This information will help you care for your biopsy site after your ultrasound-guided soft tissue core biopsy.
How to care for your biopsy site
Cover your biopsy site
Keep your biopsy site covered with a bandage for 48 hours after your procedure. After 48 hours, you take off the bandage.
Manage swelling and bruising
You may have swelling and bruising at your biopsy site. Put an ice pack on your biopsy site to help with the swelling. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes a few times during the first 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days) after your procedure. The swelling and bruising should go away in about 1 week.
Manage bleeding
If your biopsy site is bleeding, apply light pressure with a gauze pad. If the bleeding gets heavy or does not stop, call 646-849-1041. Ask to talk with the Ultrasound Department.
Showering and bathing
You may shower 24 hours after your biopsy. Do not take a bath or submerge (keep under water) your biopsy site for 48 hours after your procedure.
Leave your bandage in place while you shower. Let the water run over it. Put a clean, dry bandage on your biopsy site after you shower.
Taking medicine
If you have pain after your biopsy, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) as directed. If you have a history of liver disease, talk with your doctor before taking acetaminophen.
Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain for 24 hours after your biopsy.
Only take aspirin or anticoagulants (blood thinners) if your biopsy site has only a little bleeding. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
Read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil to learn more. You can ask your healthcare provider for a printed copy.
Getting your biopsy results
Your radiologist will send a report to your doctor. They will use the results of your procedure and other test results to plan your care. Call your doctor’s office for your biopsy results. These should be ready 3 to 5 working days after your procedure.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
- A fever of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher.
- New or increased redness around your biopsy site.
- Swelling and bruising that does not go away after 1 week.
- Increased pain or discomfort.
- Bleeding from your biopsy site that does not stop after you apply pressure to it.
Call your doctor if you have any questions. During evenings, weekends, or holidays, call 646-849-1041 and ask for the Radiology Body fellow on call