Locations & Hours | Radiology Services & Procedures | Insurance Info | Policies & Payments Breast Biopsy by John D. King, M. D. Commonly Asked Questions: Why do I need a biopsy of my breast? Although most mammograms show no evidence of breast cancer, sometimes, a small spot, or lump, in the breast will present that will need further investigation. When this occurs, the first step is to perform additional mammograms and ultrasounds, if necessary. If the area in question is “cleared,” a follow-up mammogram may be recommended in approximately 6 months followed by mammograms scheduled at regular intervals in the future. Occasionally, a biopsy will be needed to thoroughly evaluate an area felt by the woman or her physician or seen on a mammogram. Today, most breast biopsies are Imaging-Guided Biopsies. This means that a physician (often a radiologist) will use either mammography or ultrasound to guide placement of a needle into the abnormal area. This occurs after the area has been anesthetized (numbed) with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine. Does this mean that I have breast cancer? No. Sometimes, a biopsy must be done to prove that a lump in the breast is benign (not cancerous.) Most breast biopsies do not result in a diagnosis of cancer; however, such breast biopsies are necessary, because benign breast lumps can sometimes mimic an early breast cancer. How do I prepare for my breast biopsy? After the breast center has worked with your doctor to schedule your breast biopsy, you will be contacted by someone from the breast center the day before your appointment. At that time, you can ask any questions you may have and discuss what you must do to prepare. Generally, you will be able to eat a light meal prior to your biopsy. It is important that you inform the breast center if you are or believe you may be pregnant and if you routinely take aspirin or any other blood thinner. Also, you should continue to take all prescribed medications before your biopsy unless your doctor directs you to stop. What should I expect during my breast biopsy? Prior to your biopsy, the breast center radiologist will review your mammograms and decide how best to proceed. Depending on how the lump is best seen, the radiologist may decide to do the biopsy with ultrasound guidance or with guidance from a special, computerized mammogram device (stereotactic guidance.) Then, you will have another opportunity to ask any questions that you may have, prior to beginning the biopsy. For stereotactic-guided biopsy, you will be asked to lie on your stomach, and your breast will be brought through an opening in the table. Your breast will be placed in compression, but most women tolerate this compression better than the compression used during a regular mammogram. After local anesthesia (numbing the breast, usually with lidocaine injected thru a skinny needle), a special needle is used that can remove a large enough portion of the abnormal area for testing. The process usually leaves no visible scar. For ultrasound-guided biopsy, you will be asked to lie on your back. The radiologist will use a small ultrasound probe to locate the area to biopsy. After local anesthesia (numbing the breast, usually with lidocaine injected thru a skinny needle), a special needle is used that can remove a large enough portion of the abnormal area for testing. The process usually leaves no visible scar. Shortly after the biopsy, you should be free to return home. You may wish to rest at home that evening, keeping a small ice pack on the area biopsied. Most women will be able to resume normal activities the next day, and strenuous activities (such as tennis, golf or other exercise) the day after that. When will I know the results of my biopsy? Most biopsy results are available within 24-48 hours. Your results may take more or less time depending upon a number of factors, but it is important to remember that benign biopsies do not take any more or less time to complete than other biopsies. There is no cause for alarm if your results come in before the average 24-48 hour time period. All biopsies are sent to the laboratory to be read by pathologists, physicians specially trained to make diagnoses from tissue samples. Special tests are performed to make an accurate diagnosis and because of the number of samples examined by the pathologist on any given day, your results may come in before or after the average 24-48 hour waiting period. Your regular physician may tell you the results of your biopsy, or may ask the radiologist who performs the biopsy to discuss the results with you. Please clarify this with the radiologist, or with your physician, prior to the biopsy.