Jewish General Hospital Segal Cancer Centre
BREAST CLINIC

What to expect when you require a biopsy

The Day of Your Biopsy 

• Your biopsy will be scheduled in advance by a nurse clinician in the Breast Referral and Investigation Centre.

• On the day of your biopsy, please report to the Pavilion E, 10th floor at your scheduled time*

• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. 

• Please advise us if you have any allergies, take aspirin, or any medications that could thin your blood (anti-coagulants or blood thinners). Also, please advise us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. 

• You may be asked to lay on your back or your stomach for the duration of the biopsy.

• Prior to the biopsy, patients receive an injection of local anesthetic to freeze or numb the skin in the area of the biopsy. 

• At the time of the biopsy, it is routine to place a tiny marker or clip in the breast at the site of the biopsy.  This is done so that the area biopsied can be identified on future breast imaging studies. Furthermore, if the biopsy shows cancer or another abnormality, your surgeon will be able to locate the precise area to be removed. These clips do not cause any pain and are MRI-compatible. They are otherwise undetectable and will not cause metal detectors to go off (ie. at the airport).

• After your biopsy, the doctor or nurse may compress the area to prevent any bruising or bleeding. Small strips and/or a bandage will then be placed over the biopsy site. 

*Note: MRI guided biopsies are performed in a different location in the Department of Radiology. For MRI-guided biopsies, please report to the MRI department, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor, Room D-205 (below). Prior to MRI-guided biopsies, it is important to advise us of any kidney problems, if you have a pacemaker or other electronic or metal devices in your body, or if you are pregnant.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Post Biopsy Instructions

• Please keep the strips/bandage in place for next three (3) days.

• You can shower the day after your biopsy.

• You may apply cold compress to the area. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you may take Tylenol every 6 hours as needed.

• Wearing a bra will help support the heaviness and /or sensitivity.

• You may notice a bruise and coloured (bluish or yellowish) skin around the incision area. This is normal and the symptoms should disappear in approximately two weeks.

• You may resume your usual activities within one day. However, avoid any heavy impact activity such as jumping, jogging, or lifting for the next 3 days.

• Although rare, if you develop symptoms of infection, redness, warmth, pain, fever, please present to the the Emergency Department.

• For those on blood thinners (anti-coagulant medication): You can resume these medications the next day, unless advised otherwise by the radiologist during the procedure.

​

Discussing Your Biopsy Results

• The results of your biopsy will be forwarded from the pathology department to your referring physician in the 10 days following your procedure. The pathology report from your breast biopsy will help your physician determine whether additional consultations with a breast specialist or treatment are required. Please schedule a follow up visit with your referring physician to discuss your results.

• If you do not receive any news, please contact your referring physician. 

For any questions about your scheduled biopsy, contact: