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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 American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American 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
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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