The aim of obtaining a core biopsy is to provide an intact histological sample of an area of clinical or radiological concern. Histological assessment of an intact lesion gives the most sensitive and complete result (Chou and Corder [29]) and should be the procedure of choice. In the case of a malignant result it will provide more detailed information to help guide the initial treatment options. It will be undertaken within the breast assessment clinic following clinical and radiological investigation. Clinical and radiological assessment should be completed prior to intervention to gain a tissue sample as this intervention itself may alter the outcome of the radiological and clinical assessment.

Breast biopsies should be guided by radiological imaging (mammogram, ultrasound or MRI) to reduce the need for repeat samples and to increase accuracy of the sample. In this case the procedure is carried out by a radiological consultant, junior doctor or appropriately trained sonographer. It is appropriate to carry out clinical biopsies, without radiological guidance, in cases of locally advanced lesions and clinically palpably lesions that are not visualized on imaging (Chou and Corder [29]).