Ultrasound Guided Core Biopsy

This page has been produced to help explain the biopsy you have had. We hope that you will find it helpful.

What is an ultrasound guided core biopsy?

An ultrasound guided core biopsy is the way we take a sample of breast tissue so that it can be looked at under a microscope. We use the ultrasound machine to guide us to the area that we want to take the sample from.

Why have I had this procedure carried out?

You have had this procedure carried out because there is an area in your breast that we need to take a closer look at, so that a diagnosis can be made.

Results

You will be informed before you leave the clinic how and when you will get the results of the biopsy.

After your biopsy

You have had some local anaesthetic, which has numbed the area. This will wear off after a few hours and you may feel some soreness. A mild painkiller such as paracetamol may be taken (avoid aspirin/ibuprofen).

Wound dressing

You have had some paper stitches and a showerproof dressing applied to the area. You can remove these after two to three days by soaking them off in the bath.

Bruising

It is normal to have some bruising around the area of the biopsy but this should start to go in one to two weeks.

Bathing / swimming

It is fine to have a shower or a shallow bath. Do not soak the dressing in the bath until you are going to remove it. Do not swim until the wound has healed.

Bleeding

Very occasionally some people experience a small amount of bleeding. If this happens, apply firm pressure over the top of the dressing with the flat of your hand for five minutes and it should stop.

If you have any concerns about the wound please contact us or your GP for advice.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published January 2023. Review due January 2026. NBT002743