Afraid of a Mammogram? If this sounds at all familiar, then take comfort in knowing that it is a perfectly natural response. It’s so common that the experience is sometimes referred to as “scanxiety.” Dealing with “Scanxiety” If you’re struggling to gather the resolve to schedule and attend your next mammogram, there’s no reason to feel bad. What you’re experiencing is completely valid. The trick is finding ways to overcome your anxiety. That doesn’t mean you need to make it totally disappear. …

Read more

Risks vs Benefits of Breast Biopsy

by
Doctor with folded arms and breast health ribbon on her frock.

A breast biopsy is an important part of the diagnostic process. A mammogram or ultrasound can be used to detect a mass, but a biopsy is the only way to definitively determine the nature of the mass. As a normal part of the diagnostic process, a breast biopsy is a highly regulated procedure with relatively minor risks involved. Let’s look at the risks vs benefits of a breast biopsy. Risks vs Benefits of Breast Biopsy With that being said, a biopsy may be a completely foreign concept to you. In order to demystify the process and help you feel more comfortable, we have put together a brief risk-benefit analysis along with a basic explanation of what you may expect when you get your breast biopsy in Austin. Types of Breast Biopsy Before getting into the risks and benefits of breast biopsies, we need to discuss the different types. There …

Read more