Skin Biopsies

A skin biopsy is the primary way doctors diagnose breast cancer. In a biopsy, a doctor removes a small amount of tissue from the breast and examines it. Additional tests might be required to determine if the tissue is cancerous.

Doctors usually perform skin biopsies using a local anesthetic to numb the skin. The type of skin biopsy will depend upon the suspected type of cancer, its size, location, and other factors.