There are several different types of needle tests that can be done to take a biopsy from your breast.  The type of test that will be recommended will depend on your particular breast problem.

Q1. What is a fine needle aspiration test (FNA)?

A1. This test uses a fine needle to remove a sample of cells from inside the breast which will be looked at under the microscope. The test gives the doctor more information about the area in your breasts being examined. 

Q2. How is the test done?

A2. This is usually done with you lying down and the whole procedure will take about 10-15 minutes. 

The needle test (FNA) can be done immediately if the doctor can feel the area in your breast that he/she wants to sample. This test can usually be done while you are in clinic, or you will be given an appointment to return to have this done.

If the area cannot be felt, the radiologist (X-ray doctor) will do the FNA with the help of the X-ray (mammogram) or ultrasound machine to guide him/her to the exact area to be sampled. 

If the test is to be done using X-ray guidance, this will be done with you sitting in a chair, and having your breast held in the X-ray machine whilst the needle is positioned.  Further X-rays will be taken to ensure that the needle position is in the right place.  This is called a stereotactic FNA.

If the FNA is to be done using ultrasound guidance, this will be done with you lying on a couch.

Whichever method is used to find the area to be sampled in the breast, a very thin needle will then be passed into your breast to take a sample of the cells.

 Q3. Will the test be painful? 

A3. As all women are different, so is the discomfort that they may feel during the test.  Most women say this test is uncomfortable and compare it to having a blood sample taken from their arm.  A local anaesthetic may be given.

 Q4. What about the results of the test? 

A4. It takes about one hour to get the results of this test, during which time you are welcome for wait for the result. If that is not convenient, alternative arrangements can be made.

Q5. What is a core biopsy?

A5. Sometimes in addition to the FNA another needle test – known as a core biopsy – may also be required.  This uses a slightly bigger needle and gives the doctors a sliver of tissue to look at under the microscope.  It is often done at the same time as the FNA.

Q6. How is the test done?

A6. As with a FNA this is usually done with you lying down and the whole procedure will take about 10-15 minutes.  The test can be done immediately if the doctor can feel the area in your breast that he/she wants to sample. This test can usually be done while you are in clinic, or you will be given an appointment to return to have this done.

A local anaesthetic will be used to “numb” the area.  A small cut will then be made in the skin and a needle inserted to take a small piece of tissue from the breast.  The instrument used makes a loud ‘click’ when the samples are taken.  Several samples are usually taken.

The needle is then removed and the area pressed for a few minutes to help stop any bleeding.  A dressing will then be applied; this should be left in place for 3-4 days.  It is common for you to be quite bruised for some days after this procedure.

Q7. Will the test be painful?

A7. As all women are different, so is the discomfort that they may feel during the test.  As local anaesthetic is always given the discomfort during the test should be minimal.

Q8. What about the results of the test? 

A8. It usually takes about 5-7 days to examine these samples and an appointment will be made for you to return to the clinic for these results.   

Q9. What is a mammotome biopsy?

A9. If the FNA or core biopsies are unhelpful or more information is needed about the area in your breast being examined then you may be advised to have a mammotome biopsy.  This may reduce the need for you to have an operation to help to find out what is going on in your breast.

As this test usually takes about 45-60 minutes to do you will normally be given an appointment to return to have this done.

Q10. How is the test done?

A10. This test is also known as an image guided vacuum assisted biopsy as the Radiologist (X-ray doctor) will do the test with the help of the X-ray (mammogram) or ultrasound machine to guide her/him to the exact area to be sampled.

It can be done with you either lying down or sitting depending on whether the ultrasound or mammogram machine is used.

A local anaesthetic will be used to “numb” the area and a small cut will then be made in the skin.  A needle, with a suction device attached, will be then inserted into the breast and small amounts of tissue will be sucked away through the needle.  This is repeated until the doctor feels that she/he has enough tissue. 

The needle is then removed and the area pressed for a few minutes to help stop any bleeding.  A dressing will then be applied; this should be left in place for three-four days.  It is common for you to be quite bruised for some days after this procedure.

Q11. Will the test be painful?

A11. As all women are different, so is the discomfort that they may feel during the test.  As local anaesthetic is always given the discomfort during the test should be minimal.

Q12. What about the results of the test?

A12. It usually takes about 5-7 days to examine these samples and an appointment will be made for you to return to the clinic for these results.   

Q13. What happens after these tests?

A13. Before you leave the clinic you will be advised as to what to expect after the particular test that you have had done.

After any of these tests you may experience some tenderness or discomfort.  This is quite normal and may be relieved by taking a mild painkiller, e.g. paracetamol.  Please do not take anything containing aspirin as this may cause you to bruise even more.

There may be some bruising around the area.  This is normal and should fade as any other bruise would.   You may also be able to feel a small, hard ‘lump’ in the area of the biopsy.  This is simply a collection of blood which has formed into a solid bruise and is nothing to worry about.  You may be more comfortable wearing a good supportive bra in bed for the first couple of nights as this can also help to reduce bruising.

The small dressing applied after the test can usually be removed after 3-4 days.

You can bathe or shower as usual.  You may find warm baths soothing but avoid hot baths and showers as these may make you bruise more.

If you are concerned about the amount of bruising you have you can contact your GP or breast care nurse for advice.  You can contact your breast care nurse on Telephone: 0191 2820207 or 2820208 or by email (Please see 'Meet the Team' for details).

Published by Clinical Nurse Specialists (Breast Care)

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust

Next review: March 2010