Puncture of the mammary gland is performed at the Bogoliuby MC to exclude or confirm diagnostic doubts associated with changes in the mammary gland revealed by ultrasound, MRI or clinical evaluation.
The procedure is carried out under ultrasound control. A mammologist inserts a needle into the gland until it reaches the formations from which samples are taken for laboratory analysis. A mammologist introduces all the necessary samples into laboratory tests. It is based on results that require further research.
The purpose of the study is to examine the tissue while planning the type of surgery.
Indications for puncture
Typically, puncture is indicated when lumps or thickenings are found in the thickness of the tissue. The study of a tissue sample makes it possible to differentiate benign changes from malignant lesions. Also, the puncture of the gland is often indicated in the presence of:
- discharge from the nipples of a bloody or serous type;
- changes in the skin and areoles of the glands (dimples, « orange peel», swelling, hyperemia);
- pain in the armpits.
How is this going?
The procedure is performed using a special cutting needle controlled by a cutting mechanism. The duration of the intervention varies from 15 to 30 minutes. The patient is in a supine position, the breast skin is disinfected and a local anesthetic is injected into the sampling area. At the end of the examination, an ice pack should be attached.
ВIn most cases, suturing is not required. The patient may return home on the same day. It is recommended to relax for several hours. The bandage can be removed the next day. The resulting samples are sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination to determine the degree of differentiation of the lesion.
Precautionary measures
Before the puncture, the patient should warn the specialist about the presence of any allergic reactions. An important precaution is the temporary suspension of anticoagulation therapy for 48 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Complications
Puncture of the mammary gland usually causes minimal and acceptable pain during the examination, as it is performed under local anesthesia. However, it should be borne in mind that this is an invasive procedure, so it is possible that in the next hours, pain will appear at the site of selection. In this case, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can take an anesthetic and apply a cold compress. Wearing a bra that provides good support for the gland can also relieve pain.
Also, hematomas may appear in the puncture area, which coincide with the spread of blood in the tissues surrounding the sampling point. Other risks associated with breast puncture include:
- slight bleeding;
- a feeling of tightness of the skin;
- swelling of the chest;
- pneumothorax.
If, after a puncture, an increase in temperature is noted, the place of intervention has become hot and red, or a secret is highlighted, it is recommended to consult a doctor. These manifestations may indicate the onset of an infectious process, which may require immediate treatment.
