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- Anesthesia
- The loss of feeling or sensation as a result of drugs or gases. "Local" anesthesia numbs only a specified area. "General" anesthesia causes loss of consciousness (puts you to sleep).
- Biopsy
- A procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the body for examination under a microscope to find out if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
- A breast biopsy is performed when a physician feels a lump and determines that it should be removed and evaluated under a microscope.
- The procedure is done in the operating room. In most cases, your surgeon will use a "local anesthetic" to numb the area of your breast that needs to be biopsied. You will also receive an intravenous medication to help you relax or sleep during your procedure. A patient may sometimes require a general anesthesia for this procedure. You should discuss this with your surgeon prior to the procedure.
- Once in the operating room the breast area is cleansed with a disinfectant solution. Your surgeon will then make a cut in the skin, an incision, which follows the natural shape of your breast as closely as possible. The lump is removed and sent to the pathologist. The incision is usually closed with material that is absorbed by your body. Therefore, there is no need to remove stitches or sutures at a later time. A dressing is placed over the biopsy site.
- You will then be taken to the recovery room for 1-2 hours. Once the anesthesia has worn off you will be discharged.
- The breast biopsy procedure is performed in Outpatient Surgery in the Main Hospital. This is located on level 1 of the Main Hospital Building. However, you should first report to the Admitting Department also located on level 1. There is a blue column outside the doorway to help you find your way. The phone number to Outpatient Surgery is (734) 936-8800.
- The entire procedure generally takes about one hour. You will then go to a recovery room for at least one hour. Once the anesthesia has worn off you will be sent home.
MEDICATIONS: You should avoid taking aspirin containing medications as well as nonsteroidal (anti-inflammatory) medications for one week prior to surgery. Examples of nonsteroidal (anti-inflammatory) medications include: Ibuprofen, Advil©, Motrin©, Aleve© and Nuprin©. Please notify your surgeon prior to surgery if you are taking Coumadin, other blood thinning medications, or are diabetic. You should review all other medications with the preoperative nurse when you call the day before your surgery.
- Shower or bathe as usual on the day of the biopsy. Do not use any deodorant, powder or lotion on the breast, which will be biopsied.
- You will be given special instructions about eating and drinking before the procedure.
- You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- You may wish to bring some money with you so that you can fill any medication prescriptions you may receive after surgery.
- It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and bring a tight fitting, supportive bra to the procedure (even if you don't usually wear one).
- The dressing placed over the incision may be removed the next day. This will be clarified the day of surgery with your discharge papers. While the dressing is in place, it must stay clean and dry.
- Generally, showering after the biopsy is OK. If a dressing is placed over the site you should ask your doctor for approval. Avoid sitting in water up to the biopsy site (such as a bathtub, swimming pool, hot tub) for 7-10 days after the procedure.
- You will be able to return home after the procedure. You should wear a supportive bra after the procedure for comfort. A supportive bra will help minimize pulling on the biopsy site from the weight of your breast. Some women sleep with their bra on the first few nights after a biopsy. Many women return to work and their normal activity the day after surgery. You may need to limit those activities which involve heavy lifting or strenuous arm movements.
- The doctor may write a prescription for pain medication for any discomfort you may have.
- Do not be alarmed if you notice bruising around the area. This is common, and the bruise will fade.
Although complications are rare, they can include infection, bleeding, and occasionally fluid collection in the biopsy area.
You should notify the surgical nurses if you develop:
- A temperature higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Swelling of the breast
- Any unusual symptoms that concern you
If you have postoperative problems or concerns you should contact the Surgical Oncology Nurses at:
Business hours: (734) 936-7833
After Hours (5pm - 8am), weekends and holidays: (734) 936-6267 ask the paging operator to have the on Call Surgery Oncology Resident paged.
The biopsy results will be made available to your physician within 5-7 business days. You should contact the office of your surgeon to obtain the results or if you have any questions regarding test results.
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