Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, also called VABB, is a procedure to diagnose lumps in the breast. It is a type of needle breast biopsy where tissue samples are checked for cancer. It uses a needle probe to suction the tissue samples and an imaging procedure as a guide. Before the procedure, pictures taken by stereotaxis or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will help locate the lump. Caregivers may watch on a screen while doing the biopsy using an ultrasound as a guide.
  
  
• Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is used to diagnose small lumps and lumps that are deep or cannot be felt. It also allows large amounts of tissue to be taken. Many samples may also be collected without the need to insert the probe more than once. With VABB, 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 vacuum-assisted 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 a nerve is hit, an abnormal reflex may occur. This may cause a slowing of heartbeat, decreased blood pressure, loss of consciousness, or too much sweating. 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.
  
  
• Bring your medicine bottles or a list of your medicines when you see your caregiver. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to any medicine. Tell your caregiver if you use any herbs, food supplements, or over-the-counter medicine.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver if you need to stop using aspirin or any other prescribed or over-the-counter medicine before your procedure or surgery.
  
  
• 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 or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Be sure all your questions have been answered before you sign this form.

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. You may be moved into a special bed where you may be placed upright or face down. Your caregiver will clean the skin around your breast and sheets will be put over you. Medicine called anesthesia will be given 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. The needle probe will be inserted through this incision and slowly moved to the area of the lump. A small amount of breast tissue will be suctioned, cut, and collected in the probe. When enough samples are taken, the probe will be removed. A marker or clip will then be placed in the area. Pressure will be applied to the area and the incision covered with a bandage. The samples collected will be sent to a lab for tests.

After your procedure: A small bandage will cover the biopsy area on your breast. You may be asked to wear a device around your chest to help put pressure and stop any bleeding. You may need to have one or more mammogram pictures taken to check the position of the marker clip. You will be asked to change back into your clothes and 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, other breast, or armpit (underarm).
  
  
• 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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