needle biopsy on breast tissue, what percentage turn out to be cancer?

Question

I am worried because I have to have one.

Answer 1

In the US, only about 20% of all breast biopsies are cancer.

"About 80% of all biopsies done in the U.S. produce benign (not cancerous) results, according to the American Cancer Society."

http://www.medicinenet.com/breast_biopsy/article.htm

And those aren't bad odds. If I won 80% of the time, I would live in Las Vegas, and gamble daily! Best wishes....

Answer 2

It is not possible to tell the percentage chances of cancer. It the cancer is there it is there and if it is not there means it is not there. If you have any symptoms or doubt you should have immediate check up and have the tests suggested by your doctor. From your question I feel your doctor must have advised for a needle biopsy on some doubts. Please get it done immediately. There are two types of needle Biopsy and your doctor may decide the suitable one depending on his findings. However you should know about the needle biopsies. Please read-

A biopsy — a small sample of tissue removed for analysis in the laboratory — is the only test that can tell if cancer is present. Biopsies can provide important information about an unusual breast change and help determine whether surgery is needed and if so, the type of surgery required. Types of biopsies include:

* Fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Your doctor uses a thin, hollow needle to withdraw tissue from the lump. He or she then sends the tissue to a lab for microscopic analysis. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is similar to drawing blood. A similar procedure — fine-needle aspiration — is typically performed to remove the fluid from a painful cyst, but it can also help distinguish a cyst from a solid mass.
* Core needle biopsy. A radiologist or surgeon uses a hollow needle to remove tissue samples from a breast lump. As many as 15 samples, each about the size of a grain of rice, may be taken then sent to a pathologist to be analyzed for malignant cells. The advantage of a core needle biopsy is that it removes more tissue for analysis. Sometimes your radiologist or surgeon may use ultrasound to help guide the placement of the needle. -

Answer 3

Percentages will usually vary based on clinical studies. However other factors that you can consider if a mass is malignant includes fast growth, with irregular borders, and immovable. Sometimes a bloody nipple discharge could be the initial presentation. Always remember that in cancers, early detection is the best.

Answer 4

it is all depends on the result, what is the nature of lump you are having that doctor asked for a needle biopsy? if you are having other symptoms as well like orange skin around the breast, inverted nipple or bloody discharge then the chances is higher...