Bioption Is An Important First Step To Properly Face Breast Cancer

Illustration of breast cancer patients (Freepik)

Breast cancer is still one of the diseases with a high level of anxiety among women. However, the first step such as biopsy is an important door to determine the direction of treatment that best suits the conditions of each patient.

Behind the fear of this procedure, there are great benefits in ensuring accurate diagnosis and medical strategies.

According to dr. Farida Briani Sobri, SpB(K)Oncology Surgery Specialist from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), biopsy is not only used to confirm the presence of cancer cells, but also to identify the biological character of the cancer.

"Through biopsy, we can see if cells are malignant, as well as identify biological markers such as ER, PR, HER2, and KI67," he explained as quoted by ANTARA, June 11.

The results of this examination allow doctors to classify breast cancer into types such as Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-positive, and triple-negative (TNBC). Each type has a different therapeutic response, so treatment steps must be personalized.

He reminded that not all lumps in the breast are cancer. Only about 10 percent of the abnormalities in the breast are malignant. Therefore, it is important to remain calm but not ignore the symptoms," he said.

Farida also emphasized that in the course of treatment, re-bispiration or re-habipsy may be needed. This is done if there is a change in the patient's condition or when the response to therapy is not as expected.

"We need to determine whether the characteristics of cancer are still the same or have changed, because these changes can affect the next direction of treatment," he added.

Fear of this procedure should not be a barrier. Thanks to increasingly sophisticated medical technology, most biopsies can now be done using minimal invasive methods, such as the use of fine needles with the help of ultrasound imaging, emmography, or MRI. This makes the procedure more comfortable and fast.

In terms of costs, the minimum invasive biopsy procedure is also more efficient than open operations, which can even be only a quarter of the total operating costs.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the types of biopsies commonly used include fine-needle aspirations, core-needle biopsy, surgical biopsy, and skin punch biopsy. The selection is adjusted to the clinical conditions of each patient, including the size and location of the lump, medical history, as well as the results of previous imaging.

The founder of the Smart Pink Indonesia Foundation also emphasized that most of the lumps found in the breasts were tame. Referring to data from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, only about 3 6 percent of lumps are cancerous. Meanwhile, according to the Stony Brook Cancer Center, up to 80 percent of the lumps examined through biopsy turned out to be harmless.

For this reason, when you encounter an abnormality in the breast, the wisest step is not to panic or delay the examination, but to immediately consult with health workers. The right medical evaluation will provide certainty, reduce anxiety, and pave the way for effective treatment.

In closing, dr. Farida invites patients to understand the basics of breast cancer from its type and subtype to the available therapeutic options. With sufficient information, patients will feel better prepared, more confident, and can be actively involved in the treatment process.