BreastCentre Zurich

A punch biopsy is often performed if the anomaly is clearly visible on ultrasound. You will be given a local anaesthetic. A needle around 1.5 mm thick is then inserted directly in front of the abnormality during the ultrasound examination. We then take three to six tissue samples from the affected area and have them analysed microscopically in the laboratory. A small marking clip is used to make it easy to find the area again later. Although this is only a few millimetres in size, it can always be identified using ultrasound.

Vacuum biopsy is used when the suspicious finding is not visible on ultrasound. In such cases, we take the tissue sample during a mammogram or MRI with a slightly thicker needle in order to obtain more tissue. This procedure is also painless.

Up to 15 per cent of all breast cancers are genetic, i.e. due to congenital changes in the genome that favour the development of breast cancer. In order to obtain an indication of a possible genetic predisposition, we enquire about the family history of cancer. If certain types of cancer occur more frequently in the family (both on the mother's and father's side), we will initiate genetic counselling. We take a blood sample for this purpose.

We also recommend genetic counselling and testing (in accordance with the guidelines of the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research, SAKK) for patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer if they have been diagnosed at a particularly young age or if we suspect that the disease is due to a congenital genetic change based on the type of tumour and family history. If there is a predisposition in the family, good counselling and tests are important. Women with an increased risk should have regular check-ups as a precaution and consider risk-reducing surgery.

An additional guarantee that breast cancer is correctly diagnosed and treated is the interdisciplinary tumour board. Here, specialists from various disciplines exchange information and jointly determine the most suitable therapy for each patient. The tumour board brings together the specialist knowledge of the following experts:

• Radiologists (radiographers)
• Gynaecologists and gynaecologists
• Breast surgeons who remove the cancer
• Oncologists who take care of any chemotherapy that may be required
• Radiotherapists who plan the radiotherapy (if necessary)
• Pathologists who make the microscopic diagnosis (histology)
• A plastic surgeon also takes part in the meetings in order to plan the reconstruction in cases where a breast has to be removed.

The treatment recommendations made by the tumour board are based on written guidelines. Here at the BrustCentrum Zürich, this interdisciplinary committee ensures that we diagnose tumours correctly and find the form of treatment that will achieve the best result for you personally.