Patient Relations
Breast cancer is the most prevalent oncology disease affecting women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is important that women have regular screenings, as early detection of breast cancer is crucial.
If you, or a family member, are dealing with breast cancer, our dedicated nurse coordinators at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) are here to provide reassurance and care, and take you through the treatment process.
Our team of skilled oncologists provide a comprehensive review for every breast cancer case, and create personalized treatment plans. These may include input from medical oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, nurses and support services.
If a breast mass has been felt by you, or detected by a mammogram or ultrasound, you may be invited for a breast biopsy. A breast biopsy is the procedure of obtaining tissue samples from the breast to closely check a breast abnormality/lesion that has been detected. The radiologist will decide whether the biopsy will be carried out using the stereotactic (mammogram-guided) or the ultrasound-guided method.
A local anesthetic will be injected into the area of your breast that has the mass, and the procedure will usually take between 30 and 60 minutes. It will be performed in a private suite by a female technologist and radiologist.
There is no need to fast before the procedure. If you take aspirin or any anti-coagulant, you should stop taking this three to five days before the biopsy appointment. Do not wear powder, deodorant or perfumes in your underarm/breast area, as these can interfere with accurate visualization of your breast tissue. You will be asked to undress from the waist up, and change into a hospital gown (in a private dressing room). Let the technologist know if you are nursing or if you think you could be pregnant. Be sure to bring a friend or family member with you, but no young children.
You can expect to get your initial results between three and five working days after the test. You can follow up with your physician for the full report, which will be available within two weeks. If the biopsy shows an area of concern, you will be invited to attend the Breast Cancer Clinic.
