Core Biopsy Instructions This is a procedure to diagnose a small mass or microcalcifications. While the breast is compressed, a nick is made in the skin after local anesthetic is administered. A probe is then inserted into the breast and positioned so that the sampling notch is centered at the site of the mass or microcalcification. X-ray views are taken to assure the correct location of the probe. The probe is turned within the breast to obtain several samples of tissue to send to the pathologist.
Pre-Core BiopsyChecklist:
1. Please take any medications you take daily, unless otherwise indicated by the doctor. You do not need to fast for this procedure; however, limit alcohol intake the day before your visit.
2. Do not take aspirin, aspirin containing products or ibuprofen products (Advil, Nuprin) for 5 days before the procedure.
3. Make certain someone is available to drive you home after the procedure.
4. Wear a loose-fitting top on the day of the procedure in case a bulky dressing is needed afterwards.
5. A short acting mild sedative will be given to you before the procedure.
6. No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for five (5) days following your procedure.
Post-Core Biopsy Instructions:
1. The Biopsy site will be covered with Steri-Strips and a clear Tegaderm dressing. You may shower or bathe during this time. Do not scrub over dressing area.
2. Wear a good support bra to include the ice pack overnight. This will help minimize bleeding and bruising.
3. Remove the Tegaderm five (5) days after the biopsy. You may bathe your breast carefully with the Tegaderm in place. Be careful not to loosen it. If the Tegaderm should happen to come off before it is supposed to, you should then apply a clean bandaid to the biopsy site. You might try taping a piece of plastic wrap over the biopsy area before bathing to keep it dry. If you have a bulky ("tube top") dressing, it must remain in place for two (2) days. You may take a sponge bath during this time, but do not get the dressing wet.
4. You may have some discomfort and/or bruising where the probe entered the skin.
5. If you need medication for discomfort, take acetaminophen products such as Tylenol, or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, etc.). Do not take aspirin for 24-48 hours!
6. You may return to your work or other activities the day after your biopsy as long as no heavy lifting or strenuous physical activities are required. On the sixth day following your biopsy, all activities, except swimming, should be well tolerated.
7. Watch for excessive bleeding, pain, redness around the biopsy site or fever. If any of these occur, please call our office.
8. Someone from our office will try to call you on the morning after your biopsy. If you have any questions or problems that arise after your biopsy, please call our office at (865) 584-0291.
9. It generally takes 48 hours to get a report from the Pathologist. Someone from our office will call you as soon as we receive it. If your biopsy happens to be on a Friday, we may not have a report until the following Tuesday afternoon.
Follow-Up after Biopsy:
Your doctor has discussed with you how and when you are likely to receive your results. At the time you receive your results, they will be explained to you and a recommendation for one of the following options will be made and the reason explained:
1. Follow up with x-rays and/or ultrasound
2. Repeat needle or mammotome biopsy
3. Surgery
Follow-up after a benign biopsy is very important. Your biopsy procedure consisted of a needle which only sampled a portion of the abnormality. There is a small but definite risk that the area sampled is not representative of the area as a whole. If your biopsy result is benign (non-cancerous), it is of vital importance that you continue with your follow-up visits as recommended to you to confirm the original diagnosis. You share responsiblity in keeping your follow-up appointments since we may not be able to contact you if you move or if your notification gets lost in the mail.
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have about your follow-up examination.
