What is it? 

​​A breast biopsyia is a procedure to remove a small sample of breast tissue for laboratory analysis. It is a way of evaluating a suspicious area of the breast in order to examine it for the presence of disease. 

What is it? ​

​

​A breast biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of breast tissue for laboratory analysis. It is a way of evaluating a suspicious area of the breast in order to examine it for the presence of disease.

​

Instructions before the procedure

​

Follow the instructions below carefully, the success of the procedure depends largely on your collaboration.

1. Eight (8) days before your procedure you should not take medications that contain acetylsalicylic acid such as: Distan, Aspirin, Alkaseltzer, Asawin. 

2. If you consume or receive any of the following medications, you must stop eight (8) days before: Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Heparin, Coumadin, Clopidogrel, Persantin, Liquemine, Ecotrin, Plavix, Clexane, Iscover, Fraxiparine. Natural medicine such as vitamin E and vitamin C, Gingo Biloba, Garlic, Omega 3, EPA, Ginger, Ginseng, multivitamins with E supplement. 

3. Five (5) days before the procedure you should not take anti-inflammatory drugs such as: Motrin, Advil, Feldene, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Postan, Naproxen, Voltaren, Indocid. 

4. If the patient is hypertensive, DO NOT suspend the medication for hypertension and have a check-up performed one week before the procedure at your care center.

5. The treating specialist will order coagulation tests PT, TPT, INR, Platelets, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit in the same week of the exam. (These are essential clinical laboratory tests for the procedure). They must have normal values.

6. Bring results of previous imaging studies, if they have been done (ultrasounds, x-rays, tomographies, magnetic resonances). 

Procedure day

• You must rest the day of the procedure. 

• You must be accompanied by a person of legal age, with decision-making capacity.
  Please show up 30 minutes before your appointment, to carry out the admission process.

• General bathroom. You must come in comfortable clothing, without accessories or jewelry or valuables.

Post Procedure Instructions

​

1. Placing local ice on the biopsy site for 10 to 15 minutes several times in the first 24 hours after the procedure. This helps reduce swelling and bruising which will disappear within the first week. Take medication as directed by your doctor.

2. Keep the biopsy site covered with a bandage for the first 48 hours after the procedure, then it can be removed.

3. You can shower 24 hours after taking the biopsy, cover the bandage, do not get it wet, keep it clean and dry 

4. Have absolute rest during the first 6 hours following the procedure. Rest refers to NOT performing heavy physical activities or sudden movements.

5. You may leave the procedure with a small wound with stitches or medical tape and covered with a bandage, which will put pressure on it.

6. If there is bleeding at the site, apply light pressure with gauze, compressing for 4 hours after the procedure. 

7. After the procedure you must continue with your usual medication and diet.

8. If you have pain, take the medications ordered by the specialist.

Warning signs and symptoms

In the event of profuse bleeding, swelling and pain, paleness, sweating, dizziness, fainting, fever or leakage of purulent material or profuse bleeding from the operated area, or respiratory distress, you should consult the emergency room.