Definition
| Reasons for Procedure
| Possible Complications
| What to Expect
| Call Your Doctor
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Definition
Breast surgical biopsy is when the doctor makes a cut in the breast to remove all or part of a mass. The mass is examined in a lab.
Reasons for Procedure
This is done to examine a suspicious area in the breast. It may be done if any of the following are found:
- Lump
- Tissue thickening
- Nipple abnormality
- Discharge from the nipple
-
Abnormal ultrasound or
mammogram
image
The biopsy can identify the area as either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a breast surgical biopsy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bruising
- Scarring
- Tissue damage
- Breast deformity
- Numbness over area of biopsy
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam, especially a breast exam
- Blood tests
- Mammogram
and/or breast ultrasound
Leading up to the biopsy:
-
Talk to your doctor about your current medicines. Certain medicines may need to be stopped before the procedure, such as:
- Aspirin
or other anti-inflammatory drugs for up to one week before surgery
-
Blood-thinning drugs, such as
clopidogrel
(Plavix) or
warfarin
(Coumadin)
- The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- Shower the morning of the biopsy. You may be asked to use a special antibacterial soap.
Anesthesia
You may receive the following types of anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia—Only the area that is being operated on is numbed.
- General anesthesia—Blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery; given through an IV (needle in your vein) in your hand or arm.
Description of the Procedure
There are different ways the doctor can remove the mass from your breast:
Breast Open Biopsy
You will also be given either general or local anesthesia. The skin over the area will be cleaned. The doctor will make a small cut over the area. A sample of the tissue or all of the mass will be removed. The doctor will close the site with stitches or staples. A bandage will be applied.
Needle Localization
This technique will be used if
the mass is too deep to be felt but can be seen with imaging tests. Once the mass is located, the doctor will place a fine wire into your breast that points to the spot that needs to be biopsied. She will make a small cut in the area and remove the mass.
How Long Will It Take?
1-3 hours
Will It Hurt?
You may feel pain in your breast after the biopsy. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine.
Post-procedure Care
At Home
When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- Take pain medicine as directed by your doctor.
- To relieve discomfort, apply a warm compress or a heating pad to the area.
- Wear a supportive bra.
- Ask your doctor when you should change the bandages.
- Restrict exercise for 2-3 weeks after surgery.
- If you have stitches, have them removed in about a week.
-
Be sure to follow your doctor's
instructions.
It will take about 2-5 days to receive your test results.
Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the biopsy site
- Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medicine you were given after surgery, or that persist for more than two days after the procedure
- Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Mohei Abouzied, MD
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