General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
A core biopsy may be proposed after an abnormality is found on mammography, ultrasound or MRI. The sample allows tissue to be analysed; the prescription alone does not mean the abnormality is cancer.
Before the procedure, tell the team about any anticoagulant or aspirin, bleeding disorder and allergies, especially to local anaesthetics. The doctor will give individual instructions: do not change or stop medication on your own.
Ask the centre for your individual instructions. Nancy University Hospital advises against applying cosmetics to the breasts for 72 hours before its core biopsy; you may receive different instructions for your situation.
After skin cleaning and local anaesthetic, a small incision allows the needle to be inserted. The doctor locates the area using imaging and takes several samples; the procedure described in Nancy uses ultrasound guidance.
Before leaving, ask for written aftercare instructions and whom to contact if a problem occurs. Nancy recommends keeping the dressing for 48 hours and avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours; follow your own team’s instructions.
Tissue analysis establishes the nature of the abnormality. Agree with your doctor when and how to receive the results and discuss next steps, since the time depends on the laboratory and analysis.
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