Where: |  | You will report to the Radiology registration area on the 1st floor of Cobb Tower, Oconee Regional Medical Center. |
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Purpose : | | This type of needle biopsy is used to sample an abnormality seen on a mammogram. Almost all abnormalities seen on mammography can be sampled this way. This procedure is a less invasive alternative to surgical biopsy. |
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Preparation: | | You will need to bring a copy of your insurance card and your doctor’s order. Patient should avoid Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen and similar medications for five days prior to the procedure as these medications can cause bleeding. Tylenol does not increase the chance of bleeding and is the preferred medication for pain during the five days preceding the procedure. Any patient taking coumadin or heparin should speak with their physician prior to scheduling the procedures. Since you will need to undress from the waist up, please wear a two-piece outfit and a bra which will provide support for an ice pack after the procedure. It is a good idea to bring someone with you to drive you home. |
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Procedure: | | The patient will lie on her stomach on a special table with her breast through a hole in the table. The doctor works from below the table to perform the biopsy. During the procedure, the breast is compressed in a way similar to that used to perform a mammogram. The area in question is identified with preliminary x-ray images and the breast is cleaned with antiseptic and numbed with local anesthetic. The entire procedure is performed through a small nick in the skin. A needle is inserted and multiple samples of the abnormality are taken out and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Often a small stainless steel clip is placed at the biopsy site at the end of the procedure to make it easier to follow-up the area. The procedure is usually painless aside from slight discomfort as the anesthetic is given. Following the biopsy a routine mammogram will be done on the biopsy breast. The biopsy takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but we allow a total of 1 hour for pre-assessment and post-biopsy care. Your doctor will have results in 2 working days. |
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After Care: | | Pressure and ice are applied to the biopsy site to reduce bleeding and bruising. A small dressing is applied and the patient goes home with written follow up instructions. Most patients prefer to have someone with them to drive them home. We do ask that for twenty-four hours following the procedure the patient avoid any lifting and avoid vigorous physical activity such as aerobics. |
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Reviewed: | | 09/10/2008
Copyright 2008, Oconee Regional Medical Center
821 N. Cobb Street Milledgeville, GA 31061, (478) 454-3505 |