Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy

An ultrasound guided breast biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of abnormal breast tissue is obtained and sent for analysis to determine if the abnormal breast tissue, seen on a mammogram, or a lump is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Before Your Procedure

You will be asked to discontinue the following medications:

  • 24 hours prior – Xarelto
  • 48 hours prior – Reopro, Eliquis
  • 72 hours prior – Pradaxa, Arixtra
  • 5 days prior – Brilinta, Aggrenox
  • 7 days prior – Effient, Pletal, Plavix
  • 14 days prior – Ticlid
  • Hold one dose prior to procedure – Levenox

If you have any kidney issues, you may be asked to hold certain medication longer than listed. Please contact your provider for any questions.

  • You may eat a light breakfast.
  • Please do not wear deodorants, powders or perfumes on your upper body.
  • You will be asked to undress from the waist up, so wear a blouse, shirt, or sweater that you can easily remove, rather than a dress.
  • Wear a clean bra for support after your procedure.

During Your Procedure

  • You will be positioned comfortably on a cart with the help of the sonographer.
  • The sonographer will then scan your breast to locate the area of abnormality.
  • The radiologist will review this scan and determine the precise location to anesthetize (numb up).
  • The radiologist will guide the biopsy needle to the abnormality utilizing ultrasound.
  • As the samples are being taken, you will hear a “click” sound from the biopsy device.
  • 3 to 6 samples will be taken. Occasionally more may be needed.
  • Most women feel pressure. There is usually no pain during the biopsy.
  • The samples are examined by a pathologist who then makes a diagnosis within a few days.
  • A radiologist and technologist will be with you throughout the procedure.
  • Please feel free to ask any questions before and during the exam.
  • The entire procedure takes about 1 hour.

After Your Procedure

Activity

  • No heavy upper body lifting and limit vigorous upper body motion (for example, no vacuuming or heavy house cleaning, tennis, running, swimming or aerobics) for the next 24 hours.

Dressing

  • Keep steri-strips on for 2-3 days. Replace band-aid as necessary.
  • Do not submerge area in water – showering is okay.

Symptom Control

  • If biopsy site starts to bleed, hold pressure on the site for 10-15 minutes.
  • Crushed ice, in a bag wrapped in a light weight cloth, may be placed on the site to help minimize pain/swelling/bleeding.
  • You may have site pain and tenderness. Tylenol (Aceteminophen) may be taken if not contraindicated.
  • You may want to wear your bra for the next 24 hours to provide extra support to help ease any discomfort.

When to Call Your Doctor of the Breast Center

Call if You Experience any of the Following Problems:

  • Bleeding that is uncontrolled or does not stop.
  • Breast becomes warm to the touch and/or you notice redness/swelling/drainage.
  • Fever over 100.5 degrees

Surgical Clip or Marker

  • You may have had a surgical clip (marker) placed in your breast after your procedure. If this should come out when you return home, please call us. This marker is very important for future follow-up, and failure to call us might impact further studies. We can be reached at 320-229-4919.

Biopsy Results

  • Pathology results take approximately 3-4 working days. At times, second opinions are required from outside facilities, which adds to the result time.
  • The Breast Center or your physician will be calling to inform you of the biopsy results.

Medications Used

  • You may have received Lidocaine or Lidocaine with epinephrine today as part of your examination in the Breast Center.

Patient may resume ___________________ on ___________________ (date).

Questions

Any questions that may arise can be answered by calling: The Breast Center (Office Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday) 320-229-4919 Select option #1 or 1-800-835-6652, ext. 71681

If you should have problems or concerns following your biopsy and it is after Breast Center hours, or on the weekend, please call your provider or visit the Urgency Center or Emergency Room.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.

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