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View an animated version of this procedure:
The removal of a sample of breast tissue so that it can be examined in a laboratory. A breast biopsy can be done in either of two ways:
- Needle aspiration—a needle is inserted into a lump, and fluid and/or tissue is removed for examination
- Open biopsy—an incision is made into the breast, and a piece of tissue or the entire lump is removed for examination
A breast biopsy is done to examine a questionable area in the breast and identify it as either benign (noncancerous) or
malignant (cancerous)
. The following are considered questionable:
- A lump
- Tissue thickening
- Calcification
- Nipple abnormality
- Discharge from the nipple
-
Abnormal ultrasound or
mammogram
image
-
Obesity
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
- Chronic illness or debilitation
- Bleeding disorder
- Diabetes
Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Physical exam, especially breast exam
- Blood tests
-
Mammogram
and/or breast ultrasound
In the days leading up to your procedure:
- Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure
- Arrange for help at home after the procedure
- The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight
- You may be asked to shower the morning of your procedure, and you may be given special antibacterial soap to use
You will be given IV fluids, sedation, and anesthesia.
Depends on the procedure. Anesthesia may be local for needle aspiration or
general anesthesia
for open biopsy.
The skin over the area to be biopsied is cleaned and a local anesthetic may be injected into this area. The biopsy needle is inserted into the questionable area, and fluid and/or tissue is removed for examination. The biopsy needle may be removed and re-inserted several times to get samples from several locations within the questionable area. When the needle is removed for the last time, pressure is applied to the area briefly, and then the puncture spot is covered with a small pressure bandage.
You'll be given sedation and either general or local anesthesia to numb the area to be biopsied. The overlying skin is cleaned, and a small incision is made over the questionable area. A sample of the tissue or the entire lump is removed for examination. The incision is then closed with either stitches or clips, and covered with a light pressure bandage.
In some cases, the lump may be too deep within the breast to be felt by the examiner's fingers, but can be visualized by mammogram or ultrasound. In this situation, a technique called "needle localization" is used. Once a mammogram, MRI, or ultrasound has located the precise location of the lump, a fine needle is placed into it. A guide wire may then be inserted through the needle into the location to be biopsied, and blue dye may be introduced as well to further guide the surgeon to the exact tissue requiring examination.
You'll be given sedation and either general or local anesthesia to numb the area to be biopsied. You’ll lie on your stomach on a special table that has an opening through which your breast protrudes. X-ray images of your breast taken from more than one angle will help locate the lump. A wire is inserted into the lump, and the large bore needle used to remove the breast tissue is threaded over that wire. A cylinder of breast tissue is removed for examination.
The tissue and/or fluid sample is examined by a pathologist.
The procedure takes 1-3 hours.
Needle aspiration will be slightly painful during the procedure, as will wire localization of a lump. During open biopsy, anesthesia prevents pain.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bruising
- Scarring
- Tissue damage
- Breast deformity
- Numbness over area of biopsy
A hospital stay is not required for this procedure.
- You will be given pain killers, either acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or prescription medications
- Warm compresses or a heating pad may also help relieve discomfort
- Wear a supportive bra
- Your doctor will let you know how often to change your bandages
- You'll need to restrict exercise for 2-3 weeks after your surgery
You'll receive test results within 2-5 days after surgery. These results will tell you if the sampled breast tissue showed any signs of cancer. Your doctor will remove your stitches within a week of your biopsy.
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the biopsy site
- Nausea and/or vomiting that you can't control with the medications you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
- Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
Last reviewed March 2008 by
Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
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