Core Biopsy of the Breast

Core Biopsy of the breast is an Outpatient (OPD) procedure; it means, it does not need an indoor admission. Simple Instructions before 'you' reach the Hospital for the biopsy (I am writing, as if 'you' are the one undergoing the biopsy, for ease of description):

There is no need for fasting. You can have a light breakfast in the morning, if being done in the morning hours (which is usually the time I prefer).
Please carry all the reports, especially the mammography reports, so the doc can doubly check the site and side of the lump.
Always keep in mind, any allergies of any medicine that you may have, and always inform the doc prior hand.
You are expected to be accompanied by one relative at least.

At the Hospital, the doc will examine you once more, to assess the location of the lump. After Examination and confirmation, the doc will sit with you and your relative and explain the whole procedure and answer your doubts.

The doc will then take a 'written and informed consent for the biopsy' from you, co signed by your relative

The nurse will wheel you into the operating room and help you lie on the operating table. The breast, from where the biopsy is to be done, will be cleaned with appropriate solutions to make that area sterile and you will be properly covered with towels, except a small area on the breast from where the biopsy is to be done.

The doc will now join. He will inject 'Local Anesthesia' at the site of biopsy with a small needle. The anesthesia will make that area numb. He will then take a very small cut (about 5 mm) in the anesthetized area. Using the special core biopsy gun, he will pull out multiple 'pieces' or 'cores' of the tumour, usually about 4 to 6 'good sized' cores. After that, he will put a tiny single stitch on that cut and give a sterile dressing. The whole procedure barely takes 10 to 15 minutes

You will be wheeled to the recovery room, where you will lie down for about ten to fifteen minutes. The nurse will enquire if you have pain, if so, will help you with an analgesic. This is usually a pain free procedure for most and pain, even if it happens, is very mild.

The doc will show you the 'cores', pack them up properly in a solution. The cores are sent to a Pathologist for testing. Doc will prescribe an oral antibiotic and a pain killer for a few days. You can now go home.