Your doctor may refer you for a breast biopsy to learn more about something identified on a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI, such as a lump, an area of calcification, or a change compared with earlier imaging. A biopsy is often the next step when imaging alone cannot give your doctor enough information.

A breast biopsy lets a pathologist examine the tissue sample closely to determine whether the area is benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous. This is the information your doctor needs to plan what happens next, whether that is reassurance, ongoing monitoring, or further treatment.

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

A small opening is made in the skin, and a biopsy device collects tissue samples under ultrasound guidance. You may hear a clicking or snapping sound with each sample, but it should not be painful. Tell your radiologist if you are still feeling discomfort so more anaesthetic can be given. Several samples are usually taken so the pathologist has enough tissue for thorough testing.

For smaller areas of concern, particularly those under 6mm that may be fully removed during the biopsy, a small metallic clip may be placed at the site so it can be located again on future imaging. This clip carries an additional cost that Medicare does not cover; our team can confirm this cost for you.

You may feel some initial stinging or pressure as the local anaesthetic is given. Once it takes effect, most patients feel only minimal discomfort. If you feel pain during the procedure, tell your radiologist so more anaesthetic can be given.

Bring your referral, Medicare card, and any previous breast imaging or reports. Please also 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, though timing can vary depending on the area being sampled and whether more than one site needs to be biopsied.

A waterproof dressing will be applied once your procedure is finished. You can shower as normal, and the dressing should stay in place for 4 to 5 days. Keep the area clean and keep an eye out for any significant changes.

Some pain and bruising is common in the days that follow. To help with recovery:

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

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

• Infection, particularly if you are immunocompromised or diabetic
• Bleeding, with a higher risk 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 chest wall muscle. If you have breast implants, care is taken to avoid the implant, though damage cannot be entirely excluded
• Allergic reactions

A small percentage of biopsies return a result that is inconclusive or does not fully match what was expected. This cannot be known until the sample has been tested. If this happens, your referring doctor will discuss the next steps with you.

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

Reports are sent to your referring doctor once available. Please contact them directly to arrange a time to discuss 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 Medicare does not cover. 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 along to look after your child. Children cannot be present in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area.