UWHealth Ultrasound Core Needle Breast Biopsy Instructions
- July 3, 2024
- UWHealth
Table of Contents
UWHealth Ultrasound Core Needle Breast Biopsy
Specifications
- Product Name: Ultrasound Core Needle Breast Biopsy
- Procedure: Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy for breast tissue samples
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia (Lidocaine)
- Marker: Small titanium marker placed in the breast for future reference
- Duration: Approximately 1-1/2 hours
- Results: Available in 3-4 working days
Product Usage Instructions
Preparation
- Wear a two-piece outfit and undress from the waist up.
- No fasting required before the biopsy; follow normal diabetic care routine if applicable.
- Avoid using talcum powder, lotions, or deodorant on the breast and underarm area.
During the Biopsy
- Lie on your back on the exam table.
- Local anesthesia (Lidocaine) will be injected into the breast for numbing.
- A small nick will be made in the skin, and the needle will be guided by ultrasound to the correct position.
Post-Biopsy Care
- Expect some light bleeding, which will be controlled by applying pressure and using Steri-strips.
- Apply an ice pack for about 10 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Avoid forceful arm movements and heavy lifting for the first 24 hours.
Pain Management
- Pain and bruising may occur but should subside within a week.
- Tylenol can be taken for the first 24 hours (if no liver problems)
- Aspirin or ibuprofen can be resumed 24 hours after the biopsy (if no signs of bleeding) or as directed by your doctor.
Results and Follow-Up
- Biopsy results will be available in 3-4 working days.
- Results will be communicated through Mychart if you have an active account.
- Expect a call from your doctor or the Breast Center staff within 1-2 working days to discuss results and follow-up needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Q: Will I feel pain during the biopsy?
A: You may feel pressure but should not feel pain during the procedure. If you do experience pain, inform the staff immediately. -
Q: How long does the entire process usually take?
A: Your stay at the Breast Center will be around 1-1/2 hours, including preparation, the biopsy procedure, and post-biopsy care.
Health Facts for You
Ultrasound Core Needle Breast Biopsy
Based on the results of your breast ultrasound, the doctor (radiologist) suggests an ultrasound core needle biopsy. In this procedure, we remove breast tissue samples with a core needle. The doctor guides the needle to the correct place using ultrasound.
Before the Biopsy
A Breast Center nurse will review all prescribed and over-the-counter
medicines. You may need to stop blood thinners before the biopsy. The nurse
will discuss this with you. You may take Tylenol® as needed if you do not have
liver disease. The nurse will also review all allergies.
You will be awake for the biopsy. If you would like to take medicine to help
you relax before the biopsy, please contact your primary doctor in advance. If
you take this medicine, you must have someone drive you home. Do not drive or
make important decisions until the next day.
You do not need to fast before the biopsy. If you are diabetic, follow your
normal care routine.
Wear a two-piece outfit. We will ask you to undress from the waist up.
Do not use talcum powder, lotions or deodorant on the breast and underarm
area.
Your stay at the Breast Center will be about 1-1/2 hours.
During the Biopsy
You will need to lie on your back on the exam table. You will be awake for the
exam. We will place gel on your breast. We will locate the biopsy site using
ultrasound.
Your breast will be cleaned with an antiseptic. This may feel cool on your
skin.
We will inject a numbing medicine (Lidocaine) into your breast. You may
briefly feel a sting. You may feel pressure as the needle is placed but should
not feel any pain. If you do feel pain, let the staff know.
After you are completely numb, the doctor (radiologist) will make a small nick
in the skin of your breast and then place the needle in the correct position
using the ultrasound as a guide.
You will hear a whirring or clicking sound from the biopsy device as we take
the samples. We will send the samples to the lab.
After the biopsy, we will place a small titanium marker in the breast. This
will mark the area of the biopsy. If you need a future surgery, this will help
guide the surgeon to the right spot. If you do not need surgery, the clip will
stay in place. You can see it on future mammograms. There are no known risks
with having the marker. Metal detectors or MRIs will not affect this marker.
It is normal to have some light bleeding after the biopsy. We will apply
pressure until it stops. We will cover the site with thin strips of tape
(Steri-strips). Then apply an ice pack for about 10 minutes.
After your biopsy is complete, you will have a final mammogram to look at the
placement of the marker.
After Care
- Apply ice for 20-30 minutes at least 3 times the day of the biopsy. Then, use ice as needed to reduce swelling and pain.
- Wear a support bra, like a sports bra, for 24-48 hours.
- You may remove the gauze bandage over the biopsy site the next day. You will have thin strips of tape or Steri-Strips over the site. These will loosen and come off on their own in about 5 days. If they are still in place after 5 days, you may gently peel them off.
- You may shower the next morning. Do not soak in a bath or pool for 48 hours.
Pain
You may have some pain and bruising. It should go away in about a week. You
may take Tylenol for the first 24 hours if you do not have liver problems.
You may resume taking aspirin or ibuprofen 24 hours after the biopsy (if no
signs of bleeding) or as directed by your doctor.
Blood Thinners
Ask your doctor when you can resume taking Coumadin, aspirin, or other blood
thinners.
Activity
Avoid forceful arm movements and heavy lifting for the first 24 hours. You may
resume your normal routine the next day or as directed by your doctor.
Results
Your biopsy results should be ready in 3-4 working days. You will receive
those results through Mychart if you have an active account. Your doctor or
the Breast Center staff will call you within 1-2 working days after the
results are received. They will explain your results and go over follow up
needs.
When to Call
- Fever over 100.4° F for two readings taken 4 hours apart
- Increased swelling, firmness, redness or warmth
- Pus around the site
- Heavy bleeding from the site
Who to Call
Call your doctor or the Breast Center if you have questions or concerns about
your care.
Breast Center at the Clinical Sciences Center 600 Highland Avenue
Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
608-266-6400
Breast Center at 1 S Park Medical Center Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
608-282-8190
After hours, call 608-263-6400 Ask for
the radiologist on call. Give your name and number with the area code. The
doctor will call you back.
Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if you have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor. This is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because each person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team when using this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright © 4/2024 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5903