Breast Biopsy

What is a breast biopsy?
When is it used?
How do I prepare for a breast biopsy?
What happens during the procedure?
What happens after the procedure?
What are the benefits of this procedure?
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
When should I call the doctor?

What is a breast biopsy?

A breast biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a small piece of tissue or fluid from your breast. The tissue or fluid is studied under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

When is it used?

The doctor will probably do a breast biopsy if:

You have a lump in your breast that can be felt and the doctor thinks it could be cancer.
You have an ultrasound scan that shows a possible tumor.
You have an abnormality on your mammogram.

Occasionally the doctor will also want to do a biopsy of the other breast or of a lymph node in your armpit to make sure that there is no cancer in these areas.

How do I prepare for a breast biopsy?

If the surgery is to be performed under a local anesthetic, there are usually no special preparations. You should bathe well before the surgery, especially the area around your breasts and armpits. If you are getting a general anesthetic, the anesthesiologist will ask you before surgery about any problems you may have had in the past with anesthesia. You should not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before surgery.

What happens during the procedure?

The type of biopsy you have depends on the kind of lump or abnormality the doctor thinks you have. A breast biopsy can be done in the doctor's office, an outpatient surgery clinic, or the hospital. If the biopsy involves surgery, you are given either a local or general anesthetic. A local anesthetic numbs only the skin and tissues that are to be cut. A general anesthetic puts you to sleep. There are two types of breast biopsies. The first is a needle biopsy during which the doctor withdraws fluid or a small amount of tissue from the lump with a small needle. This is often done in the doctor's office. The other type of breast biopsy is a surgical biopsy, where all or part of a lump is cut out. This type of biopsy may be done in an outpatient surgery clinic or hospital. Before surgery you may be sent to the x-ray department so your breast can be marked or injected with dye to outline the abnormal area. Often you can go home the same day.

What happens after the procedure?

After surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities for 2 or 3 weeks to prevent bleeding. If you have stitches, keep them dry when you bathe to prevent infection. During the biopsy, the doctor may remove only part of the lump. Therefore, in the future it may be difficult for you to feel any new lumps because a section of the lump may be left in your breast. In addition there will be a small ridge on your breast caused by scar tissue and stitches. After your breast heals, ask your doctor to show you how to do breast self-exams so you can tell the difference between the feel of scar tissue and the feel of new lumps.

You develop a fever.
You have any change or worsening of pain or symptoms.
You have any unusual drainage from the surgery area, including bloody drainage.

Call the doctor during office hours if you have questions about the procedure or its result.

Related Sites:

American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute- CancerNet
The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center Resource- Breast Cancer
A daily summary of breast cancer-related news and articles

Breast Biopsy

Related Pages:

Related Sites: