Types of breast biopsies include:
- fine needle aspiration – a thin needle is inserted into the breast using a local anesthetic, and the physician removes fluid or cells from the growth
- core needle biopsy – a needle is inserted into the breast using a local anesthetic, and the physician removes tissue for further evaluation. An ultrasound may help guide the physician.
- vacuum-assisted biopsy – a vacuum like device is used to suction out a portion of or the whole growth for evaluation. The physician uses stereotactic mammography to help map the growth on a computer.
- surgical biopsy – surgical removal of the growth