If other tests show you might have breast cancer, your doctor might refer you for a core needle biopsy (CNB). This is often the preferred type of biopsy if breast cancer is suspected, because it removes more breast tissue than a fine needle aspiration (FNA), and it doesn’t require surgery.
During this procedure, the doctor uses a hollow needle to take out pieces of breast tissue from the area of concern. This can be done with the doctor feeling the area, or while using an imaging test to guide the needle.