Open Biopsy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The site is prepared and draped, and the patient is given a local or general anesthetic.

An incision is made in the breast to expose the mass. A portion of tissue or the entire mass is extracted. Benign-appearing masses smaller than (2cm) in diameter are usually excised. The specimens are placed in properly labeled specimen bottles containing 10% formalin solution.

The malignant-appearing tissue is sent for frozen suction and receptor assays. Nursing Interventions If the patient has received a general or local anesthetic, monitor the patients vital signs regularly. If she has received a general anesthetic, check her vital signs every 15 minutes for 1 hour, every 30 minutes for 2 hours, every hour for the next 4 hours, and then every 4 hours.

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Administer analgesics for pain, as ordered, and provide ice bags for comfort. Instruct the patient to wear a support bra at all times until healing is complete.

4. Observe for and report bleeding, tenderness, and redness at the biopsy site. 5. Provide emotional support to the patient awaiting diagnosis. Interpretation Normal Results 1. Breast tissue consists of cellular and noncellular connective tissue, fat lobules, and various lactiferous ducts. 2. Breast tissue is pink, more fatty than fibrous, and shows no abnormal development of cells or tissue elements. Abnormal Results 1. 2. Benign tumors may suggest fibrocystic disease, adenofibroma, intraductal papilloma, mammary fat necrosis, or plasma cell mastitis. Malignant tumors may suggest adenocarcinoma, cystosarcoma, intraductal and infiltrating carcinoma,

inflammatory carcinoma, medullary or circumscribed carcinoma, colloid carcinoma, lobular carcinoma, sarcoma, or Pagets disease. Precaution

Breast biopsy is contraindicated in the patient with a condition that precludes surgery. Interfering Factors Failure to obtain an adequate tissue specimen or to place the specimen in the proper solution container interfering with test results.