BREAST BIOPSY BY NEEDLE ASPIRATION

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of fluid or tissue from one of the female breasts.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Breast.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Diagnosis of a thickening or lump.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Smoking.
• Recent or chronic illness.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Family doctor or general surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, doctor's office or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Medical history and physical examination; blood and urine studies; x-rays of chest; mammogram (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed fluid or tissue.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia by injection or no anesthetic may be necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION--A small hollow needle is inserted into the thickening or lump. If the thickening or lump is a cyst, fluid usually can be removed and the cyst will shrink or disappear. The removed fluid is sent to the laboratory to be examined for abnormal cells. If a solid tumor is detected, tissue is removed through the needle for laboratory examination.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Infection in surgical area (rare).
• Collection of blood (hematoma) under the skin where needle was inserted.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 1 week for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve pain in the surgical area.
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the area of needle insertion gently with mild unscented soap.
• Wear a supportive bra. Apply bandages to the surgical wound and change them as directed by your doctor.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 3 days after returning from the hospital.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.