Breast Abnormality Biopsy

Breast Abnormality Biopsy (Lumps, Calcifications, Deformed or Abnormally Thickened Breast Tissue) at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Breast Center

Previously, the biopsy could be performed using a small core needle biopsy, and there were two methods available: 

1. Ultrasound-guided Core Needle Biopsy: This method is suitable for patients with breast abnormalities such as lumps or cysts that are clearly visible on a breast ultrasound. 
2. Stereotactic-guided Core Needle Biopsy: This method uses a 3D mammogram to locate abnormalities such as small calcifications, deformed or abnormally thickened breast tissue that are visible only on a mammogram and not detectable through ultrasound. 

Both methods have limitations in that they use a small core needle biopsy, which, whether guided by ultrasound or a 3D mammogram, can only diagnose the condition (tissue diagnosis). It can only extract a part of the abnormality, not the entire abnormal area. If the biopsy results indicate breast cancer or a condition that may develop into cancer in the future, surgery is required as the next step. If the biopsy results are not cancerous, the condition can typically be monitored without surgery. However, if the patient feels anxious or uncomfortable and does not wish to retain the abnormality, surgery can be performed at the patient’s request.

For patients who prefer not to undergo surgery due to concerns about scarring or having multiple scars if there are several lumps, the Breast Center at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya now offers an innovation: the Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB). This method addresses the concerns of patients whose biopsy results are non-cancerous or who have low suspicion of breast cancer (BIRADS 2-3). The vacuum-assisted needle biopsy system includes a vacuum needle and a vacuum system that can remove the entire abnormal area, whether it is a lump, cyst, calcification, or deformed or abnormally thickened breast tissue. If the biopsy results are non-cancerous, the procedure serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes simultaneously. 

Remark: If the biopsy results indicate breast cancer or a condition that could develop into cancer in the future, further surgical treatment will be required.

Patients Suitable for Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) should have breast abnormalities with the following characteristics:

1. The size of the lump or abnormality should be between 0 and 2 centimeters (should not exceed 3 centimeters). 
2. Low suspicion of breast cancer (mammogram and breast ultrasound results BIRADS 2-3). 
3. Patients with abnormal blood coagulation or blood disorders should undergo a thorough evaluation by a physician before the procedure. 

Summary of the Advantages of Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) or Vacuum Breast Biopsy:

1. Diagnosis and treatment can be performed in a single procedure. 
2. There is no large scar as with surgery (scar size is 0.3-0.5 centimeters). 
3. General anesthesia is not required, and there is no need for hospital admission. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis (OPD), and the patient can go home immediately after the procedure. 
4. Minimal pain and quick recovery.