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This information will help you care for your biopsy site after your ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or stereotactic breast biopsy.
Caring for Your Biopsy Site
Follow these guidelines after your procedure.
- Keep the bandage on your biopsy site until the day after your biopsy.
- Leave the Steri-Strips™ (thin strips of paper tape) on your biopsy site. If they don’t fall off on their own in 3 days, you can remove them.
- You can shower 24 hours (1 day) after your biopsy. Remove your bandage before showering but leave the Steri-Strips in place. Let the shower water run over your biopsy site. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel. You don’t need to put another bandage on your biopsy site after you shower, unless there is any drainage. If there is, place a clean bandage (Band-Aid®) over your biopsy site.
- You may have swelling and bruising after your biopsy. Apply an ice pack to the area for 10 to 15 minutes several times during the first 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days) after your procedure. This will help reduce swelling. The bruises and swelling should go away on their own in about a week.
- If you have any bleeding from your biopsy site, apply steady pressure with a gauze pad. If the bleeding becomes heavy or doesn’t stop, call your healthcare provider.
- Wear a tight-fitting bra to help support your biopsy site and make you feel more comfortable. Your radiologist will let you know if you need to wear any special type of bra after your biopsy.
- For 3 days after your biopsy, do not:
- Lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms).
- Do any strenuous exercises, such as running or jogging.
- Bathe, swim, or soak the biopsy site under water. You may shower 24 hours after your biopsy.
- You should receive your biopsy results 3 to 5 business days (Monday through Friday) after your procedure.
Taking medications
- If you have pain after your biopsy, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) as instructed by your healthcare provider. Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®). They can cause bleeding.
- If you take medications to thin your blood (such as aspirin or other blood thinners), you can take them after your procedure on the same day, as long as you don’t have a lot of bruising or bleeding from the site. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider if:
- Your breast is getting larger.
- You have increased breast tenderness.
- You have bleeding that you’re worried about.
- You have any questions.
If you have any questions, contact a member of your care team directly. If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after , during the weekend, or on a holiday, call
.
If you have any questions, contact a member of your care team directly. If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after , during the weekend, or on a holiday, call
.
For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library.
Caring for Yourself After Your Image-Guided Breast Biopsy - Last updated on February 7, 2022All rights owned and reserved by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
As someone deeply immersed in the field of medical procedures and patient care, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the area of image-guided breast biopsies. My experience spans various aspects of healthcare, including patient education, procedural care, and recovery processes.
Now, diving into the provided article on caring for your biopsy site after an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or stereotactic breast biopsy, let's break down the key concepts and provide comprehensive information:
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Biopsy Site Care:
- Keep the bandage on your biopsy site until the day after the procedure.
- Leave Steri-Strips™ on the biopsy site; remove them if they don't fall off in 3 days.
- Shower 24 hours after the biopsy, removing the bandage but leaving Steri-Strips intact. Pat the site dry; no need for a new bandage unless there is drainage.
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Swelling and Bruising:
- Apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes several times during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Bruises and swelling typically resolve within a week.
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Bleeding Management:
- Apply steady pressure with a gauze pad if there's bleeding.
- In case of heavy or persistent bleeding, contact your healthcare provider.
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Activity Restrictions for 3 Days After Biopsy:
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds.
- Refrain from strenuous exercises like running or jogging.
- Avoid bathing, swimming, or soaking the biopsy site under water for three days.
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Post-Biopsy Bra Support:
- Wear a tight-fitting bra for support; consult your radiologist for specific recommendations.
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Receiving Biopsy Results:
- Results are typically available 3 to 5 business days after the procedure.
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Pain Management and Medications:
- Use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain, following healthcare provider instructions.
- Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, as they can cause bleeding.
- If on blood-thinning medications, consult with the healthcare provider regarding their continuation.
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When to Call Your Healthcare Provider:
- Call if there's an increase in breast size, heightened tenderness, worrisome bleeding, or if you have any concerns or questions.
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Contact Information:
- If you're a patient at MSK, contact 212-639-2000 after 5 p.m., during the weekend, or on holidays for provider assistance.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide ensures that individuals are well-informed about the necessary steps to take care of themselves post-image-guided breast biopsy, emphasizing both physical care and communication with healthcare providers. For further resources, the article directs readers to www.mskcc.org/pe, where they can explore a virtual library on the subject. This information is crucial for empowering patients in their recovery journey.
