What do I do before and after my biopsy?
Before your biopsy:
We prefer that you avoid the following medications for 5-7 days before your appointment. Each of these increases your risk of bleeding.
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Anti-coagulants (“blood thinners” such as COUMADIN and HEPARIN).
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ASPIRIN, ADVIL, MOTRIN, IBUPROFEN, BUFFERIN, NAPROSYN, AND ALEVE (those taken mainly for pain or arthritis), or large doses of vitamin E or fish oil.
These medications can affect blood clotting. If these are medications that you take regularly at the direction of a physician, please call us to discuss your special needs. Multi-vitamins are OK.
We would also like to know of any allergic or unresponsiveness to local anesthetic injections, such as Lidocaine, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction or event that required medical attention during any x-ray, medical or dental procedure.
After your biopsy instructions:
1.You may resume your normal daily activities although we ask that you avoid any heavy lifting with the arm on the side of your biopsy.
2. You will be able to drive yourself home or to work following the biopsy, however many women choose to have a companion come with them to offer support.
3. After care, instructions will be discussed with you before you leave our center. You will be given written instructions to take home with you.
4. We will give you a small ice pack to slip into your bra over the biopsy site. We ask you to use ice during the day of your biopsy as much as possible to reduce soreness, bleeding, and bruising. Discontinue using an ice pack once you go to bed that night.
5. The dressing is waterproof so you will be able to bathe and swim following the biopsy. You will remove the outer lay of the dressing 24-36 hours following the biopsy. Steristrips (small pieces of sterile tape that are used in place of stitches to minimize scaring) will remain in place 3-7 days.
What do I need to do the day of my Biopsy?
1. Eat a light breakfast or lunch prior to the biopsy.
2. Wash your breasts and underarms thoroughly with soap and water. Do not use perfumes, deodorant, or lotion.
3. Wear loose-fitting, two-piece clothes to simplify undressing and dressing. Wear a bra.
4. Be prepared to spend about 2 hours at ProScan Pink Ribbon Center.
What should I watch for?
Infection following a breast biopsy is very uncommon, but can occur despite our best sterile techniques.
If you notice a slight redness and swelling at the site of the incision, put some antibacterial ointment on the skin and watch it closely. If it has not resolved in 8-12 hours, please call your ProscanPinkRibbonCenter.
If you notice that your breast is red and swollen or that you have a fever or chills, please contact your primary care physician.
How long does it take to get the results?
Results of the microscopic examination of the biopsy tissue samples will be called to your doctor within three (3) working days from the time of the biopsy. Your doctor will discuss the biopsy results with you. Please call your doctor on the fourth working day after the biopsy if you have not received the results by then.
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