What is an open breast biopsy?

What is an open breast biopsy?

An open breast biopsy is surgery to remove abnormal breast tissue. The breast tissue will be sent to a lab, where a doctor will look at the tissue under a microscope to check for breast cancer. Your doctor may have some answers right away. But it can take up to 1 to 2 weeks to get the final results.

How long does an open breast biopsy take?

The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on. The surgery will take about 1 hour.

What is the recovery time for an excisional biopsy?

You typically may resume normal activity the day after your surgery. Do not do any aerobic or strength exercising for one week without consulting your physician. Beware of any trauma to the surgical site for at least one week after the surgery. You should get your results 3 to 5 working days after the surgery.

Is open biopsy painful?

The biopsy site may be sore and tender for up to a week. If you had an open biopsy, a cut (incision) was made through the skin to expose an area of the bone. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight. The biopsy site may be sore and tender for up to a week.

How big is the incision for a breast biopsy?

A small incision about 1/4 inch long (about 6 millimeters) is made to allow the core needle to be inserted. Several samples of tissue are taken.

Is it normal to feel sick after a breast biopsy?

You may have some discomfort or pain from the incision. If you had a general anesthetic, you may feel sick to your stomach. If you have pain, discomfort or nausea, tell your nurse.

When would you use an excisional biopsy?

When possible, excisional biopsy is the preferred method when melanoma is suspected. An excisional biopsy, also called a wide local incision, involves surgical removal of a tumor and some normal tissue around it. The amount of normal tissue taken (also called the clinical margin) depends on the thickness of the tumor.

How long does an open biopsy take?

An open biopsy is done in an operating room by a surgeon. During the biopsy, you lay on an operating bed. An open biopsy takes 30 to 60 minutes. Before an open biopsy, you will be given general anesthesia or medicine to block feeling in the area where the skin cut is made.

Can you drive yourself home after a biopsy?

When you go home: Keep a bandage on the biopsy site for a day. Do not drive or run machinery for at least 24 hours. Do not do any strenuous exercise or lifting for at least two days. Do not take a hot bath or shower for at least 12 hours.

Can I shower after breast biopsy?

You can shower 24 hours (1 day) after your biopsy. Remove your bandage before showering but leave the Steri-Strips in place. Let the shower water run over your biopsy site. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel.