Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Introduction
We have been advised by your hospital consultant, that you need to have a biopsy of the breast, using stereotactic or tomosynthesis. These are special mammogram (X-ray of the breast tissue) studies, where multiple views or images of the breast are obtained to be able to accurately target an abnormality for biopsy.
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a way of taking a small piece of tissue out of your body using only a tiny cut in the skin and a thin needle. The biopsy will then be examined under a microscope by a histopathologist (a doctor who is expert in making a diagnosis from tissue samples).
This information tells you about the procedure, what is involved, and what the possible risks are.
Before your appointment
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
Please let us know if you are taking any medication which impairs the blood’s ability to clot (anticoagulation or blood thinning drugs) e.g., Warfarin or clopidigrel, or, if you are aware that you may have bleeding problems.
If you would like another member of staff to be present, to act as a chaperone, during your examination then please let us know when booking in at the reception desk. If your appointment is after 5pm, then please phone in advance, so that we can ensure an additional member of staff is available. If you do not request a chaperone, then we will assume that we have your consent to perform the examination without one.
There is no special preparation needed and you can eat and drink as usual.
Please also let us know if:
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off a couch.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On Arrival
On arrival in the department, you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you.
What to wear
It is helpful to wear a separate top, and skirt or trousers. After the procedure, we
recommend you wear a non-wired supportive bra.
Giving my consent (permission)
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The radiologist will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the procedure or are undecided, please tell the radiologist. It is your decision, and you can change your mind at any time.
If the radiologist feels that your condition has changed or that your symptoms do not indicate such a procedure is necessary, then they will explain this to you and they will communicate with the referring doctor who will review your situation as soon as possible.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed by a Consultant Radiologist or an Advanced Practitioner
(Mammographer), under mammographic guidance. A Mammographer will be positioning you in the machine, and either another Mammographer/or Radiology Assistant will be circulating to assist the procedure.
The breast is positioned on an X-ray detector and held firmly in place by a Perspex plate and images obtained in the machine. You may be required to reposition and repeat the imaging to position the breast and abnormality to be sampled. The skin is then cleaned, and an injection of local anaesthetic is given to numb the area. This may sting for a few seconds.
When the area is numb a small cut is made in the skin and the biopsy needle is introduced.
You will hear the biopsy device make a loud “click” when the sample is taken and normally several are obtained of any abnormality. These samples are then sent to Histology for analysis.
A tiny (2mm) metal (titanium) marker maybe placed at the site immediately after the biopsy has been performed. If so, a further mammogram is normally performed at the end of the procedure to see the exact placement of the marker. The clip will remain in your breast and will not cause you any harm and will not be able to be felt. It will be seen on any future breast ultrasound scans or mammograms. The presence of a clip does not stop you having an MRI scan in the future.
After the Examination
Once the biopsy has been taken, someone will press firmly over the area to stop any
bleeding and reduce any bruising. Adhesive strips may be used to close the small cut on your breast, and this will then be covered with a dressing. The adhesive strips and dressing should be left on and kept dry for three days. You may remove them after this time.
You will be free to resume your daily activities but avoid heavy lifting or exercise for 48 hours to reduce the risk of complications.
Risks
- Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort after the procedure when the local anaesthetic wears off. This is usually mild and can be helped with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol if required (avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen for the first 24 hours). You may find it more comfortable to wear a non-wired supportive bra, day, and night, for two days.
- Bruising: Bruising is common after this procedure. Bruising may make that part of your breast feel lumpy or may affect a wider area. On rare occasions this can be severe and can take several weeks to resolve.
- Bleeding: Occasionally the biopsy site can start bleeding again after you have left the hospital. If this happens, apply firm pressure over the area for 20 minutes. If the bleeding has not stopped after 20 minutes, please contact us.
- Infection: If you experience redness, swelling or tenderness around the injection site, please see your GP or a walk-in clinic within 24 hours as this may require treatment.
- Radiation: Your procedure will be performed under Mammographic guidance; this uses ionising X-ray radiation. Everyone receives ionising radiation every day from radioactivity in the air, food we eat and the sun. Your age, size and the body part being scanned will influence the amount of medical radiation used and theoretical risks of additional exposure. The benefit of the scan is making the correct diagnosis or treatment plan and a Radiology specialist has agreed that this benefit outweighs the risks of radiation exposure. The radiographers are trained to obtain the best possible imaging using the lowest amount of radiation possible and the equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is safe and effective.
The Results
The results of your test will be made available to the requesting doctor and will usually take about 10 working days. You will receive an outpatient appointment to obtain the results.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-MAMM.8
Approval date:
26 July 2024
Review date:
26 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.