Breast Biopsy
If breast symptoms or the results of an imaging test such as a mammogram suggest you might have breast cancer, you might need a breast biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if an abnormal area is cancer.
What is a breast biopsy?
A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes some breast tissue or a part of a lump or tumor so it can be looked at in the lab to see if it contains cancer cells.
While most biopsy results are not cancer, a biopsy is needed to find out for sure.
Regardless of which type of biopsy you have, the biopsy samples will be sent to a lab where a doctor called a pathologist will look at them. It typically will take at least a few days for you to find out the results.
Types of breast biopsies
There are different kinds of breast biopsies. Some are done using a hollow needle, and some use an incision (cut in the skin). Most of the time, a needle biopsy can be done. The type you have depends on:
- How suspicious the breast change looks or feels
- How big it is
- Where it is in the breast
- If there is more than one suspicious area
- Your overall health
- Your personal preferences
Ask your doctor which type of biopsy you will have and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
Seeking a second opinion
If the doctor doesn't think you need a biopsy, but you still feel there¡¯s something wrong with your breast, follow your instincts. Don¡¯t be afraid to talk to the doctor about this or go to another doctor for a second opinion. If possible, try to see someone who specializes in breast health to discuss your concerns.
Questions to ask before a breast biopsy
Understanding the type of biopsy
- What type of biopsy do you think I need? Why?
- Will the size of my breast affect the way the biopsy is done?
- How much breast tissue will you remove?
During the biopsy
- Will I be awake or asleep during the biopsy?
- Where will the biopsy be done?
- How long will it take?
- Will the biopsy area be numbed?
- If you can¡¯t feel the abnormal area in my breast, how will you find it?
- Will you put a clip or marker in my breast? If so, what will happen to it?
- Will I need someone to help me get home afterward?
After the biopsy
- Might I have any problems after the biopsy? Are there any I'd need to call your office about?
- When can I take off the bandage?
- When can I take a shower or bath?
- Will I have stitches? Will they dissolve, or will I need to come back to the office and have them removed?
- Will I have bruising or changes in the color of my skin? If so, how long will it last?
- Will I be sore? If so, how long will it last?
- Will my breast have a different shape or look different afterward?
- When can I go back to work? How will I feel when I do?
- Do I need to limit activities like lifting things or raising my arm? If so, for how long?
- Will I have a scar? Where will it be? What will it look like?
Getting biopsy results
- How soon will we know the biopsy results?
- Should I call you, or will you call me with the results?
- Will you or someone else explain the biopsy results to me?
- Written by
- References
Developed by the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Joe BN, Esserman LJ. Breast biopsy. UpToDate. 2026. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/breast-biopsy on April 15, 2026.
Henry NL, Shah PD, Haider I, Freer PE, Jagsi R, Sabel MS. Chapter 88: Cancer of the Breast. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Dorshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff¡¯s Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa. Elsevier: 2020.
Last Revised: February 27, 2024
ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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