1. Objectives and Principles

(also known as breast biopsy) is an important link in the diagnosis of modern breast diseases, mainly due to tissue sampling of suspicious lesions found by mammography, ultrasound, or clinical palpation. The main purpose of this examination is to collect a small amount of breast tissue by minimally invasive methods, and after pathological examination, the nature of the lesion can be clarified and the distinction between benign hyperplasia, fibroadenoma, or malignant tumor can be distinguished. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, more than 15,000 women suffer from various types of cancer every year, and about 20% of these cases are eventually diagnosed with breast cancer.

From the principle analysis, it is mainly divided into three categories: fine needle aspiration (FNA), coarse needle aspiration (CNB), and vacuum-assisted suction (VAB). Fine needle aspiration uses a very thin needle to extract cell samples, which minimizes trauma, but insufficient sampling volume may affect diagnostic accuracy. For coarse needle puncture, a specially designed pogo needle can be used to obtain strip tissue and provide more complete pathological structure information. Vacuum-assisted aspiration combines image-guided and negative pressure aspiration techniques to remove multiple tissue samples at once, especially suitable for sampling microcalcification points and diffuse lesions. The entire operation is usually performed under local anesthesia, operated by a radiologist or surgeon, and guided in real time using ultrasound, X-ray, or magnetic resonance to ensure that the needle reaches the target area accurately.

It should be emphasized.Breast aspiration tissue examinationThe results are directly related to the subsequent development of treatment plans. For example, if the pathology report shows atypical hyperplasia, the patient should be monitored more frequently. If a malignant tumor is diagnosed, further hormone receptor testing and genetic analysis are required. Therefore, although needle extraction is an invasive procedure, its value in the early diagnosis of breast cancer far outweighs the potential risks. According to data from the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation in 2022, the 5-year survival rate of breast cancer patients detected early through needle sampling can reach more than 95%, which is significantly higher than 65% in the advanced stage.

2. Sequelae that may be caused by different testing methods

1. Pain: Cause analysis and mitigation methods

Pain is the most common subjective discomfort after pain, and about 70%-80% of patients experience varying degrees of pain. The causes are mainly from three aspects: mechanical irritation when the needle penetrates the skin or breast tissue, the inflammatory response after the effect of the local anesthetic wears off, and tension pain due to postoperative bandage compression. The pain is usually most pronounced within 24 hours after surgery and gradually relieves, but about 10% of patients may have dull pain or tenderness for more than one week.

Pain relief requires a gradual strategy: Paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) can be taken every 4-6 hours for the first 48 hours after surgery, but aspirin should be avoided so as not to worsen the risk of bleeding. At the same time, wrapping a towel in a cold compress bag and applying it intermittently (15 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day) at the puncture site can reduce swelling and pain through vasoconstriction. Wearing a supportive wire-free bra can reduce pulling pain due to chest tremors while providing adequate compression to stop bleeding. If the pain gets worse or throbbing pains persist, you should be aware of possible hematomas or infections.

2. Bleeding: Tips and precautions to stop bleeding

The breast tissue has an abundant blood supply, and the incidence of post-puncture bleeding is about 5%-10%, which manifests as bleeding at the puncture site, subcutaneous hematoma, or deep tissue bleeding. During the operation, the surgeon usually avoids major blood vessels by continuous ultrasound monitoring, and immediately after surgery, presses the puncture point at the base of the palm for 10-15 minutes (at least twice the depth of the needle) and applies an elastic bandage for 24 hours. After returning home, patients should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, strenuous movements of the upper limbs, and stop taking anticoagulants for 48 hours (subject to medical evaluation).hsg 檢查

If you notice that gauze continues to penetrate fresh blood, breasts swell rapidly, or pulsating lumps appear, you should immediately apply sterile gauze to lie down and rest, and at the same time contact a medical institution. It is very rare for patients with coagulation dysfunction or taking anticoagulants to have severe bleeding requiring surgical intervention, so it is important to honestly communicate your medication history before surgery. According to records from Pamela Youde Nethersoll Hospital in Hong Kong's Eastern District, only 0.3% of the more than 8,000 needle sampling tests performed between 2019 and 2023 required hospitalization due to bleeding.

