Breast biopsy

During a breast biopsy, the radiologist uses a thin needle to take several tissue samples from the breast to examine under the microscope. This is done under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance.

A breast biopsy is performed in addition to previous examinations (mammography, ultrasound, and MRI) in which abnormal mammary gland tissue was identified. The tissue samples are subsequently examined by the pathology laboratory to determine the benign or malignant character of the lesion.

Course

Before the procedure

A breast biopsy is only done by appointment and only on the basis of a medical prescription.

To register, you can register directly at the counter of the Medical Imaging / Radiology Service with your identity card and medical prescription. Take with you images of relevant previous research that was conducted elsewhere.

If you are taking blood-thinning medication, you must report this to the doctor who prescribed the biopsy. It may be necessary to temporarily interrupt the intake of blood-thinning medicines.

During the procedure

There is no need to be sober. We do recommend eating a light meal.

There are two major groups of biopsies:

• Fine Needle Biopsy (FNAC)

Under sonographic guidance, the radiologist will aspirate fluid and/or cells from the tumor with a very thin needle. No incision and therefore no anesthesia is required for this examination. You only feel a small prick, like when taking a blood test.

A fine needle biopsy takes an average of fifteen minutes.

• Fine needle biopsy (core biopsy or true-cut biopsy)

After local anesthesia, a small incision is made in the skin. Using the ultrasound machine, the radiologist inserts the needle and punctures the lesion found in the chest. This procedure is repeated several times during which several pieces of tissue are removed.

After the biopsy, the medical imager will apply pressure to the incision site for about ten minutes to prevent the formation of a hematoma (= bruise) as much as possible. The incision is closed and sterilely bandaged.

A fine needle biopsy takes an average of 30 minutes.

After the procedure

The tissue obtained is taken to the pathology lab for further examination. A few days after the biopsy, the results will be sent to your referring doctor. They will inform you.

The radiologist makes a report of the findings and procedure. You will receive a code/link with which the images and the report can be viewed by yourself and the requesting doctor. The referring doctor (often a gynecologist) will discuss the results with you.

It is best to wear a sturdy bra to support the breast after the examination. This can help prevent subcutaneous bleeding. If bleeding does occur, you should apply pressure to the biopsy site for ten minutes. You can always place an ice pack on the spot. The bruise will fade over time.

After the biopsy, you can go home directly. We recommend taking it easy that day and not lifting anything heavy for 24 hours, especially after a fine needle biopsy. Do not perform heavy labor or physical exertion.

If you have pain after the biopsy, you can take a painkiller. Ask your doctor about the right painkiller (do not use aspirin, it thins the blood causing prolonged bleeding).

Consult your doctor immediately if:

• you have a fever
• your chest becomes red and warm or swells

You may remove the sterile strips used to seal the incision after about five days. Afterward, you can bathe or shower again.