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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffNeedle biopsy carries a small risk of bleeding and infection at the site where the needle was inserted. Some mild pain can be expected after needle biopsy, though it may be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications.
Call your doctor if you experience:
- Fever
- Pain at the biopsy site that worsens or isn't helped by medications
- Swelling at the biopsy site
- Drainage from the biopsy site
- Bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure or a bandage
Seek medical help right away if you experience:
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or numbness in your legs
- Biopsy - What to expect. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Features/Treatments%2C+Tests%2C+and+Procedures/Biopsy%26mdash%3BWhat+to+Expect. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Warner WC. Neuromuscular disorders. In: Canale TS, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/203316557-3/0/1584/0.html. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Gogna A, et al. Image-guided musculoskeletal biopsy. Radiologic Clinics of North America. 2008;46:455.
- Bravo A, et al. Percutaneous liver biopsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Minai OA, et al. Transbronchial needle aspiration. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Whittier WL, et al. Indications for and complications of renal biopsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Things you should know before surgery. American Society of Anesthesiologists. http://www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com/ArticlePage.aspx?ID=38a06e24-c3a2-451b-b487-af08792e2110&LandingID=29d0791e-005b-40dd-be33-05b988b17619. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Esserman LJ, et al. Breast biopsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Testing biopsy and cytology specimens for cancer. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_2_3X_Testing_Biopsy_and_Cytology_Specimens_for_Cancer.asp?sitearea=PED. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 13, 2010.
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