Preparing For Your Breast Biopsy IN Southern New England
Helpful Information
HERE IS HELPFUL INFORMATION IF A BREAST BIOPSY IS RECOMMENDED, WHETHER THE BIOPSY IS DONE BY MAMMOGRAM, ULTRASOUND, OR MRI AT THE ANNE PAPPAS CENTER OR WOMEN & INFANTS’ HOSPITAL IN THE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT.
- If you take Coumadin, Plavix or other blood thinners you need to discuss this with your physician before biopsy, blood work may be required and the medication held before biopsy.
- No aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naproxen/Naprosyn for 36 hours before the procedure.
- On the day of the procedure, wearing a bra that opens in the front and a front button down shirt may be helpful, so you do not have to reach behind you or have your arms above your head to get dressed after the biopsy is done.
- A local anesthetic will be used; a small nick with a scalpel will be made, and multiple strips of tissue from the same small nick will be removed. The biopsy device may use suction, or make a clicking sound as the biopsy is taken. A clip will be placed in the breast to locate where the biopsy was done. The clip is made from titanium, is safe for MRIs, and in airport scanners. Steri –strips or surgical glue will be used to close the nick. Imaging will be performed to confirm clip placement. It is common to get bruising after or during the procedure.
- Using an ice pack, wearing a bra for 24 hours/day for the two to three days after the biopsy may decrease bruising or swelling. You can shower the next day. Do not remove the steri-strips let them fall off or keep on for seven days.
- If bleeding or signs of infection occur call your physician.
- Tylenol can be used if needed for discomfort.
- Results typically will be available in three to five days.