What to Expect

What to Expect During a Breast Biopsy

  • A specially trained technologist and/or nurse will talk with you before the procedure and answer any questions you might have.
  • Once the precise area is identified for the biopsy via mammogram, MRI or ultrasound, the skin of the targeted breast will be cleaned.
  • You will receive a local anesthetic through a needle in the breast. You will feel a slight pinch, and then the area to be biopsied will become numb. This is similar to what occurs at the dentist’s office.
  • You will be asked to remain still so that the biopsy needle can be positioned as accurately as possible.
  • After the sample is taken, a metal biopsy marker (clip) will be placed at the biopsy site to mark the exact location of the biopsy.
  • Firm pressure will be applied to the area, and Steri-StripTM tape will be applied. No stitches are needed.
  • You may experience some minor swelling or bruising at the biopsy site. You may even feel a lump at the biopsy site. This is normal and temporary. Your physician may suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever or ice.
  • You should avoid swimming or doing anything strenuous for 24 to 48 hours. Then, you should be able to return to your normal activities.

Breast Biopsy Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes, based on your breast imaging results, your healthcare provider may ask you to come back in for a breast biopsy. Below are common questions and answers about breast biopsies.

  • Why do I need a breast biopsy?
  • Does this mean I have cancer?
  • What is a breast biopsy?
  • How is a breast biopsy performed?
  • Who will do my breast biopsy?
  • What do I need to do before a breast biopsy?
  • Can I drive myself to and from my appointment?
  • Can I take medication for anxiety on the day of my procedure?
  • Should I bring someone with me?
  • How long does a breast biopsy take?
  • What should I expect during a breast biopsy?
  • What should I expect after the biopsy?
  • Does a breast biopsy hurt?
  • When will I receive my results?

Your physician may ask you to get a breast biopsy if your breast imaging results show an area of concern (tissue that does not look normal). The biopsy will help your radiologist determine if you need more care.

No. Although most biopsy results are not cancer, we often do not know based on imaging alone. A biopsy is necessary for a definitive answer.

A biopsy removes a very small amount of tissue from the body so that it can be looked at under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to know if the tissue contains cancer or other abnormal cells.

There are many ways to take a tissue sample. The type of biopsy depends on what equipment the radiologist uses to locate the area of concern:

  • Cyst aspiration – You will lie down while a member of your care team drains the fluid from a cyst in your breast.
  • Ultrasound – You will lie on your back or side. Your radiologist will use ultrasound images to help do the biopsy.
  • Stereotactic –You will be face-down or you may sit upright in a chair. We will place your breast in compression. Then, we will take images to find the biopsy area. We will use a gentle vacuum device to do the biopsy.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – You will lie face down in the MRI machine. Images will guide the imaging biopsy team to position your breast. You will feel a small amount of compression. Your care team will use a gentle vacuum device to do the biopsy.

Before the biopsy, the physician will numb the skin and the area of the breast with a medication called lidocaine. Then, they will insert a needle into the area of concern. They will use the needle to remove a small amount of breast tissue. You will be awake during the procedure.

A breast radiologist will do your biopsy. A breast radiologist is a board-certified physician who specializes in breast imaging.

Your care team may also include:

  • A radiology technologist to manage the imaging equipment during your biopsy
  • A registered nurse to care for you before, during and after your biopsy, and to teach you about your care

Your physician or nurse will tell you what to do to prepare.

  • Be sure that you tell your nurse or technologist if you are taking any medications that may thin your blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), warfarin (Coumadin®), apixaban (Eliquis®), clopidogrel (Plavix®) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto®).
  • You can eat a regular meal before your biopsy.

Most people can drive after a biopsy. But you may feel more comfortable having someone accompany you to and from your appointment, especially if you’re worried about feeling nervous or stressed.

If you take medication for anxiety, or plan to take medication for anxiety on the day of your procedure, please arrive 1 hour before your appointment and bring the medication with you. You may take the medication after you sign the procedure consent form at the appointment. You also will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.

You may bring someone with you to your appointment. They cannot be with you during the procedure. They can wait in the designated waiting area.

Your appointment will take between 1 and 2 hours. Your scheduler can provide more exact details about timing.

  • Before your breast biopsy, a nurse or technologist will talk to you about the procedure and answer your questions.
  • Then, you will get a local anesthetic (numbing medication) in the skin and also in the area where the radiologist will take the tissue samples.
  • Your care team will make a tiny cut in your skin that doesn’t require stitches.
  • The radiologist will take a few tissue samples from the area of concern.
  • Your team will then place a small marker to mark the spot of the biopsy. This will stay inside your body.
    • You will not be able to feel it under your skin.
    • It will not interfere with MRI testing or metal detectors.
  • Your care team will cover the area with an adhesive bandage.
  • You most likely will have a gentle mammogram after the procedure to confirm the location of the biopsy.
  • You should rest for the remainder of the day.
  • For the next 24 hours, do not:
    • Do any strenuous activity (jogging)
    • Lift anything more than 5 pounds
    • Shower or get the area wet
  • You can return to work when you are able.
  • You may shower after 24 hours.

During the biopsy, you may feel minor discomfort, such as a slight pinch or pressure. This is normal. Your care team will use numbing medication to lessen any pain.

For a few days after your biopsy, your breast may feel tender or sore. You may have swelling. Ice and over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), can help you manage any discomfort. Do not swim or bathe for 7 days after the procedure.

We understand that waiting for results can be hard. We typically have results in 2 to 3 business days. Your physician will your results.

We want you to know that most breast conditions are not cancer. However, most breast cancer is treatable, especially when caught early through screenings and follow-up care. You are taking the right steps to help protect your health.