3. Bruises: Resolution Time and Acceleration Methods

Subcutaneous bruising is a natural process of heme breakdown after capillary rupture, and the incidence can reach 30%-50%. Bruising usually appears 2-3 days after surgery, gradually changing color from purple-red to bluish-yellow, and takes 1-3 weeks to completely subside. To promote resolution, a warm compress (about 40°C towel several times a day, 10 minutes each time) can be changed to a warm compress after 48 hours to promote local blood circulation and blood clot absorption. Gently massaging the surrounding tissues (avoiding puncture points) can also help with lymphatic reflux. Oral vitamin C supplements can increase the elasticity of blood vessel walls, and bromelain in pineapple has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties.

It is important to note that if the bruise continues to expand with severe pain or if the skin temperature rises and is unusually dark in color, it may indicate active bleeding or infection. Especially in patients undergoing vacuum-assisted suction, the degree of bruising is often more obvious due to the high sampling volume, but it usually does not affectBreast Draw ResultsPrecision.

4. Infection: Preventive measures and early detection

Infection is a rare complication (incidence less than 1%), but if it occurs, it can lead to mastitis and abscess formation. Pathogenic bacteria mainly originate from the resident flora of the skin (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) and are carried to the deep tissues during puncture. Standard precautions include thorough cleaning of the skin with chlorhexidine antiseptic before surgery, strict sterilization techniques by the operator, and keeping the bandage dry and clean for 24 hours after surgery.

Early signs of infection include persistent redness, swelling, fever and pain, purulent discharge, fever above 38°C, and chills. As soon as these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention for wound secretion culture and antibiotics (such as cephalosporins and clindamycin) based on susceptibility testing. Diabetics, immunocompromised people, and obese people are high-risk groups and should be monitored postoperatively. The Hong Kong Health Bureau recommends that all patients undergoing invasive procedures take the initiative to inform treatment if they develop fever symptoms within one week after surgery.

3. Important steps to prevent sequelae

1. Choose an experienced doctor

The skill level of the operator directly affects the incidence of complications. Senior doctors can not only accurately locate lesions, but also adjust the needle insertion angle and depth according to tissue characteristics, reducing damage to normal tissues. Studies have found that doctors with an annual volume of more than 50 surgeries have a 40% lower incidence of bleeding and pain than novice doctors. It is recommended to choose a radiologist or breast surgeon with professional qualifications in image guidance and check the clinical experience and specialist qualifications through the hospital's official website. According to the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Database, the diagnostic accuracy of needle sampling tests performed in accredited breast centers is as high as 98%, but the complication rate is only 1/3 of that of non-professional institutions.骨質疏鬆檢查免費2025

2. Communicate well before surgery

The preoperative evaluation should include detailed information about allergy history (especially narcotics), current medications (anticoagulants, antiplatelets, herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba and ginseng), coagulation function tests, and breast implant status. Patients should take the initiative to inquire about the surgical process, expected discomfort, and emergency treatment methods, ensuring that their blood pressure is controlled below 140/90mmHg before surgery. Mental preparation, such as listening to music or using a decompression ball to distract attention, is equally important, and studies have shown that preoperative anxiety levels are positively correlated with postoperative pain scores.

3. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions after surgery

Postoperative care points include maintaining a compression bandage for 24 hours, avoiding water at the puncture site for 72 hours, and prohibiting hot springs and swimming for one week. In terms of diet, it is recommended to increase the intake of high-quality protein (such as fish and eggs) to promote tissue repair and avoid alcohol and spicy foods to avoid dilation of blood vessels. Return to the hospital at the appointment time, change the bandage, remove stitches (if any), and record daily changes in body temperature and wound appearance. Patients with vacuum-assisted suction may need to take prophylactic antibiotics for an additional 3 days and should not stop taking the medication without permission.

