Questions to ask before having a biopsy

Here are some questions you might want to ask your doctor before having a biopsy done:

• What type of biopsy do you recommend? Why?
• How does the size of my breast affect the procedure?
• Where will you do the biopsy?
• What exactly will you do?
• How long will it take?
• Will I be awake or asleep during the biopsy?
• Can I drive home afterward, or will I need someone to drive me?
• If the abnormal area cannot be felt, how will you find it?
• If you are using a wire to help find the abnormal area, will you check its placement by ultrasound or with a mammogram?
• Can you draw pictures showing me the size of the cut and the size of the tissue you will remove?
• Will there be a hole there? Will it show afterward?
• Will my breast have a different shape or look different afterward?
• Will you put a clip or marker in my breast?
• Where will the scar be? What will it look like?
• Will there be bruising or changes in color of the skin?
• Will I be sore? If so, how long will it last?
• When can I take off the bandage?
• When can I take a shower?
• Will there be stitches? Will they dissolve or do I need to come back to the office and have them removed?
• When can I go back to work? Will I be tired?
• Will my activities be limited? Can I lift things? Care for my children?
• How soon will I 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?