Which of the following is a risk associated with breast core biopsy?

• A. Pneumothorax
• B. Infection
• C. Hematoma
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Breast core biopsy can cause several complications because the procedure involves penetrating skin and breast tissue with a sampling instrument. Bleeding from vessels can lead to a hematoma along the biopsy tract, especially with multiple cores or larger needle gauges. Infection is possible since the skin barrier is breached, although it remains uncommon with proper sterile technique. Pneumothorax, while rare, can occur if the biopsy instrument reaches too deep toward the chest cavity and communicates with the pleural space, which is more likely when the lesion is near the chest wall or in deep tissue. Since each of these issues has been reported in association with breast core biopsy, the best answer is that all of these risks can occur.