Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy removes a small amount of the abnormal breast tissue for analysis by a pathologist. Breast cancer cannot be definitively identified unless a biopsy is performed.

There are now non-surgical biopsy techniques that make a reliable diagnosis with much smaller tissue samples. These are performed either under the image guidance of ultrasound or mammography.

Biopsy Procedure Instructions:

• Wear comfortable two-piece clothing with a loose fitting top.
• Wear a well-fitting bra. A sports bra, if available.
• You may eat solid food before arriving.
• Refrain from taking any blood thinners five days prior to your appointment.
• Expect to go home and take it easy for the day.

Special Instructions:

If you take any of the following medications, please let us know:

• Naprosyn
• Naproxyn Sodium
• Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra
• Multi-Vitamins, Pre-Natal Vitamins
• Vitamin E
• Coumadin, Lovenox
• Plavix
• Heparin, Pletal

You will need to stop taking the product four days before your scheduled appointment. Please consult your physician before stopping any medication.

In the four days prior to your biopsy procedure, DO NOT take:

• Aspirin
• Motrin
• Aleve
• Advil
• Ibuprofen

You may take Tylenol.

Post Invasive Procedure Instructions

Following a core needle biopsy of the breast:

• Apply an ice pack intermittently during the first four hours in order to decrease bruising. Should mild to moderate bruising occur in the biopsy area, it will usually resolve in one to two weeks.
  • Ice pack application: Apply for 15 minutes and leave off for one hour. Repeat this for the next five hours, if possible.
• If mild discomfort is present, symptoms are usually relieved by the application of warm compresses for 20 minutes three times a day. If pain is present, it is advised that you take 1-2 Tylenol Extra Strength every six hours. Remain off blood thinning medication (aspirin, Vitamin E, etc.) for an additional 3-4 days to avoid causing bleeding from the biopsy site.
• Wear a well-fitting and supportive bra for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
• Remove the sterile bandage after 48 hours. Be careful to gently remove the dressing, adhesive is very sticky. If you notice slight redness and/or itching under or around the adhesive, remove the bandage immediately. Continue to keep the biopsy site clean and dry for the remainder of the 48 hours.
• Small amounts of bloody or watery drainage from the biopsy area may occur.
• Steristrip will fall off in 4-10 days.
• No lifting more than five pounds with the arm on the affected side for 48 hours.

After your biopsy, it is advised that the bandage on your breast remain dry and NOT removed until the specified time to prevent infection. It is not necessary to put a new bandage on once the old one is removed. You may shower/bathe after the dressing is removed.

Test Results are expected within 24-72 hours. Our doctor will contact your referring physician with your results. Either your referring physician or our doctor will contact you about your results.