Women’s Health – What are the side effects of a biopsy for a lump in breast?

Women should know that a breast biopsy is a medical procedure where a sample of the tissue of the breast is removed for laboratory tests. This procedure is the ideal way to determine whether a portion or lump in the breast is cancerous or not. Women should note that all lumps in the breast are not cancerous. These lumps or abnormal growths in the breast can be because of a variety of reasons. The procedure of a breast biopsy determines whether this growth or lump is benign or cancerous.

Ask your doctor what are the side effects of a biopsy for a lump in breast?

If you have been medically prescribed to undergo a breast biopsy, you must ask your doctor ‘what are the side effects of a biopsy for a lump in the breast ?’after the procedure is done are. Experts in the field state that all women will not face the same side effects, however, one should immediately consult their doctor if-

1. The shape of the breast can experience a change in shape or has been significantly altered after the biopsy procedure
2. Signs of bruising
3. Inflammation and swelling of the breast
4. Infection in the area
5. Soreness in the area

Any woman might experience one or more than one of the possible side effects listed above. Doctors add most of the above side effects are temporary in nature. However, if they persist, they can be treated without fear. In case you face a side effect, you should consult and follow the advice of your doctor to treat the condition. This helps you to reduce the risks of infection at the site.

Note the complications of a biopsy procedure are rare. Doctors say the advantages of having a potential cancerous breast lump inspected

outweigh the risks you face with a biopsy procedure. Experts state that the sooner breast cancer is detected, your rates of survival increases.

Preparing for the breast biopsy test

Before you undergo the breast biopsy test, inform your doctor of any allergies you suffer from. In case you have a history of allergic reactions to anesthesia, you immediately should inform your doctor. If you are currently taking any kind of medications for an illness, even over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, inform your doctor as these medicines cause the blood to become thinner. The same goes for supplements.

In case your doctor prescribes you to take an MRI scan, inform him or her of any implants in your body.  You might have had an operation in the past where an implant was necessary. For instance, you might have a pacemaker inside your body. Again, if you are pregnant, inform your doctor as a biopsy test is safe for an adult but not for an unborn child.

Therefore, when it comes to the question of‘ what are the side effects of a biopsy for a lump in the breast ?’, keep the above points in mind. Last but not least, consider wearing your bra to the appointment. After the procedure is completed, you often will be given a cold pack that helps with the inflammation and pain. Wearing a bra helps you to keep it in place.