About this topic
A biopsy looks at cells that are not normal. This is to see if the cells are from an infection or swelling. The doctor may be looking for cancer or other tumors. The doctor may be looking for other health problems. ‚
A needle biopsy of the breast is done to look at an abnormal area. It may be done if you have: ‚
- A lump
- Areas that are thicker than other places in the breast
- Nipple area that has changed or looks different
- Leaking or discharge from the nipple
- Breast ultrasound or mammogram results that are not normal
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Wear a bra with good support.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your biopsy site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you will need to have bandages or stitches removed
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
- Do not remove bandages or stitches on your own.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. It often takes at least 3 days before the biopsy results are ready. The results will help your doctor know what kind of problem you have with your breast. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bruising
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection like fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Pain is not controlled by your drugs
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever or swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-diagnosis ‚
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ‚
http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=407 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