Superficial Mass Needle Biopsy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A superficial mass needle biopsy is a procedure to take a sample of cells or tissue from your body. Your caregiver uses a needle to remove cells or tissue from a mass (lump) under your skin. You may or may not be able to feel the lump. The lump may be located on any part of your body, such as your head, chest, or underarms. You also may feel a lump anywhere you have lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are lumps of tissue located throughout your body that help fight infection caused by germs called bacteria. During a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, your caregiver will take cells out of your lump. During a core needle biopsy, your caregiver will take a sample of tissue from your lump.
  
  
• Your caregiver will send the sample of cells or tissue to a lab for testing. The lump may be a tumor (growth) that is benign or malignant. A benign lump means the lump does not contain cancer. A malignant lump contains cancer. A biopsy may show the type of cancer that is in the lump. The results of your needle biopsy may help your caregiver decide the best treatment for you. If your biopsy shows that you have cancer, you might start early treatment. Early treatment may help stop your cancer from spreading to other parts of your body.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Your caregiver may test your blood. You may have an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If you have cancer, your caregiver may do another biopsy. A biopsy may show if your cancer has spread to another part of your body. If your cancer had gone away, a biopsy also may show if the cancer has returned.
  
  

Smoking:

Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. If you are having trouble quitting, ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• You have more pain than usual near your lump.
  
  
• The skin around your lump is more red or swollen than usual.
  
  
• You have a large bruise near your lump.
  
  
• You feel a new lump.
  
  
• You have questions about your needle biopsy, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have bleeding that does not stop.
  
  
• You cannot feel or move the area near your lump.

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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.

Learn more about Superficial Mass Needle Biopsy (Aftercare Instructions)