Breast Cancer Support & Resources

A breast biopsy is a procedure designed to remove a small amount of breast tissue from an abnormal finding. The small piece is then evaluated by a pathologist and a diagnosis is made. Most breast biopsies are benign, not cancer.

It is normal to feel nervous about having a biopsy performed. In spite of a woman’s reservations, the results can provide peace of mind since a breast biopsy is generally the definitive method for determining the nature of an abnormality.

A breast biopsy is an outpatient procedure performed with a needle, local anesthesia and generally some form of imaging to guide the needle (most commonly, ultrasound). Years ago, all breast biopsies were open surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia in an operating room in a hospital. That is no longer true. Today, 99% of all biopsies can be done with a needle in an outpatient setting.

Breast biopsies are performed to evaluate an area of concern that was identified during a breast screening. Breast biopsy results are usually available within two to three business days.

Breast Biopsy Preparation

It is important to avoid the following supplements or medications five days before your needle breast biopsy:

• Vitamin E

• Omega 3 fatty acids

• Flaxseed oil

• Fish oil

• Aspirin

• NSAIDS such as Advil®, Nuprin or Ibuprofen

Consult your prescribing physician regarding discontinuing Coumadin®, Plavix®, or Lovenox®.

Breast biopsy results are usually available within one to two business days. A post-biopsy appointment will be made to evaluate the biopsy site and discuss results. Your referring physician will also be informed of the biopsy results. The pathology report helps physicians to determine which treatment options are best for the individual patient. Patients may ask for a copy of the pathology report to review or for second opinion consultation.

The pathology report varies, but generally includes information about the following:

• Diagnosis – for example DCIS, early breast cancer, invasive breast cancer, etc.

• Size and location of the cancer – the size and location of the cancer is an important component in determining what treatment options are best.

• Surgical margin – after a surgical biopsy or breast surgery, the surgeon removes the cancer and some healthy surrounding tissue. The healthy breast tissue is called the surgical margin. If there are no cancer cells in the healthy surrounding tissue, it’s likely that all of the cancer was removed. In this case, the surgical margin is said to be “clear.” If there are several cancer cells in the healthy surrounding tissue, it is likely that not all the cancer was removed, the surgical margins is said to be “involved.” In this case, the patient may need additional surgery.

• Hormone receptor status – the pathology report may indicate whether or not the cancer cells have hormone receptors. If the cancer is hormone receptor positive, this means the growth of the cancer is affected by hormones. This will help physicians to determine whether hormonal therapy may be beneficial as part of the patient’s treatment protocol.

• Lymph node status – the pathology report also indicates whether there are cancer cells in the lymph nodes. This will affect whether systemic treatments such as chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy are recommended.

Hoag Cancer Center offers a special class, “Understanding Your Pathology Report” as part of its Breast Cancer Educational Series.

Breast biopsy results are usually available within two to three business days. A post-biopsy appointment will be made to evaluate the biopsy site and discuss results. Your referring physician will also be informed of the biopsy results.

Following a core biopsy (stereotactic, ultrasound, MRI guided), it is normal to experience some bruising and tenderness. However, following these instructions should help minimize any discomfort. These instructions help prevent complications and should be followed carefully.

• You will leave the Hoag Breast Care Center wearing a pressure-wrap bandage (similar to an Ace bandage). The nurse will instruct you to wear the bandage for the next 24-48 hours. If you experience bleeding through your bandage, contact the Hoag Breast Care Center.

• For the next 24-48 hours, do not engage in strenuous activities, especially those that involve movement of the chest and arms.

• If you need to take pain medicine during the next 48 hours, use acetaminophen products, such as Tylenol. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products, such as Advil or Motrin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding; these products can be resumed 48 hours after the procedure.

• Do not bathe or shower until the bandage has been removed.

• You may shower carefully with the Steri-strips in place; not remove the Steri-strips – they will lift up and fall off on their own. This could take up to a week.

Over the next few days, if you develop any signs of infection, such as redness, drainage, fever, severe pain or swelling, contact the Breast Care Center at 949-764-5780.

If you take anti-anxiety medication prior to your procedure, you must arrange for escorted transportation upon discharge.