Definition This procedure involves taking a piece of tissue from the breast.
Who is a candidate for the procedure? A breast biopsy is often done when breast lumps are found. Women with an abnormal mammogram are also advised to have a biopsy. Other unexplained breast problems may need a biopsy to determine the cause. Most biopsies are done to make sure breast cancer is not present.
How is the procedure performed? Two different biopsy methods may be used: an open biopsy or a needle biopsy.
In an open biopsy, a breast lump or part of a breast lump is cut out. A small cut is made in the skin and the surgeon then cuts out the area that is of concern. The tissue is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. The type of pain control depends on the amount of tissue to be removed. Local anaesthesia numbs the area surrounding the breast tissue to be removed. General anaesthesia puts the woman completely to sleep during the procedure.
For a needle biopsy, the skin over the area of the breast is cleaned. Anaesthetic is then injected under the skin to prevent pain. Another needle is inserted, and tissue or fluid within the breast lump is removed for study.
What happens right after the procedure? Most breast biopsies are done as outpatient procedures. This means a woman comes to the office or hospital in the morning and leaves the same day. After the procedure, a woman is taken to the recovery room. The woman is watched until the medications wear off. After this, women are usually allowed to go home. If a woman was put to sleep during the procedure, someone else must drive her home. Mild pain is normal after the procedure and can usually be treated with mild pain relievers.
What happens later at home? Women who only had local anaesthetic can return to normal activities immediately. Women who were put to sleep with general anaesthesia usually need about 24 hours to recover. Women should not drive during this time. Drugs for pain should be taken as needed.
The surgical staff will provide home care instructions. The incision site should be kept clean and dry. Severe bleeding or pus from the wound should be reported to the surgeon.
Biopsy results often take a few days to come back. The doctor will discuss the results of the biopsy and what they mean. Most biopsies show normal or other non-cancerous results. However, breast cancer is possible in some cases.
What are the potential complications after the procedure? Complications are rare. Possible problems include bleeding, infection and damage to tissue of the breast. Reaction to the anaesthetic is possible. Skin numbness may also occur in the area of the biopsy.
Author: Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
