Ultrasound Guided Core Biopsy

A core biopsy is performed to help determine the nature or diagnosis of a breast abnormality and to plan treatment if necessary. At Apex Radiology, the breast core biopsy is performed under ultrasound guidance, this shows an image of the inside of your breast on a screen to allow the doctor to visualise the needle is correctly placed.

A referral from your doctor or medical specialist and an appointment is required for this examination. Please let us know when making your appointment if you are taking medication that makes you bruise or bleed easily.

When you arrive at Apex Radiology you will be asked to remove all jewellery and clothing from the waist up and change into a loose fitting examination gown. The skin of the breast is then washed with antiseptic and a very fine needle is used to give local anaesthetic to numb the breast in the area for biopsy.  The local anaesthetic may sting for a few seconds when it is being given and after this the area numb. A small nick or cut is made in the skin and the biopsy needle is gently inserted into the breast using the ultrasound for guidance. Several samples will be taken. When each sample is taken there is a clicking noise, and you may have a feeling of pressure in the breast where the sample is taken. The biopsy procedure may sometimes feel uncomfortable but is not usually painful because of the local anaesthetic that has been given. Taking the biopsy samples takes just a few minutes. After the samples have been taken, the biopsy area will be held firmly for a few minutes to minimize any bruising or bleeding, and then covered with a dressing. Please allow about an hour for the procedure.

Breast core biopsy is a safe procedure, but it is not uncommon for some bruising to appear on the skin at the biopsy site over the next few days. Sometimes the bruise may develop within the breast tissue causing a tender lump that may take one to two weeks to disappear. Infection is rare following a core biopsy; please let your doctor know if you develop symptoms after your biopsy.

At Apex Radiology your core biopsy will be performed by a radiologist (a doctor specialising in medical imaging), who will send a report to your referring doctor detailing the procedure that has been performed. The results from the core biopsy will be provided directly to your referring doctor by the Pathology provider that the sample is sent to.

After your breast biopsy the biopsy site may be tender or show some bruising. You may place an ice pack over the biopsy site for no more than 20 minutes. We suggest taking Paracetamol for discomfort. You will be able to leave the clinic shortly after the procedure.

• You may drive yourself home after the procedure.
• Most people can return to work the same day.
• You should refrain from exercise for 24 hours following your biopsy.
• Your dressing may be worn in the shower and removed after two to three days.
• If your breast becomes red, swollen or tender in the days after your biopsy please consult your doctor or contact the Apex Radiology clinic to review the biopsy site.

The results from the core biopsy will be provided directly to your referring doctor by the Pathology provider that the sample has been sent to. Results from core biopsy are usually available within 36 hours, but can take up to 5 days. Please ensure that you make a follow up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your biopsy results.

Apex Radiology offers Ultrasound Guided Core Biopsy at:

• Peel Health Campus
• Bunbury Health Campus