Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VAB)

What Is a Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VAB)?

A vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VAB) is a type of core needle biopsy in which tissue collection is assisted by vacuum. Compared with conventional core needle biopsy, VAB allows a larger amount of tissue to be obtained and, in appropriately selected cases, may enable the entire small breast lesion to be removed during a single procedure. In selected benign breast lesions, vacuum-assisted biopsy may therefore serve not only as a diagnostic procedure but also as a minimally invasive therapeutic method, helping to avoid conventional surgery.

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is one of the diagnostic procedures available at our Breast Clinic in Gdańsk. The choice of biopsy method depends on the characteristics of the breast lesion and the results of imaging examinations.

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy may be used both for diagnostic assessment and, in selected cases, for the removal of small breast lumps and other breast lesions. It is particularly useful for small abnormalities whose nature cannot be determined conclusively on imaging. VAB may be used for selected benign or probably benign lesions, including lesions classified as BI-RADS 2 or BI-RADS 3, when there is an indication for removal or histopathological verification.

In suspicious breast lesions, including selected BI-RADS 4 abnormalities, vacuum-assisted biopsy may be used to obtain tissue for histopathological examination. VAB also allows a marker clip to be placed at the site of the sampled or removed breast lesion. This makes it possible to identify the original biopsy site on future breast imaging if further treatment is required.

Histopathological examination provides detailed assessment of the sampled tissue and, when breast cancer is diagnosed, may also include evaluation of hormone receptors and other biological features relevant to the choice of further treatment.

How Is a Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy Performed?

A vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthesia, most commonly under ultrasound guidance. The doctor precisely positions the biopsy needle within the breast lesion and uses vacuum assistance to obtain tissue samples or, in selected cases, remove the entire lesion.

Thanks to local anaesthesia, the procedure is usually well tolerated, although the patient may experience mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure. Possible complications include swelling, bruising or a haematoma at the biopsy site. Significant bleeding or other complications requiring surgical intervention are uncommon. After an uncomplicated procedure, only a very small puncture or skin incision usually remains. A vacuum-assisted breast biopsy typically takes approximately 20 minutes.

The procedure does not usually require special preparation. Patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication should inform the doctor before the biopsy. Any temporary modification of such treatment should only be made on the advice of the doctor responsible for that medication.

At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, we perform different types of breast biopsy, including fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy and vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VAB). Breast biopsies are performed by surgical oncologists and by radiologist Dr Jakub Morawiec, who also performs ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsies (VAB). The most appropriate biopsy method is selected individually according to the imaging findings and characteristics of the breast lesion.

Pathological Examination of Breast Lesions - Cytology and Histopathology

The nature of a breast tumour or other breast lesion may be assessed by cytological examination, which evaluates individual cells obtained, for example, during fine-needle aspiration biopsy, or by histopathological examination of tissue obtained during core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, surgical biopsy or complete excision of the lesion.

Histopathological examination of tissue provides detailed information about the nature of a breast lesion and is essential when breast cancer is suspected. All biopsy specimens, tissue samples and surgically removed breast lesions obtained at our Medical Centre are submitted for appropriate pathological examination. Cytological and histopathological specimens are evaluated by a specialist pathologist.

Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre – Comprehensive Breast Tumour and Breast Lump Diagnostics in Gdańsk

Have you been diagnosed with a suspicious breast lump or lesion and want to undergo further diagnostic assessment as quickly as possible?

Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre provides comprehensive breast tumour, breast lump and breast lesion diagnostics in Gdańsk.

Our Medical Centre offers a patient-friendly environment, high-quality diagnostic equipment and an experienced medical team specialising in breast imaging, breast biopsy and the diagnosis of breast disease. In many cases, a breast biopsy can be performed without a long waiting time. Breast biopsies are performed by surgical oncologists Dr Natalia Spychalska and Dr Kamil Drucis, as well as radiologist Dr Jakub Morawiec, who also performs ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsies (VAB). Cytological and histopathological specimens are assessed by specialist pathologist Dr Artur Antolak.

Not sure which breast biopsy is appropriate for you – fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy or vacuum-assisted breast biopsy?

• If a breast lump, tumour or other breast lesion has already been identified, the doctor will assess the lesion during the consultation and select the most appropriate biopsy method. You may book an available biopsy appointment with one of our physicians through ZnanyLekarz. During the visit, the doctor will choose the procedure best suited to your imaging findings and individual clinical situation.

• Material collected during fine-needle aspiration biopsy is submitted for cytological examination, while tissue obtained during core needle biopsy or vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is submitted for histopathological examination and evaluated by a specialist pathologist. If a breast tumour, including breast cancer, has been diagnosed and you require an oncology consultation regarding treatment options and further management, you can also arrange a consultation at our Medical Centre with clinical oncologist and radiation oncologist Dr Magdalena Korożan. Book through our website (e-mail or telephone contact) or via ZnanyLekarz: Dr Magdalena Korożan.

• Vacuum-assisted breast biopsies (VAB), other ultrasound-guided breast biopsies and standard breast ultrasound examinations are performed using a new-generation high-end ultrasound system – the GE LOGIQ E10.

We invite you to book an appointment with Dr Natalia Spychalska, Dr Jakub Morawiec, Dr Kamil Drucis or Dr Artur Antolak through our website (e-mail or telephone contact) or via ZnanyLekarz: Dr Natalia Spychalska,  Dr Jakub Morawiec,  Dr Kamil Drucis,  Dr Artur Antolak.

Please note that the waiting time for a histopathology report is approximately 30 days.