What Is a Breast Biopsy?
A breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes small samples of breast tissue for detailed analysis. Biopsies are used to determine whether an abnormal area seen on imaging is benign or cancerous. Most biopsies show benign findings.
During the procedure, imaging such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI helps the radiologist guide the needle to the precise area. Local anesthesia is used to numb the breast, and the sample is sent to a pathologist for review. Results help your care team confirm a diagnosis and plan next steps.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
Baptist Health provides advanced breast imaging and biopsy services supported by the American College of Radiology accreditation, which recognizes high standards of safety and image quality. Our breast imaging technologists and radiologists specialize in early detection, perform biopsies with precision, and focus on your comfort throughout your visit. Results are shared promptly with your provider so you can move forward with coordinated care.
Why a Breast Biopsy?
Your doctor may recommend a breast biopsy to:
- Evaluate abnormal mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI results
- Investigate a breast lump or mass
- Examine clustered calcifications or architectural distortions
- Assess nipple discharge or skin changes
- Clarify inconclusive or conflicting imaging
- Monitor changes in high risk patients
- Confirm findings before treatment planning
Biopsies provide essential detail that helps your care team create an accurate and personalized plan.
What Breast Biopsies Show
A breast biopsy can help diagnose:
- Benign breast conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas
- Atypical tissue changes that may increase breast cancer risk
- Early stage or invasive breast cancer
- Inflammatory or infectious breast conditions
- Post surgical or post treatment scar tissue
Results guide follow up imaging, a specialist referral, or treatment if needed.
Types of Breast Biopsies Offered
At Baptist Health, image guided breast biopsies are tailored to your imaging findings:
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy: uses mammography guidance to sample calcifications or abnormalities seen only on X-ray images.
- Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy: uses real time ultrasound imaging to guide the needle to masses or areas visible on ultrasound.
- MRI Guided Breast Biopsy: used when an abnormality is visible on MRI but not on mammogram or ultrasound.
Your provider recommends the method that best matches the location and appearance of the abnormality.
What to Expect
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- You may be asked to avoid certain medications such as blood thinners. Follow your provider’s instructions.
- Wear a comfortable two piece outfit. Bring a supportive bra.
- Do not apply deodorant, lotions, or powders on the day of your biopsy unless instructed otherwise.
- Bring your prescription, ID, and insurance information.
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- You will receive local anesthesia to numb the breast.
- The radiologist uses imaging guidance to position the needle and take small tissue samples.
- You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain.
- Most procedures take 30 to 60 minutes. Stitches are rarely needed.
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- A small bandage and gentle pressure are applied to the biopsy site.
- Mild soreness or bruising is common and improves over a few days.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 24 hours unless instructed otherwise.
- Results are usually available within a few business days.
Safety and Side Effects
Breast biopsies are considered very safe. Possible side effects include:
- Mild bruising or bleeding
- Temporary swelling or tenderness
- Small hematoma at the biopsy site
- Rare infection
- Rare implant injury for those with breast implants
Your care team follows strict safety standards and reviews your individual risks before the procedure.
*If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell your provider.
Need a Prescription?
If you don’t have a prescription yet, our team can help. Baptist Health providers can review your risk factors and determine whether you qualify for screening.
Schedule Your Breast Biopsy Today.
Locations Offering Breast Biopsy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Complications are rare. Imaging guidance and minimally invasive techniques help reduce risk.
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- Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain supplements (such as vitamin E or fish oil), unless your physician says otherwise.
- Skip applying lotions, powders, or deodorants on the chest or underarms on the day of the exam.
- Wear a comfortable, two-piece outfit, as you may need to undress from the waist up.
Be sure to follow any additional instructions from your care team to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely.
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Yes, you can usually eat before a breast biopsy, especially if it’s a needle-guided procedure done under local anesthesia. However, if your biopsy requires sedation or general anesthesia, your care team may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. Always follow the specific pre-procedure instructions given to you by your care team.
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Plan to wear a loose shirt and supportive bra, as it provides comfort and can help minimize bleeding.
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A breast biopsy can take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of imaging used to guide the process. However, plan for about two hours for your entire appointment, including time for conversations about health history, what to expect and aftercare instructions.
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A breast biopsy may cause discomfort or pain, but the team at Baptist Health will do everything we can to minimize it. If you’re getting a stereotactic biopsy (also called mammogram-guided biopsy), you may feel discomfort during the mammogram imaging, which compresses the breast. Before the biopsy, your technologist will inject local anesthesia to numb the area in question. During the injection, you may feel a small pinch from the anesthesia needle. Your breast will be numb by the time the technologist inserts the biopsy needle and removes the sample tissue.
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Yes. Local anesthesia is typically used during most breast biopsies to numb the area and minimize discomfort. You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but the area being examined will feel little to no pain. In rare cases — such as surgical biopsies or when multiple areas are being sampled — sedation or general anesthesia may be used. Your physician will talk with you about the right approach for your procedure.
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In most cases, yes, you can drive yourself home after a breast biopsy that uses local anesthesia. If you receive sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for a short period. Your physician will let you know what to expect based on the type of biopsy you're scheduled to have.
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A radiologist will call you with your results about a week after your biopsy. You can also see your results on the PineApp. Baptist Health’s app helps you easily manage your healthcare, including test results, from any mobile device.
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Most breast biopsies do not result in breast cancer. In fact, around 80% of breast biopsies reveal benign (non-cancerous) conditions. A biopsy is recommended when imaging shows an abnormality that needs further evaluation, but this doesn’t always mean cancer is present. The biopsy helps ensure an accurate diagnosis so your care team can guide you appropriately.
Explore Comprehensive Breast Care
If your breast biopsy results require further evaluation or follow up, our cancer institutes provide coordinated breast care services supported by advanced diagnostics and expert breast specialists.
Miami Cancer Institute
Comprehensive breast care in Miami Dade and Broward counties, offering multidisciplinary breast clinics, advanced imaging, genetics, and supportive services for patients needing additional review or treatment.
Visit Miami Cancer Institute
Lynn Cancer Institute
Expert breast health services in Palm Beach County, including diagnostics, treatment planning, and survivorship resources delivered by a coordinated team of breast specialists.
Visit Lynn Cancer Institute
PineApp: Skip the Paperwork
Skip the waiting room paperwork by using our PineApp. Complete forms in advance and securely access your health records right from your phone.