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Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy

How to Prepare for Your Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy

Based on the results of your last breast ultrasound or mammogram, your provider has recommended a breast biopsy in order to obtain further information. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken for further examination by the laboratory.

During this procedure, small samples of tissue are removed from the breast using a hollow needle. The needle is precisely guided to the correct location using ultrasound.

Prior to Procedure

  • Eat a light meal.
  • Do not take aspirin, aspirin products or blood thinners for at least 3 to 7 days prior to the test. Consult your provider’s office for more complete instructions if you are currently taking these medications.
  • If you use pain relief medication, products containing acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen may be taken, as well as pain medication prescribed by your provider.
  • You will be able to drive yourself home, although some patients may prefer to bring someone with them to drive home. A comfortable waiting area will be provided for your companion.

Day of Exam

  • It is best to wear a loose-fitting, two-piece outfit such as a sweat suit or slacks and a blouse.
  • Do not wear earrings or necklaces.
  • Be sure to bring or wear a comfortable bra.
  • Avoid using deodorant, talcum powder or bath oil on the day of your biopsy.

How the Procedure is Done

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is done while you are lying on your back with your arm raised above your head. Before the biopsy, a special, warmed gel is placed on your breast. Then an instrument called a transducer is placed on your breast and slowly moved back and forth to locate the area to be biopsied.

Once the area is identified, the radiologist will cleanse it and inject a local anesthetic. When the area is completely numb, a small incision will be made. To ensure an adequate sample is obtained, several cores of tissue will be taken and sent to the laboratory for review by a pathologist. A tissue marker will then be placed. During the procedure, you will be told what is occurring and cared for by a nurse whose goal is to make you as comfortable as possible.

After the Procedure

  • Manual pressure will be applied to the biopsy site
  • The incision will be covered with Steri-Strip™ skin closures (you will not have stitches)
  • A bandage and cold compress will be applied to relieve swelling and bruising
  • You may take a non-aspirin pain reliever like Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours to help alleviate any discomfort, if needed

For 24 hours, do not participate in strenuous activity, such as:

  • aerobics
  • weightlifting
  • tennis
  • skiing
  • vacuuming or similar activities

You may notice some bruising of the area, which should resolve within 5 to 7 days. If you notice any excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, redness or heat, please call your provider.

Getting Your Biopsy Results

Waiting for biopsy results is never easy. Results will be available on the patient portal upon completion. Please note: many times, your provider and our nurse navigators are getting the results of your biopsy at the same exact time you do on the portal. Our nurse navigators will contact you after your biopsy for follow up if approval has been coordinated with your provider to disclose and discuss the results with you.

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