Needle Core Biopsy of the Breast

What is a needle core biopsy of the breast?
When is it used?
How do I prepare for a needle core biopsy?
What happens during the procedure?
What happens after the procedure?
What are the benefits of this procedure?

What is a needle core biopsy of the breast?

A needle core biopsy of the breast is a procedure in which the doctor takes a small sample of a lump in your breast tissue with a needle and sends the sample to the lab to be analyzed.

When is it used?

This procedure helps the doctor to tell if a lump in your breast is benign or cancerous. Examples of alternative ways to test the lump are:

excisional biopsy (removing the entire lump)
incisional biopsy (removing part of the lump)
to choose not to have the biopsy, recognizing the risks of not knowing what the lump is

You should ask your doctor about these choices.

How do I prepare for a needle core biopsy?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties. Follow instructions provided by your doctor. No special preparation is needed for local anesthesia.

If you are to have general anesthesia, eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens during the procedure?

You are given a local or general anesthetic. A local anesthetic numbs part of your body while you remain awake. It should keep you from feeling pain during the operation. A general anesthetic relaxes your muscles, makes you feel as if you are in a deep sleep, and prevents you from feeling pain. The doctor will insert a needle inside another needle into your breast lump and take three or four samples of the tissue. These samples will be sent to the lab. The doctor will then remove the needle.

What happens after the procedure?

After you have recovered from the anesthesia, you may be observed for a few hours. During this time, an analysis may come back from the lab and the doctor may explain what the lump probably is. This analysis is only the result of one test and may not be 100 percent accurate. In about 2 days, the lab will complete its testing on the lump and the doctor may then be more certain what the lump is. Ask the doctor what other steps you should take and when you need to come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

This biopsy will help the doctor know more about the lump. He or she can then recommend further treatment if necessary.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

Discuss these risks with your doctor.: In rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia.; A lumpy scar called a keloid may form on your breast.; Infection and bleeding may occur at the site of the puncture; however, this risk is uncommon.; You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if there is a lot of redness, pain, or drainage from the puncture site. 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