What to Expect

What to Expect During a Breast Biopsy

• Before your breast biopsy, a nurse or member of your care team will talk to you about the procedure and answer your questions.
• Then, you will get a local anesthetic (numbing medication) in the skin and in the area where the radiologist will take the tissue samples.
• Your care team will make a tiny cut in your skin. The cut will not need 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 will probably 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 (such as 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.