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How a vacuum-assisted core breast biopsy is taken


Vacuum-assisted biopsy is a new procedure that involves a biopsy being taken through a small incision in the skin. This procedure uses ultrasound or mammography projections to assist the surgeon in guiding the instrument into the area in need of biopsy. The vacuum-assisted biopsy allows the surgeon to remove several samples of the tissue with only one insertion of the vacuum and one very small incision in the patient's breast.

If you are scheduled for a vacuum-assisted biopsy:
The area of the breast being biopsied is cleaned, and a small amount of local anesthetic is injected into the breast in the area of the biopsy. The mammogram images or the use of an ultrasound enables the technician to place a breast probe in the necessary area. The vacuum brings the breast tissue through the opening of the probe into an area called the sampling chamber. Once the tissue is in the sampling chamber, the rotating mechanism is advanced and a tissue sample is captured. The sample is then carried through the probe to the tissue collection area. The sampling chamber is moved approximately 30 degrees into another position and another sample is taken. Approximately eight to ten samples are taken with the vacuum-assisted biopsy method.

The probe is removed, and pressure is placed onto the incision site. A small bandage will be placed over the incision. In some situations, a small sterile clip will be placed into the biopsy site to mark the location. This is done in case a future biopsy is needed. This clip is left inside the breast and causes no pain, cannot be physically detected and causes no harm to the patient.

The tissue samples will be taken to a laboratory for diagnosis.

After the biopsy you may experience minor bruising and swelling and slight discomfort. Some patients are instructed by their surgeon to take Tylenol for discomfort in the days following the biopsy. If you experience major swelling, draining, leakage, redness, bleeding or "hot" skin on the breast you should contact your surgeon/physician immediately.

you should not wear deodorant, powder, lotion or perfume on the day of the procedure. These can cause image artifacts or other problems. If you take blood thinners or aspirin you should talk to their physicians about whether they should be discontinued prior to vacuum-assisted biopsy.

While the vacuum-assisted biopsy has many advantages over the other biopsy options, it may not be the ideal biopsy type for specific patients and their breast lumps. A qualified surgeon will be able to determine if you are a candidate for vacuum-assisted biopsy.
I had this test. It was ok, just take some panadol a few hours later as a little pain may be expected.

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