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Definition

Breast surgical biopsy is surgery to remove all or part of a breast mass. A lab will check the sample to see if there is something unusual about it.

Reasons for Procedure

Breast surgical biopsy is done to look at a suspicious part of the breast. It can find out of the spot is cancerous or not.

It may be done if there is:

• A lump
• Tissue thickening
• A nipple change
• Leaking from the nipple
• An abnormal ultrasound or mammogram

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over problems that could happen, such as::

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Bruising
• Damage to tissues

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Long term conditions such as obesity or diabetes

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

There are a few ways the doctor can remove the mass:

Open Breast Biopsy

A small incision will be made over the area. Part or all of the mass will be removed. The site will be closed with stitches or staples. It will be bandaged.

Open Breast Biopsy If all of the mass is removed, then it is called a lumpectomy. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Needle Localization

This method is used if the mass cannot be felt. Imaging is used to guide a fine wire to the breast through a needle. The wire will point to the spot that needs to be removed. A small cut will be made and the mass will be removed.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
• Excess bleeding, redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision site
• Lasting nausea or vomiting
• Pain that you cannot control with the medicine
• Problems breathing or chest pain
• Pain and/or swelling in the feet, calves, or legs