How quickly should this be done?

[librarian]

If a dr. detects abnormalities in the breast, and recommends a biopsy, should this be done the next day? Is there a problem in waiting for an appointment, scheduled a month away? Also, what kinds of biopsies are there, and what are the differences, which is more reliable?

Thanks!

Librarian

[librarian]

Dear Replier,

Thank you very much for your answer! That makes me feel a lot better, and more confident.

Sincerely,

Librarian

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Librarian:  In most cases, a biopsy would NOT be done the next day.  It would be arranged according to a physcian's surgical schedule, usually within a couple of weeks.  In most cases, waiting a month will be okay.  There are several types of biopsies.  A needle biopsy can be done if the lump can be felt.  A stereotactic biopsy can be done to take samples of an area of abnormality that appears on a mammogram.  An excisional biopsy takes the entire lump or area of concern.  Different methods are better for different situations.  The most thorough is to remove the entire lump.