What is a biopsy?

You had a biopsy today. You may have had:

• a breast wire localization biopsy
• a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)
• a melanoma biopsy
• a head and neck biopsy

Your doctor made a small incision (cut) and took a sample of your tissue. The sample was sent to the laboratory for testing. It takes up to 10 days for the results to come back. The results help your doctor plan any treatment that you may need.

You must have someone drive you home from the hospital when you are discharged.

How will I feel after my biopsy?

Everyone’s recovery is different. You might feel very tired, so try to get plenty of rest. You will feel some pain and discomfort while you heal. This is normal.

Here is some information to help you heal more quickly and comfortably.

What can I eat when I get home?

You may feel some nausea (feeling like you want to vomit) after your surgery. To help you feel better, eat a light meal when you get home. After that you can eat as you would normally.

If you take medicine that makes you constipated:

• drink lots of water (about 8 glasses a day)
• eat foods with fibre (vegetables, fruits and whole grains)

This will help keep you from becoming constipated.

What should I wear?

While you heal, it will help you to wear loose-fitting clothes. Make sure they are easy to take on and off. Shirts or blouses that have buttons or zippers at the front are best.

After your biopsy, you can wear a supportive bra with no underwire during the day and night.

What do I need to know about my pain medicines?

You will get a prescription for pain medicine and a stool softener after your biopsy. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pain medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any medications.

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Tylenol 3 (acetaminophen and codeine) or Percocet (acetaminophen and oxycodone) for pain, which can cause constipation.
  • Drink lots of water and eat foods with a lot of fibre.
  • Take your stool softener.
  • If you are still constipated, take a laxative such as Senokot. You can buy it at your local pharmacy.
• Let your surgeon know if your pain is not better after taking your pain medicine.
• Switch to Tylenol Extra Strength or regular Tylenol in 1 or 2 days if your pain gets better. You can also switch to these medicines if your prescribed pain medicine is too strong.
• Don’t take Aspirin for 5 days after your biopsy. Don’t take ibuprofen (Advil) for 2 days after your biopsy. These medicines can cause bleeding.

While taking your prescription pain medicine, do NOT:

• drink alcohol
• drive
• use heavy machines

How should I care for my wound?

• Keep your outer dressing (gauze) clean and dry for 48 hours after surgery. The sutures (stitches) in the incision will dissolve on their own.
• You can take off your outer dressing after 48 hours. Keep the steri-strips (skin tape) on for 7 to 10 days, or until they fall off.

When can I shower?

• You can shower after you remove the outer dressing.
  • Use a mild shampoo and soap (like Dove, Ivory or baby shampoo or soap) to wash gently around your incision. Gently pat the area dry. Don’t rub. You do not need to put on a new dressing.
• Don’t soak yourself in a tub bath or swim for 10 days after your surgery.
• Don’t use any cream or ointment on your incision.

What kind of activities can I do while I heal?

You may feel dizzy or drowsy after your biopsy. This is normal. Try deep breathing exercises every hour while you are awake for the first day.

When you feel better, you can do light daily activities such as brush your teeth, brush your hair, or go for walks.

• Don’t do any tiring activities for 1 week after your biopsy.
• Don’t lift, push or pull anything heavier than 10 pounds (5 kilograms) for at least the first week.

When will I see my surgeon again?

The follow-up appointment with your surgeon is 2 to 3 weeks after your biopsy. Your doctor will see you in their office or clinic. You will get an appointment time before you leave the hospital, or someone will call you the next day. If not, call your surgeon’s office to schedule an appointment.