How is a needle biopsy done?

A breast needle biopsy is done in a doctor’s office. The doctor usually cleans the skin overlying the breast and may also numb the area with a local anesthetic.  A small needle is then placed into the breast mass and the contents are aspirated. All women should understand that with a breast needle biopsy there are only a few cells obtained. The cells are smeared onto a slide, which is then sent to the pathologist to determine if they look abnormal.