- What is a breast tissue biopsy?
The procedure will involve the removal of part of the breast tissue which will then be sent for pathology tests.
- Anaesthetic
This procedure will need anaesthetic.
- What are the risks of this specific procedure?
There are risks and complications with this procedure.
They include but are not limited to the following:
General risks:
- Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
- Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
- Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
- Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection heart and lung complications, and thrombosis
- Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart
- Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
- Death as a result of this procedure is possible.
Special risks:
- Bruising may occur around the operation site.
- There may be a depression in the breast at the site of the excised lump.
- The scar may be thickened and red coloured, and it may be painful.
- Scarring may pull the nipple out of shape.
- The result of the pathological examination may necessitate further treatment.
- Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.
