Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. View sample

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

A breast biopsy — removing a small sample of breast tissue for pathology analysis — is often the only way to be certain if a suspicious area in your breast is breast cancer. There are several types of breast biopsy.

A breast biopsy helps identify any abnormalities in the cells that make up breast lumps or other unusual breast changes. And, a breast biopsy can help determine whether or not you need surgery or other treatment.

Why it's done

MY00301

Aug. 9, 2007

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger