Good Afternoon,

I wonder if you can offer me some advice. please.

Following a recent breast screening appointment, I have been called back due to a possible abnormality. The letter says that I may need to have a biopsy.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am receiving Tocilizumab via 4 weekly hospital infusions and Hydroxychloroquine tablets.  They are immuno-suppressant medications. The leaflet for Tocilizumab says that I have to come off Tocilizumab 4 weeks before an operation (due to the risk of possible infection).  I would like to ask you how 'invasive' a breast biopsy is, whether it is considered to be an operation, and whether it will be necessary to delay my appointment to give me time to come off Tocilizumab?

With many thanks for any advice you can offer.