This leaflet has been produced to provide you with information about your breast biopsy and aims to answer any questions that you might have. If you have any further queries then please do not hesitate to discuss these with the medical or nursing staff caring for you.

Q1. Why do I need a breast biopsy?

A1. You need a breast biopsy because either an examination or X-ray of your breast has highlighted an area that needs further investigation.

Q2. What is a breast biopsy?

A2. It is an operation to remove this area of breast tissue. The tissue will then be sent to the hospital laboratory for testing.

Q3. What happens when I am admitted for a biopsy?

A3. You usually need to go into hospital for one or two days so that the biopsy can be carried out under a general anaesthetic.

If the area cannot be felt it may be necessary to mark the exact area before surgery. This is done in the Breast X ray department, using a special X ray machine to guide a fine wire into the area, this may involve having a local anaesthetic. Once this is in place you will return to the ward and later that day you will go to the operating theatre.

As with all general anaesthetics you will not be able to have anything to eat or drink for a number of hours before your surgery. The clinic doctor or ward nurse will give you this information with your hospital admission details.

Q4. What can I expect to see and feel when I wake up after the general anaesthetic?

A4. You may feel a little tired and uncomfortable. You will have a wound on your breast, which will be approximately 5cm (2’’) long and covered by a dressing. You will have stitches and possibly a wound drain to prevent bruising.

Q5. When will the wound drain, dressing and stitches be removed?

A5. If you have a wound drain it is normally taken out the day after your surgery. Your stitches may be dissolvable, in which case they do not have to be removed. If you do have stitches that need to be removed this will be done by the District or Practice Nurse and the ward staff will make these arrangements for you and give you the information before you leave hospital.

Q6. How long will it take for my biopsy wound to heal?

A6. Initial healing should take just a few days but deeper healing will take longer. Your wound should heal to a fine line.

Q7. How do I care for my biopsy wound?

A7. The wound can be submerged in water as soon as the dressing or drain is removed, remember to gently pat the scar dry with a clean towel. It is advisable to avoid scented soaps or deodorants on or near the wound for about two weeks as these may cause stinging.

Q8. How will my scar feel?

A8. You may experience some numbness around your scar and the tissue under your scar may feel thicker to the touch for several weeks due to the healing process.

If you are worried about anything concerning your wound please contact your GP, District Nurse or the ward on which you were treated.

Q9. Am I likely to feel pain after my biopsy?

A9. Individuals experience varying amounts and types of pain. You could take simple painkillers, such as paracetamol, to provide pain relief. Wearing a comfortable bra in bed can sometimes give extra support.

Q10. What about diet?

A10. A well balanced diet will help wound healing.

Q11. What about getting back to normal?

A11. There should be no reason why you should not get back to normal life quite quickly after this operation. You can resume things like sports, lifting, driving, sexual activity and housework as soon as you feel comfortable to do so. This may vary from one person to another. You will usually need to allow yourself about a week before returning to work.

Q12. If I feel anxious or unsure about anything, who can I contact?

A12. Understandably this may be an anxious time for you and you may feel that you wish to speak to someone other than family or close friends, however supportive they are.

The Breast Care Nurses are available and they will be happy to give you advice and support. Your GP and District or Practice Nurse can also help you.

Q13. If I need further treatment, who do I discuss this with?

A13. Before you leave hospital you will be informed as to how and when you will receive the results of your biopsy. Often this means you returning for an outpatient appointment with your surgeon one or two weeks after your operation. If further treatments are needed they will be discussed at this time.

Q14. Can I take a friend or relative with me to see my Consultant?

A14. Yes, please do so if you wish.

Q15. Who can I contact if I need further information?

A15. You can contact the nurses on the ward where you were treated, your District or Practice Nurse or your Breast Care Nurse.

Contact Details

Your Breast Care Nurse:

Tel: 0191 2820207 / 8

Office Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm

Email: Please see 'Meet the Team' if you prefer to e-mail us for details.

You can also ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice and help. NHS Direct is a confidential 24 hour helpline staffed by trained nurses.

Published by Clinical Nurse Specialists (Breast Care)

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust

PH March 2008

For review March 2010