Breast biopsy and procedures

A galactogram helps us to view the milk ducts of the breast to help find abnormal nipple discharge (pus or liquid coming out). This is sometimes called a ductography or ductogram.

Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a scan that uses magnets and radio waves to get pictures inside the breast. This type of biopsy looks at abnormal growths in the breast that can only be found with MRI scans.

During a radioactive seed localization biopsy, a tiny metal seed about the size of a grain of rice is placed into the abnormal breast tissue. The seed has a small amount of radiation in it.

Using a small tool that detects radioactivity, your doctor will find and remove the seed and abnormal breast tissue.

Sometimes this type of biopsy is done along with a sentinel lymph node injection (shot). This can help doctors find out if cancer has spread into your lymph nodes.

X-rays can create a picture of the inside of the body in different shades of black and white. A stereotactic biopsy uses computerized X-rays to find areas and problems in the breast.

A stereotactic biopsy is helpful when a doctor can see a mass or growth in the breast on a mammogram, but can't find it by touch or with an ultrasound. Mammography is used to screen for breast cancer. It uses X-rays to take digital images of the breast.

Core biopsy
With ultrasound guidance, a small amount of breast tissue is removed using a small tool with a vacuum. A core biopsy may also be done to sample lymph nodes (parts of the body involved with blood flow and the immune system or how the body fights illness).

Cyst aspiration
With ultrasound guidance, a small needle is put into a cyst to draw liquid out.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
An ultrasound-guided FNA uses a thin needle attached to a syringe to remove cells from an area of the breast.

Each type of biopsy has slightly different guidelines. Your doctor will tell you what to expect and how to prepare for the biopsy you're having.

• Stop taking naproxen (Aleve^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^®) three days before your exam.
• If you’re taking aspirin because your doctor told you take it, keep taking it.
• Talk to you doctor before you stop taking any medications.
• Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit.
• Don’t wear jewelry.
• You may eat and drink normally before your exam.
• If you’re having any breast discharge, don’t squeeze your nipple or breast before the exam.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

You may lie on your stomach or back on an exam table during the biopsy, depending on what type of biopsy you're having. Some biopsies use a needle to take tissue out of your body for testing.

How long your biopsy will take will depend on what type of biopsy you're having. Usually biopsies take about 30 to 60 minutes.

During your biopsy, you may be given a local anesthetic, a medication to numb the biopsy area. Usually a dressing or bandage is put on the biopsy area to help it heal.

• Wear a supportive bra.
  
• You may eat and drink normally after your exam.
  
• Keep the gauze dressing clean and dry for the first 24 hours.
  
• Put ice on the biopsy site for 15 to 20 minutes at a time for the first three to four hours after the biopsy.
  
• Take off the top dressing 24 hours after the biopsy. You may shower after the top dressing is removed.
  
• Outside of the shower, keep the biopsy area clean and dry.
  
• If you need medication for pain, use acetaminophen (Tylenol^®).
  
• Don’t take aspirin, naproxen (Aleve^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^®) for 48 hours as these medications can make you bleed more.
  
• If you’re taking aspirin because your doctor told you take it, keep taking it.
  
• The Steri-Strip^™ bandage should stay on for five to seven days or until it falls off on its own.
  
• Don’t do strenuous activity (intense physical movement), heavy lifting or straining for 48 hours after your biopsy.
  
• Don’t bathe in a bathtub, swim in a pool, go in hot tubs or go in the ocean for at least one week after your biopsy to help prevent infections.
  
• You may have some soreness and bruising in the biopsy area. 

If your biopsy includes radiation, there are some steps you need to follow after your exam. People who are physically near you may be exposed to a small amount of radiation. This type of small exposure (to come in contact with) doesn't cause harm.

If you have a radioactive seed put inside your body, you should:

• Keep distance between yourself and others. At a distance of one foot from the biopsy site, the amount of radiation goes down. At a distance of three feet, there is almost no radiation.
• Keep track of time. Radiation exposure depends on how long you stay close to other people. If you hug, kiss or shake hands, that’s fine. Don’t place an infant, child or young animal on your chest for more than 30 minutes per day until the seed is removed by your doctor.
  

A specialized radiologist will review your exam and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will talk to you about your exam results. After you talk to your doctor, the results are also available on MyChart.

When you'll get results will depend on what type of biopsy you're having. Usually you'll have your results between three to seven days.

To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-206-860-5496, option 1. For general questions, please call us at 1-206-329-1760.