Daily Archives: July 13, 2012
A Different Kind of Poking (This Time)
After spending the day at home with the flu (supposedly this is the worst flu season in Melbourne since the Swine Flu pandemic), Mommy and I went off to see the boobie surgeon – a lovely, reassuring, female doctor who fondled my boobies (causing a great deal of pain –was that FM or my swollen glands?)
So, as I assumed the other day, she is sending me off for a core biopsy. A-ha! What is a core biopsy, you might ask.
A core needle biopsy is used when your doctor needs more information about a breast lump than a mammogram, ultrasound, or fine needle aspiration (another time they get to poke you with a needle, just a thinner needle) can give. Having a breast biopsy of any kind can be stressful, but it’s a good way to find out the true character of a breast lump.
A core needle, or hollow core needle, is used to get small tissue samples (although larger than a fine needle aspiration) from a breast lump. The tissue samples get sent to the pathology lab for examination. This whole thing is going to be performed at a radiology lab (not the same freezing one as the other day!) by a doctor who is trained in the technique.
So what is going to happen on the day? I will be awake during the procedure, but my boobie will be asleep (numbed with a local anaesthetic). The doctor will locate the lump with guidance from an ultrasound machine. The doctor will insert the core needle via a 1-2cm incision (no stitches will be required) into the lump to take tissue samples. It will be uncomfortable but I shouldn’t feel any significant (?) pain.
After this wonderful experience, pressure will be applied via a dressing and I will probably be given a tiny ice-pack to reduce any swelling. My tissue samples will be tested in a pathology lab, and a written report will be sent to my boobie surgeon.
A core needle biopsy is between 97 and 100% accurate in giving a diagnosis. A negative result means that no cancer was found (we’re hoping for this one, guys!) A positive result means that the mass is malignant, and more tests will be needed to get an accurate diagnosis.
So, now I think I may have done my part for Breast Cancer Awareness – let’s hope this needn’t go any further. Whatever happens, I’ll let you know.
