What You Need to Know About Breast Biopsies

Before a breast biopsy, it's helpful to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking. A breast biopsy doesn't carry a significant risk of blood-thinning medications, but the radiologist performing the biopsy may still order blood tests related to bleeding.

Fine-needle or core-needle biopsies take approximately 15 minutes. Vacuum-assisted biopsies take approximately 25 minutes. Patients can return to their daily routines immediately after the biopsy. With the exception of vacuum-assisted biopsies, stitches are not required at the needle insertion site. It's an extremely easy and quick procedure for an experienced breast radiologist. Complications such as bleeding and infection are very rare.

Because vacuum-assisted biopsy allows for the removal of large samples, it can be used not only for diagnostic purposes but also for the complete removal of certain masses. Used in conjunction with mammography, this method is used to remove microcalcifications and, under ultrasound guidance, for the non-surgical removal of fibroadenomas.