McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2

What is a needle core biopsy of the breast?

A needle core biopsy of the breast is a very simple procedure in which your health care provider uses a needle to take a small sample of tissue from a lump in your breast. The sample is then analyzed in the lab.

When is it used?

This procedure helps your health care provider determine if a lump in your breast is benign or cancerous.

Examples of other ways to test the lump are:

• excisional biopsy (removing the entire lump), also called a lumpectomy
• incisional biopsy (removing part of the lump).

You can also choose not to have the biopsy, recognizing the risks of not knowing if the lump is cancer. You should ask your health care provider about these choices.

How do I prepare for a needle core biopsy?

Because you will be having just a local anesthetic, no special preparations are necessary.

What happens during the procedure?

The biopsy can be done in your health care provider's office.

Your health care provider will give you a local anesthetic. The anesthetic numbs just the area where the needle will be inserted. It should keep you from feeling pain during the biopsy.

The health care provider will insert a needle into your breast lump and take three or four samples of the tissue. Your provider will remove the needle and send the samples to the lab. You may have a small bandage placed over the puncture site.

What happens after the procedure?

You may have some swelling or bruising in the area of the biopsy.

In about 2 days, the lab will complete its testing on the lump and your health care provider will know whether the lump is benign or cancerous.

Ask your health care provider what other steps you should take and when you need to come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

This biopsy will help your health care provider know more about the lump. He or she can then recommend further treatment if necessary.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• The local anesthetic may not numb the area quite enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia.
• A very small scar will form at the puncture site.
• Infection and bleeding may occur at the site of the puncture; however, this risk is uncommon.

You should ask your health care provider how these risks apply to you.

When should I call my health care provider?

Call your health care provider immediately if:

• You have a lot of redness, pain, or drainage from the puncture site.

Call your health care provider during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.
• You want to make another appointment.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.