Your doctor may refer you for a breast biopsy to find out more about an area identified on a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, such as a lump, an area of calcification, or a change compared with previous imaging. A biopsy is often the next step when your doctor needs more information than imaging alone can provide. 

A breast biopsy allows a pathologist to examine the tissue sample closely and determine whether the area is benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous. This gives your doctor the information needed to plan your next steps, whether that is reassurance, monitoring, or further treatment. 

Your skin will be cleaned, and a local anaesthetic will be given via a small injection. This is highly effective and usually takes only a few minutes to take effect, though it does not completely remove all sensation. Ice will also be applied to the area before and after your procedure.

A small opening is then made in the skin, and a biopsy device is used to collect tissue samples, guided by ultrasound. You may hear a clicking or snapping sound as each sample is taken, but it should not hurt. Let your radiologist know if you are still feeling pain, so more anaesthetic can be given. Several samples are usually taken so the pathologist can carry out thorough tests.

If required, particularly for smaller areas of concern (under 6mm) that may be fully removed during the biopsy, a small metallic clip may be placed at the site so it can be found again on future imaging. This clip carries an additional cost that is not covered by Medicare - our team can let you know how much this will be.

When the local anaesthetic is given, you may feel some initial stinging or pressure. Once it takes effect, most patients experience minimal discomfort. If you feel pain during the procedure, please let your radiologist know so more anaesthetic can be given. 

Bring your referral, Medicare card, and any previous breast imaging or reports. Please tell our team about any allergies (including to local anaesthetic), any medical conditions, whether you have breast implants, and any medications or supplements that affect bleeding, such as blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) or fish oil. 

A breast biopsy is usually a quick procedure, typically taking no more than 30 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on the area being sampled and whether more than one site needs to be biopsied. 

A waterproof dressing will be applied after your procedure. You can shower as normal, and the dressing should remain in place for 4 to 5 days. Keep the area clean and monitor it for any significant changes.

Some pain and bruising can occur in the days after a biopsy. To help with recovery:

• Apply firm pressure to the area on the day of your biopsy, where possible
• Avoid strenuous exercise for one day following your biopsy
• Use Panadol or paracetamol for pain relief if needed
• Apply a cold pack to the area to help with swelling or discomfort 

Complications are rare, but as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including:

• Infection, especially if you are immunocompromised or diabetic
• Bleeding - the risk is higher if you take blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) or supplements such as fish oil
• Light-headedness
• Nausea or fainting (a vasovagal reaction)
• Injury to nearby structures, such as the muscle wall. If you have breast implants, care is taken to avoid the implant, but damage cannot be entirely excluded
• Allergic reactions

A small percentage of biopsies return a result that is inconclusive or does not fully correlate with what was expected. This cannot be known at the time of the procedure. If this happens, your referring doctor will discuss further options with you.

If you experience sudden swelling, excess bleeding, redness, or significant pain, please contact your GP or your local hospital.

Reports will be sent to your referring doctor once available; please contact them directly to review your results.  

Bulk billing is available for eligible Medicare-rebatable services at participating clinics. If a marker clip is placed, this carries an additional cost that is not covered by Medicare. Our team will confirm any costs with you when you book. 

We recommend arranging alternative childcare for the day of your procedure or bringing another adult with you to care for your child. Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area.