You may need to remove some clothing and/or change into a gown for the exam. Remove jewellery, removable dental appliances, eyeglasses, and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.

Women should always tell their doctor if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

You should not wear deodorant, powder, lotion or perfume under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam.

Prior to a needle biopsy, you should report to your doctor all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to anesthesia. Your physician may advise you to stop taking aspirin, blood thinners, or certain herbal supplements for three to five days before your procedure to decrease your risk of bleeding. Also, inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.

The procedure takes approx. 45 minutes with a varying amount of time taken in positioning the patient to ensure the area to be biopsied is within the optimal field of vision. The digital spot is easier, quicker and more accurate in determining the exact position of a suspected lesion.

A reclinable chair is used and you will be sitting or lying down for the procedure depending on the location of the abnormality. Positioning is determined by choosing the shortest route to the lesion from the skin surface. The breast is compressed throughout the procedure to immobilise and eliminate blurring of the images. Digital images of the area seen on the mammogram are taken and the computer is the used to pinpoint the exact position of the lesion and guide us to the area for biopsy. During the procedure, generally five needle passes are executed, taking tissue samples.

At the end of the procedure pressure is maintained at the site of the biopsy and a sterile Opsite dressing is used to protect the puncture site.

You will be awake during your biopsy and should have little discomfort. Many women report little pain and no scarring on the breast. However, certain patients, including those with dense breast tissue or abnormalities near the chest wall or behind the nipple, may be more sensitive during the procedure.

When you receive the local anesthetic to numb the skin, you will feel a pin prick from the needle followed by a mild stinging sensation from the local anesthetic. You will likely feel some pressure when the doctor inserts the biopsy needle and during tissue sampling. This is normal. The area will become numb within a few seconds.

If you experience swelling and bruising following your biopsy, the radiologist may tell you to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and to use a cold pack. Temporary bruising is normal.

Call your doctor if you experience excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, redness, or heat in the breast.

Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after the biopsy. The radiologist will outline more detailed post-procedure care instructions for you.

The sample collected is sent to a laboratory for a pathologist to examine the specimen and make a diagnosis. 

The results will be sent to your referring doctor, please visit them to obtain the results.