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.

GETTING READY:

Before your procedure:

• Write down the correct date, time, and location of your procedure.
  
  
• Tell your caregiver if you are taking any medicine that may make you more likely to bleed. These medicines may include aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners.
  
  
• Tell your caregiver if you have any allergies. This may include allergies to a cleansing solution, such as iodine, or any numbing medicine.
  
  
• Tell your caregiver if you have a blood disorder or have had a bleeding problem in the past. Tell him also if you have conditions, such as lung, bone, or muscle problems, which may limit your body position.
  
  
• Tell your caregiver if you know or think you might be pregnant.
  
  
• Ask a family member or friend to drive you home after your procedure. Do not drive yourself home.
  
  
• You may need to have a mammogram, ultrasound, x-rays, blood tests, or other tests. Ask your caregiver for more information about these and other tests that you may need. Write down the date, time, and location of each test.
  
  
• You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal piece of paper (consent form). It gives your caregiver permission to do the procedure. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

TREATMENT:

What will happen:

• You will be taken to the room where the procedure will be done. There may be large x-ray machines and other equipment inside the room. X-rays with a TV screen or ultrasound will be used to guide caregivers during the procedure. You may be moved into a special bed. Your caregiver will clean your skin and sheets will be put over you to keep the area clean. You may get medicine called anesthesia to numb the area where the procedure will be done.
  
  
• Your caregiver will make a small incision (cut) in your skin where the lump is located. A needle with a special tip will be inserted through this incision. When the needle reaches the lump, a small amount of breast tissue will be cut and collected. Usually, 5 to 6 samples will be taken. The needle will then be removed. The incision will be closed with tapes or stitches (threads), and the skin covered with a bandage. The samples collected will then be sent to a lab for tests.

After your procedure: A small bandage will cover the biopsy area on your breast. You will be asked to change back into your clothes. You will then be allowed to go home.

Waiting room: This is a room where your family and friends can wait until you are ready for visitors. If your family leaves the hospital, ask them to leave a phone number where they can be reached.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot make it to your procedure appointment on time.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have a skin infection or a wound near the area where the biopsy will be done.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel a new lump in your chest or other breast, or axilla (underarm), or see or feel other changes.
  
  
• You have discharge coming from your breast.
  
  
• You have redness, swelling, or severe pain in the breast.

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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