VACUUM ASSISTED BREAST BIOPSY

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1 VACUUM ASSISTED BREAST BIOPSY Information Leaflet Your Health. Our Priority.

2 Page 2 of 5 What is a vacuum assisted biopsy? A vacuum assisted biopsy is an examination where small samples of breast tissue are taken from the breast using a special hollow probe attached to a gentle vacuum pump. The samples are then sent to the laboratory for processing and examined under a microscope. This takes several days. If you have any queries or concerns about having a biopsy please contact the Breast Care Nurses on About the procedure You may be in the X-Ray department for up to 1 hour. If you wish to bring a family member/ friend with you then this is ok. We recommend that you do not wear jewellery as we may have to ask you to remove this during your examination. You will be asked to undress to the waist. If you are taking tablets to thin the blood (anticoagulants, like Aspirin or Warfarin), you should tell the Doctor or Radiographer. You should also let them know if you are allergic to injections of local anaesthetic- these are commonly used at the dentists. During the procedure There are two methods that can be used to take a vacuum assisted biopsy, either: Biopsy using X-Rays If the biopsy is to be carried out using the X-Ray machine for guidance you will be seated in a chair and the Radiographer will position your breast in the machine. A computer is linked to the machine to work out where the probe should be placed in order to obtain a good sample. OR Biopsy using Ultrasound If the biopsy is to be carried out using the ultrasound machine for guidance, you will be asked to lie on the examination couch and the Radiologist will then scan your breast to find the affected area. In both cases a full explanation will be given as the test is being carried out. Please feel free to ask questions at any stage. A local anaesthetic will be administered before any samples are taken. The probe will be inserted through the skin and will suck breast tissue into a small cylinder. Several samples will be taken without removing the probe. It may be necessary to place a tiny marker at the site from where the samples have been taken. The marker will be either metal or gel depending on how the biopsy is performed. This is so that the area can be identified again if necessary. If you do not require any further treatment

3 Page 3 of 5 this marker will remain in the breast tissue and will not cause you any harm. The Radiologist will discuss this with you at the start of the examination. After the procedure Firm pressure will be applied to the area for several minutes to stop any bleeding and reduce bruising. A dressing will be applied over the area. This may be removed after 24 hours. If the biopsy site should bleed after the test, cover with a clean dressing and apply firm pressure until the bleeding stops. If the wound becomes red and sore in the days following the biopsy, it might have become infected. Please consult your GP. You may develop a small scar. You are likely to experience some bruising over the area that has been sampled. This is normal and will disappear in time. If you experience any discomfort, normal pain relievers such as paracetamol may be taken. You should not take aspirin as this may increase bruising. You should not undertake any activity which involves excessive arm movement or may cause the biopsy site to bleed for 24 hrs following the procedure. Results You will be told when and where you will receive your results before you leave the department after the examination. Risks A breast biopsy is a safe and common procedure. Unfortunately, like any procedure there is always the risk that a complication may develop. Any bruising should fade within 7-10 days. There may be bleeding from the biopsy site. Pressure will be applied and you will be able to go home once the bleeding has stopped, usually within a few minutes. Occasionally, there may be an allergic reaction to local anaesthetic, in which case you may be given medication to counteract this. If the wound becomes red and sore in the days following the biopsy, it might have become infected. Please consult your GP. Care must also be taken that the needle does not pass beyond the breast and through the chest wall (especial care must be taken if the lump is at the back of a small breast). Very rarely the biopsy could cause a small collapse of the lung. If you experience any unusual shortness of breath or chest pain you need to go immediately to your nearest Emergency Department.

4 Page 4 of 5 If the biopsy site should start to bleed again after you have left the hospital cover with a clean dressing and apply FIRM pressure until the bleeding stops. Re-apply a clean dressing. Benefits This test gives the doctors a diagnosis so that they can plan your treatment. Alternatives Without this biopsy an operation would be necessary to find out what is happening inside your breast. Contact us X-Ray Department Breast Care Nurses If you need any assistance with transport to the hospital please contact your GP. For visually impaired patients we have sighted guides in the main reception of the hospital.

5 Page 5 of 5 If you would like this leaflet in a different format, for example, in large print, or on audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact: Patient and Customer Services, Poplar Suite, Stepping Hill Hospital. Tel: PCS@stockport.nhs.uk. Our smoke free policy Smoking is not allowed anywhere on our sites. Please read our leaflet 'Policy on Smoke Free NHS Premises' to find out more. Leaflet number RAD74 Publication date June 2016 Review date June 2018 Department Radiology, X-Ray B Location Stepping Hill Hospital