Core-needle Breast Biopsy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Core needle breast biopsy (BI-op-se) is a procedure to diagnose lumps in the breast. Caregivers use a large needle to remove a sample of tissue from the lump in your breast. Core needle breast biopsy may also use a suction to get a larger sample of tissue. The samples taken are sent to a lab and examined for cancer. When the lump is deep or not felt by your caregiver, he may use imaging procedures as a guide. These may include an ultrasound or a stereotactic mammography. Stereotactic mammography makes use of computers which help locate the lump. With core needle breast biopsy, your breast lesions may be diagnosed, and treated as soon as possible.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Having a core needle breast biopsy carries certain risks. You may have bruising or discomfort in the area where the biopsy was done. You may bleed more than usual or get an infection. If you have a breast implant, it may be cut open. If you do not have the breast biopsy, you may have cancer and not know it. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your biopsy or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.
  
  
• Local anesthesia: This is medicine to make you more comfortable during your procedure or surgery. It is a shot of medicine put into the skin. It is used to numb the area and dull your pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure or surgery after you get this medicine.

During your procedure:

• A caregiver cleans your breast and the area around it with a cleansing solution. Sheets may be put over you to keep the procedure area clean. You may see large x-ray machines and other equipment inside the room. X-rays with a TV-like screen or ultrasound may be used to guide caregivers during the procedure.
  
  
• A small incision (cut) is made in your skin. A needle with a special tip is inserted through the incision until it reaches the lump. Small amounts of breast tissue are cut and collected. Usually, 5 to 6 samples will be taken. The needle is then removed. A tiny surgical clip may be placed to mark the area where the tissue was removed. This clip will show up on mammograms but will not set off metal detectors. The incision is closed with tapes or stitches (threads) and covered with a bandage. The samples collected are sent to a lab for tests.

After your procedure: Small pieces of tape may be put over the area where a cut was made on your breast. A bandage is put on your breast where the tissue was removed. This bandage keeps the area clean and dry to prevent infection. You will be taken to a dressing room to change back into your clothes. You will then be allowed to go home.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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