Her Fight is Our Mission

Early and accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective cancer care. At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, diagnostic procedures are designed to be precise, minimally invasive, and tailored to each woman’s clinical needs. Whether confirming the presence of cancer, marking a lesion or tumour area for future reference, or guiding a surgeon to a hidden abnormality, these procedures performed by our expert radiologists are necessary to ensure no detail is missed. 

At Apollo Athenaa, we use state-of-the-art imaging and advanced biopsy techniques to ensure accuracy with maximum comfort. Each step is performed by experienced specialists in a calm, supportive environment with a strong focus on patient dignity and peace of mind. 

1. Biopsy 

A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken from an organ to determine whether the abnormal growth of cells is benign or cancerous. It is the gold standard for diagnosing cancer. At Apollo Athenaa, biopsies are expertly performed under image guidance (ultrasound, mammography, or MRI) to ensure precision and reduce discomfort. 

We offer a range of minimally invasive, image-guided biopsy techniques — each carefully chosen based on the size, location, and characteristics of the abnormal growth: 

• Core Needle Biopsy: 
  This is the most commonly used biopsy technique. Core Needle Biopsy uses a hollow needle to remove small pieces of tissue (cores) from the suspicious area. It is performed under local anesthesia with ultrasound, mammography, or MRI guidance. Core Needle Biopsy provides enough tissue for a definitive diagnosis and allows evaluation of important tumour markers (like hormone receptors). 

• Fine Needle Aspiration: 
  This biopsy technique uses a very thin needle to extract cells from a lump. It is quick, less invasive, and often used when the lesion is clearly benign on imaging. While helpful in evaluating cysts or palpable lumps, Fine Needle Aspiration does not provide as much information as Core Needle Biopsy, especially in distinguishing between cancers that are confined to the tissue where they started and invasive cancers that have spread beyond the original tissue.  

• Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB): 
  This advanced technique uses a vacuum-powered device to collect multiple tissue samples through a single incision. VABB is particularly useful for sampling small or difficult-to-reach lesions and for removing larger benign lesions entirely. It is often done under local anesthesia in a day-care setting and leaves minimal scarring. It is performed under imaging guidance (ultrasound, mammography, or MRI), depending on the location and visibility of the lesion.  

Recovery 

• Patients are usually discharged shortly after the procedure. 

• Mild bruising or soreness may occur and typically resolves within 1–2 days. 

• Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 24 hours. 

• A small dressing is applied to the biopsy site and is generally removed the following day; in 2-3 days for VABB.  

• Pathology results are typically available within 3–5 working days. 

Key Advantages 

• Provides an accurate diagnosis of suspicious lumps or abnormal imaging findings 

• Uses image-guided techniques to ensure precision and safety 

• Minimally invasive with a low risk of complications 

• Helps avoid unnecessary surgery in cases of benign conditions 

• Enables personalised treatment planning based on detailed pathology analysis 

A biopsy is the most definitive way to understand the nature of a breast abnormality. At Apollo Athenaa, it is performed with precision, care, and a deep respect for each woman’s experience. By providing a clear diagnosis early, it lays the foundation for timely and personalised treatment, bringing clarity, confidence, and direction to your care journey. 

2. Clip Placement 

Clip placement is a procedure where a biopsy clip (a small titanium or bio-compatible marker) is placed at the site of a breast lesion after a biopsy. It serves as a permanent reference point for future imaging or surgery, especially important when the abnormality is too small or impalpable (cannot be felt) after treatment. 

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, clip placement is routinely offered after image-guided breast biopsies. This is especially useful in cases where the abnormality is expected to shrink significantly with treatment (such as chemotherapy), or when it may not be easily visible during surgery. The clip does not interfere with MRI or other imaging and is safe to leave in the body permanently. 

How the Procedure is Performed 

• Clip placement is done immediately after the biopsy during the same session. 

• Under the same image guidance (ultrasound, mammography, or MRI), the clip is deployed through the biopsy needle. 

• The clip is visible on future imaging (mammograms, ultrasound, MRI), but cannot be felt or seen under the skin. 

Recovery 

• No additional recovery time is needed beyond the standard biopsy recovery. 

• Normal activities can be resumed the same day. 

• The clip remains in place permanently and poses no health risks. 

Key Advantages 

• Marks the location of the abnormality for future reference 

• Crucial for surgical planning and follow-up 

• Does not interfere with MRI or other imaging 

• Safe, painless, and well-tolerated 

• Reduces confusion in cases of complete tumour response after chemotherapy 

Clip placement is a simple yet essential step that ensures continuity and accuracy throughout your treatment. At Apollo Athenaa, this tiny marker plays a big role in guiding future imaging, surgeries, and follow-up, helping our team deliver targeted, effective, and minimally invasive care at every stage. 

3. Wire Localisation 

Wire localisation is a technique used before surgery to help the surgeon accurately find and remove a breast lesion that cannot be felt by touch. This is often needed for small or impalpable (cannot be felt) tumours or those detected only on imaging. At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, we offer wire localisation as a pre-surgical technique to guide the precise removal of non-palpable or deep-seated breast lesions.  

This procedure plays a critical role in breast-conserving surgery, allowing the surgeon to remove the exact area of concern while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. 

How the Procedure is Performed  

• The procedure is performed on the day of surgery, under local anesthesia. 

• Using mammography, ultrasound, or MRI guidance, a thin wire is carefully inserted into the breast and positioned at the lesion site. 

• The wire tip marks the area for surgical removal, with a portion left externally to guide the operating surgeon. 

• Once localisation is complete, the patient proceeds to the operating theatre for surgery. 

Recovery 

• Mild discomfort or bruising is possible but typically short-lived. 

• The wire is removed along with the targeted tissue during surgery. 

• The patient can usually return home the same day post-surgery. 

Key Advantages 

• Enables accurate surgical removal of non-palpable or deep lesions 

• Reduces the amount of healthy tissue removed, preserving breast appearance 

• Improves chances of clear margins, lowering the need for re-operation 

• Seamless coordination between radiology and surgery teams 

• Especially useful in breast-conserving and oncoplastic surgeries