In this Breast Cancer Awareness Month special, Dr. Keisha Davis takes listeners behind the scenes of what really happens after you get a cancer biopsy — from the first needle sample to the final pathology report. She breaks down the process step by step, explaining how tissue is examined, how diagnoses are made, and what each test means. Dr. Davis also covers differences between fine-needle aspirations, core biopsies, excisional biopsies, lumpectomies, and mastectomies, along with markers, grading, staging, and report timing.
This episode offers an inside look into how pathologists interpret results and collaborate with surgeons and oncologists to guide treatment decisions.
Be sure to listen to the previous episode, Know Your Breast Density, to understand how breast tissue composition can impact screening and diagnosis.
Resources
College of American Pathologists (CAP): https://www.cap.org/patient-care/understanding-
your-pathology-report
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): https://www.ascp.org/patient
American Cancer Society (ACS): https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-
cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/breast-biopsy.html
National Cancer Institute (NCI): https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-
staging/diagnosis/pathology-reports
