After you have had a breast biopsy using local anaesthetic

Now that you have had your breast biopsy, this information describes what to expect and what we recommend to do over the next few days.

What should I do when I get home?

When you get home, we advise that you rest for the first 24 hours. Do not do any strenuous exercise which involves the use of your arms, including vacuuming, heavy lifting and picking up children.

You will most likely get a bruise over the biopsy site, and the area may become a little swollen once the local anaesthetic (numbing) wears off. Your breast may become sore and tender. You can take your normal pain relief if you need to. However, aspirin should be avoided unless prescribed to you for a medical condition.

What should I do if my wound bleeds?

If your wound bleeds, apply pressure to the area with a clean flat hand for 10 to 15 minutes, and then leave it for half an hour. If the bleeding does not stop, or you are concerned in any way, contact the Breast Screening Unit (01709 424807), the Radiology Department (01709 427086) or contact your General Practitioner (GP) for further advice. If the bleeding does not stop or you are concerned out of these opening hours please attend your nearest Urgent and Emergency Care Centre.

We recommend that you leave the dressing over the biopsy site for 24 hours. You can then remove this after this time and put a plaster over the area if you need to. It is unlikely that you will need a dressing or plaster on for more than two days.

What side effects might I expect?

The local anaesthetic that has been used is called lignocaine or lignocaine with adrenaline. Side effects from this are uncommon (happening in 1 in 100, to 1 in 1,000 people).

However, unwanted effects include:

• dizziness
• shaking
• a rash
• swelling
• breathlessness

If any unwanted effects occur, please contact your GP immediately or attend your local Emergency Department.

When do I get the result of my biopsy?

The result of your biopsy is usually available at your next clinic appointment. This will normally be within the next two weeks.

More information on breast biopsies - Macmillan.

How to contact us

If you have any problems, or need advice after your breast biopsy, please contact:

Breast screening unit

01709 424807
8am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday
8am to 2pm, Friday

Department of Clinical Radiology (nursing team)

01709 427086
9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

You may reach an answering machine. Please leave your contact number and the nurse will phone you back between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you require immediate advice out of these hours, contact your GP or attend your nearest Urgent and Emergency Care Centre.