Do you need a breast biopsy? Doctors often recommend a breast biopsy when imaging (like a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI) or a physical exam reveals something suspicious in your breast tissue. It might be a lump, unusual thickening, changes in skin texture, nipple discharge, or other area of concern, and it requires further testing to find answers.
The goal of a breast biopsy is to remove a small sample of tissue (or sometimes fluid) that pathologists examine under a microscope to determine if the tissue is benign (not cancer), precancerous, or cancerous. It’s a minimally invasive procedure, but it’s normal to be nervous.
Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, and our team offer specialized breast surgery and oncology procedures, and we’re here to help you feel more informed and confident in your care. Here’s what you can expect during and after your breast biopsy.
The first step of the process is pinpointing the location of the suspicious or abnormal tissue, and that might mean doing additional imaging tests before scheduling your biopsy.
We also review your health history and ask questions about any medications you take, any allergies you have, or health conditions you have that might affect healing or anesthesia.
On the day of your biopsy, you dress in a gown and lie down on an exam table. We use a local or regional anesthetic for most biopsies, but surgical (excisional) biopsies may involve sedation or general anesthesia. We clean and sterilize the area, then apply the anesthetic so you feel numb.
There are two main types of breast biopsies: needle biopsy and surgical biopsy. The best type for you depends on your situation, and Dr. Klause discusses your options with you in advance.
If you have a needle biopsy, we use a specialized needle to extract small tissue samples. We may make a tiny incision to insert the needle, and we use imaging to guide the needle to the right spot.
If a larger or less accessible area needs evaluation, Dr. Klause does a surgical biopsy to remove all or part of the suspicious tissue with a small incision. If needed, localization techniques (like wire or clip placement) help guide tissue removal. Placing a clip or marker can help us locate the same site later if you need follow-up treatment or surgery.
A needle biopsy usually takes less than an hour from start to finish (including imaging and preparation). A surgical biopsy can take longer, depending on how much tissue we need to remove and whether we use general anesthesia.
Once we collect the tissue samples, we close the site with stitches or adhesive strips, and apply a sterile dressing.
Recovery varies depending on the type of biopsy. We give you specific instructions about what to expect. To help you prepare in advance, here are some common experiences and aftercare guidelines.
Most women can go home shortly after their biopsy is complete, but if you have sedation, you need someone to drive you home.
Immediately after the procedure, you might experience soreness, tenderness, mild swelling, or bruising at the biopsy site. Applying ice packs, keeping the area elevated when possible, and wearing a supportive bra can help.
Over the next few days, plan to rest, avoid strenuous activity, and follow instructions on wound care. Change your dressings as instructed, and if you have stitches, you may need to keep them clean and dry.
We can recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. Applying cold compresses and limiting arm use on the side of the biopsy can also make recovery more comfortable.
While most women don’t have complications following breast biopsy, it’s important to know what to watch for. Monitor for excessive swelling, redness spreading beyond the biopsy site, drainage that smells bad or is yellow/green, fever, or increasing pain. These could signal an infection.
We send your tissue samples to a pathology lab, where it’s examined closely for signs of cancer. Results usually come in a few days to a week. Once your results are in, Dr. Klause walks you through what they mean and what your next steps should be, whether it’s monitoring, further imaging, or treatment.
At our clinic, we strive to minimize discomfort, provide clear communication throughout the process, and make sure you have support before, during, and after breast biopsy. We’re here to help you find answers, make informed decisions, and get the follow-up care you need.
A breast biopsy can be scary, but it’s a powerful tool for diagnosis and peace of mind. If you have questions about whether you need a biopsy, what type is best, or how long healing should take, contact our care team in Laguna Hills, California, to learn more.