4. What to do if sequelae occur

1. Home care method

Establish a hierarchical care mechanism: mild pain (VAS score 1-3 points) can be relieved by cold compresses and rest. Moderate pain (4-6 points) should be taken with prescribed pain medication. If persistent bleeding occurs, it should be immediately pressed with sterile gauze for 15 minutes and the upper limb should be raised to reduce blood perfusion. Ointments containing arnica extract can be applied to the bruised area to promote absorption, but the eye of the needle should be avoided. All home care should be carried out under the guidance of medical staff, and the Hong Kong Health Bureau also provides a 24-hour medical hotline where the public can consult about postoperative problems.

2. Recommendations for the use of medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours) have both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but patients with stomach ulcers should take them after meals. Acetaminophen is suitable for patients with slightly reduced liver and kidney function. Avoid aspirin for at least a week. If the doctor prescribes antibiotics (cephalexin 500 mg 3 times a day), the full course of treatment should be completed, even if the symptoms are relieved. Topical polysulfonate mucopolysaccharide cream can be applied to reduce the formation of induration, but should be used after the needle eye has completely healed.

3. Timing of medical examination

If you encounter any of the following warning signs, seek medical attention immediately:

• Bright red blood gushes out from the puncture, and the pressure does not work
• Breast swelling is more than 50% larger than before surgery
• Body temperature continued to exceed 38.5°C
• purulent discharge with a foul odor,
• Chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations (watch out for rare pneumothorax complications)

According to data from the Hong Kong School of Emergency Medicine, about 80% of patients treated for needle removal sequelae can be treated on an outpatient basis, and only a small number of patients require hospitalization for hematoma removal or infection drainage.

5. Expert Advice

1. How to reduce psychological stress

waitBreast Draw ResultsIt is often accompanied by anxiety (called the "limbo of diagnosis"). It is recommended to adopt: (1) Cognitive behavioral skills: Distinguish between "facts" (checked complete) and "catastrophic imagination" (must have bad results). (2) Control information exposure: Limit daily access to medical information to less than 30 minutes. (3) Seek social support: Join the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation's peer group to share your experiences. Mindfulness meditation and progressive muscle relaxation have also been shown to reduce stress hormone levels. If anxiety severely affects your sleep and daily life, consider using anti-anxiety medications or seeking professional psychological counseling for a short period of time.政府轉介信

2. The Importance of Regular Breast Check-ups

The Hong Kong Cancer Committee recommends that high-risk women aged 40 to 44 undergo mammography + ultrasound every year. General-risk women aged 45-69 are screened every 2 years. Needle collection is a diagnostic method, but it is a necessary part of screening after abnormalities are found. According to the data, routine screening can reduce breast cancer mortality by 30%-40%, and tumors detected early can be more cooperative with breast-conserving surgeryBreast aspiration tissue examinationGuided targeted therapy significantly improves quality of life. The government-funded breast cancer screening pilot scheme is for specific age groups and can be applied for through district health centers.

6. Proactive prevention and appropriate response to ensure the smooth progress of the examination

As an accurate diagnostic tool in modern medicine, its value far exceeds temporary discomfort. By choosing a professional medical team, thorough preoperative preparation, and strict postoperative care, most sequelae can be prevented or controlled. Patients should establish a reasonable awareness: mild pain and bruising are natural components of the healing process, and prompt management of abnormal symptoms is the key to avoiding serious complications. More importantly,The pathological diagnosis provided is the basis for developing a follow-up treatment plan, and actively facing the examination is not only responsible for one's own health, but also the first step towards overcoming the disease. Hong Kong's healthcare system has established a comprehensive breast cancer prevention and treatment network, from screening, diagnosis to treatment, reaching international standards, and the public can use these resources to protect their breast health with peace of mind.

Posted by: lshtares at 05:03 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 2208 words, total size 16 kb.