Breast Biopsy - Taking Care of Yourself at Home
This handout was written to help you prepare for your biopsy and to plan for your recovery at home. We realize this is a difficult time for you and your family. We hope this information will be helpful and we invite you to ask questions. If you have any questions or concerns after you go home, please call the Breast Center at (608) 266-6400, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. After hours, nights and weekends, please call (608) 262-0486. This will give you the paging operator. Ask for the doctor on call with Dr. ________________________. Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, please call: 1-800-323-8942.
Biopsy Result s
We know it can be hard to wait for the results of your biopsy. Your surgeon or nurse practitioner will either call you or ask you to come back to the clinic to discuss the results.
Care of the Incision
You may have a dressing over the biopsy site. Leave the dressing on for ___________hours. Then, remove the dressing. Look at the incision daily. If you notice any of the following signs of infection, call your doctor.
- Temperature over 100° F for 2 consecutive readings 4 hours apart
- Significant swelling, firmness, or increased warmth
- Increased redness
- Pus around the incision
- Heavy bleeding from the incision
You do not need to wear a dressing over the incision. However, a gauze dressing may be worn if this would be more comfortable for you. A supportive bra (no underwire) worn after surgery will give the incision support and may decrease discomfort.
You may have small strips of white tape (Steri-strips) over the incision. They will start to peel off in about 5-7 days. Keep the incision completely dry for _______hours/days. You may shower if you tape a piece of plastic wrap over the incision. You may shower normally after ________hours/days. Do not soak in the tub or swim until the incision is completely healed, usually 7-10 days.
Activity
Plan to rest after you go home. You have received medicine to sedate you (make you sleepy) so you should not drive, drink alcohol, or make any important personal decisions. Also, do not drink alcohol or drive if you are taking prescription pain pills. You may return to work the next day unless your job requires heavy physical labor. Ask your doctor if you have concerns about your activities.
Pain Medicine
For mild discomfort, you may find taking two Extra-Strength TylenolÒ every six hours will give you relief. Do not take more than eight Extra-Strength TylenolÒ in a 24-hour period. For more intense pain, a prescription for a narcotic pain medicine may be given to you.
Breast Self-Exam
It is important that you do a careful breast self-exam each month. You may feel a firm area over the biopsy site which will soften over time. The incision will look pink and the skin around it may look bruised for a few weeks. Some numbness may occur around the incision. Normal feeling will most likely return in a couple of months. If you find a new lump or notice other changes, please see your doctor promptly.
Spanish Version Health Facts for You #5987
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/23/2008
Copyright © 07/23/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4279
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