A core biopsy involves taking small samples of tissue from the breast with a special needle called a core needle. It is done to test an area of the breast tissue without surgery. During a stereotactic biopsy, a special mammography machine is used. It will help the radiologist find the area that needs to be sampled. These samples are then sent to a pathology lab for testing. A biopsy is often needed when an abnormal finding is seen on your mammogram, ultrasound or breast MRI.

Ask a family member or friend to be with you during your appointment.

Do this on the day of your appointment:

• Take a shower. The biopsy site will need to be dry for at least 24 hours after your biopsy. You will not be able to shower for a day.
• Take your regular medicines.
• Do not use deodorant or scented products around your underarm and breast area. This may affect how clear the images will be.
• Eat and drink normally.
• Wear comfortable clothes.

Tell the doctor who referred if you are:

• Taking a blood thinner medication (Aspirin, Heparin, Fragmin, Vitamin E). If you are taking Warfarin, the radiologist will need a copy of your latest International Normalized Ratio (INR) blood test. This will show them whether it is safe to do a biopsy. If you are taking Heparin, you may need to stop taking it for a short time.
• Taking an anti-inflammatory
• Allergic to Xylocaine or Lidocaine (used to numb the biopsy area).
• Bring your prior mammogram, ultrasound films and reports, referring doctor’s letter/prescription and list of medications you are on with you

1. The radiologist will review your mammogram, breast ultrasound and or breast MRI images. This will help them decide the best way to do your biopsy.
2. Your will lie on the side. Your breast(s) will be positioned after being compressed by a special paddle. The paddle has a small opening in the middle.
3. The radiologist will take some x-ray pictures of the breast. This will help will locate the area of the biopsy.
4. You will get a needle shot with medicine to numb your skin. The needle may sting briefly. After this, you should have very little or no discomfort. If you feel pain at any time during the biopsy, let the radiologist know. They may give you more numbing medication.
5. A small cut will be made. The biopsy needle will be inserted through the cut several times. All the tissue samples will be taken through this one cut. You may feel some pressure when the biopsy needle is inserted.
6. Depending on the area to be biopsied, the radiologist may use needles of different sizes (may include a vacuum-assisted needle). This method uses pressure to pull a small amount of tissue from the breast through the needle.
7. A small clip will be placed into the biopsy site. This clip will show up on all your future mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs. The clip is made of titanium or stainless steel. It will not activate at airport security checks.
8. After the biopsy is done, your breast will be bandaged tightly. A cold ice pack will also be applied to your breast.
9. The tissue samples will be sent to the pathology lab. A pathologist will look at the samples.

The entire process may take around 60 minutes, but it takes only 20 minutes to take the tissue samples. Be relaxed, breathe normally and stay still for the entire test. You will be in the clinic for about an hour.

The technologist will teach you how to care for yourself after the biopsy. You may have some bruising or tenderness in your breast for a few days. This is expected and will slowly go away.

Do this to care for your biopsy site:

• Wear a tight-fitting bra for support.
• Keep the area dry for 24 hours.
• Do not perform strenuous activities for the next 3 days. This includes sports or lifting heavy things.
• If you need to take something for discomfort take T. Crocin. Avoid Combiflam, Ibuprofen.

Please inform the clinic immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Service if you experience the following:

• Temperature greater than 100^°F
• Excessive pain or discomfort
• Signs of infection at the biopsy site such as swelling, skin redness or discharge
• Continuous bleeding from the biopsy site

• Your pathology results should be ready in 3-4 working days. You will be informed once your results are ready. You need to provide us with a telephone number where you can be reached.
• In most cases, if your pathology results are benign (negative for cancer), we recommend that you return for follow-up imaging. Please consult your doctor for your post-biopsy follow-up instructions.
• In some cases, the tissue sampled is not benign. Your referring doctor will advise you on your next step. Typically, your doctor will refer you to a breast surgeon for a consultation.