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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 for:

• A lump
• Tissue thickening
• Nipple abnormality
• Leaking from the nipple
• Abnormal ultrasound or mammogram

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will go over some problems, like:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Tissue damage
• Breast deformity
• Numbness over the area

These factors may raise the risk of problems:

• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Chronic disease such as obesity or diabetes
• Bleeding problems

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

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

Open Breast Biopsy

A small cut 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 technique will be used if the mass is too deep to be felt, but it can be seen with imaging tests. After the mass is found, a fine wire will be placed into the breast. 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 have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
• Redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or leaking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain that you can't control with the medicines you were given
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs