Services » General Surgery » Breast Biopsy

General Information

Biopsies are performed to examine masses found on examination or mammogram and to investigate drainage from the nipple. Fortunately, most biopsies are benign (do not show cancer) but this cannot be determined without removing the tissue. Other things that cause masses include fibrocystic changes (fibrous tissue and cysts), fibroadenomas, papillomas, scarring from trauma, and changes in the fat.

Surgery

Biopsies may be performed under general anesthesia (“put to sleep”) or local anesthesia (the area is “numbed up”) with sedation. An incision is made over the mass and the mass with some surrounding normal tissue is removed. The incision is closed with sutures that will dissolve so they will not need to be removed. The cavity will fill with fluid and may feel hard for some time, but unless a large amount of tissue was removed, the area will eventually feel normal. The mass is sent to the pathologist who will examine it over the next several days.

If the mass was detected by mammogram or ultrasound and cannot be felt, it will need to be “localized” prior to surgery. On the day of your surgery, the radiologist will use mammograms to place a wire into the mass. At surgery, the wire will be followed to locate the mass.

Risks and Complications

Complications are rare but include bleeding, infection, and scarring. The incision is placed to minimize scarring but some people form thick scars and it cannot be avoided. Bruising is not uncommon and will go away over a week or two.

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Demorest, GA 30535
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