Breast biopsy
breast biopsy · breast needle biopsy · core needle biopsy · breast lump biopsy
Using ultrasound to guide it, the doctor takes tiny pieces of breast tissue with a thin needle. They are studied under a microscope.
When an ultrasound or mammogram found a lump or spot, and it needs to be known exactly what it is.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 40 minutes; taking the samples takes a few minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Usually you can eat as normal. Check with your clinic.
- Skin. On the day of the procedure, do not put cream on your breasts or deodorant under your arms.
- Clothes. Comfortable clothes with a top that is easy to take off. A firm bra will support the breast afterwards.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Your ultrasound and mammogram images and reports
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You lie on your back or slightly on your side
- The doctor finds the right spot with ultrasound
- The skin is cleaned and you get a numbing injection
- A tiny nick is made in the skin
- Several samples are taken with the needle. You will hear a click
- Sometimes a tiny marker is left to mark the spot
- The spot is pressed and covered with a bandage
What you'll feel
- The numbing injection burns a little
- Then you feel pressure and clicks, but not pain
- If it hurts, tell the doctor. You will get more numbing
Afterwards
- A cold pack on the breast, through cloth, reduces swelling and bruising
- A bruise and soreness for a few days are normal
- No sports or heavy lifting for 1 to 2 days
- Results usually come in 1 to 2 weeks. The doctor explains them
Contact a doctor straight away if
- The bandage soaks through with blood, or the breast swells fast
- Fever, redness, or strong pain that gets worse
Common questions
Does a breast biopsy hurt?
It is done with local numbing. Usually you feel only the injection and pressure.
Can a biopsy cause harm if the lump is dangerous?
No. Current evidence shows a biopsy does not speed up or spread the disease. Without it, the right treatment cannot be chosen.
Why is a marker left in the breast?
So the spot can be found exactly later. The marker is tiny, safe, and does not affect MRI.