Pain after biopsy

etherize

I started out with a lump that I never noticed.  Didn't hurt when I had the first two mammograms, but when the sonographer pointed it out to me and pressed on it, it did.

Then I had a core needle biopsy and in the few days after, it didn't really hurt, but then slowly began hurting more, mostly when I lay on that side in bed, or when I moved my arm a certain way (Also could occasionally feel a slight tightness in the lymph node/armpit, which was scary).  

A week after the biopsy and results, I met with the BS, rad onc and medical onc and each one of them had to do a BE.  

Now, it's 4 days after those exams and the lump hurts not just occasionally, when I lay on that side or move my arm up, but all the time.  The pain ranges from a mild dull ache to sharp stinging pains.

I've read that the biopsy can cause the tumor to swell and I asked the rad onc about this (forgot to ask the BS) but he was vague and patronizing, so I didn't get a good answer.  I'll call the nurse but it may be hard to get ahold of her and get an answer, so I wanted to ask you all about it.

I'm worried that it's growing or spreading, even though I think (hope) that's an irrational fear.  Also, if it's swollen, would it be harder for the BS to get clear margins during the lumpectomy?

peggy_j

My understanding is that the biopsy causes inflammation in the nearby tissue (it doesn't cause the tumor to grow). Since you have concerns, I'd recommend calling the nurse. 

etherize

Thanks for the response.  I plan to call her tomorrow.

madpeacock

After my biopsy, the mri a week later showed a firm hematoma that was larger than the tumor itself. So, I had the same feeling that my tumor was "growing". I also have a ridge tracking from the tumor area back towards the incision site which they decided was scarring on the needle tract from the biopsy. I pointed all of it out to my BS when I went in this Monday and, with the mri in hand, they were able to identify the hematoma and needle tract on ultrasound in the office, and also that the tumor was basically unchanged in size from before. Made me feel a lot better that it wasn't just growing willy-nilly in there! 

etherize

madpeacock, we share a diagnosis date. :-)  That's very interesting info.  I bet I do have a hematoma.  

I've also had some pain under my arm, where the lymph node is, but no swelling -- that pain was more significant yesterday and a bit alarming.  I called the nurse and she said, "don't worry about it" and "I don't think the cancer is growing" (in a tone that made it sound like I was kind of an idiot for asking about it).  She said the pain is probably just the lymph node "moving debris" from the biopsy site.

I did some mild exercises yesterday and today the lymph node area and the lump don't hurt much at all.  So I'm going to assume it was just debris moving. :-) 

mags20487

I too have the same diagnosis date...we are sisters for sure.  My biopsy site hurt too for a while.  The marker they left in I could feel too....kinda gross.  I say when you are not sure then ask the doc and if they do not give you the dignity to answer without making you feel paraniod then find another doc who listens to your concerns and is helpful.  This is the fight for our lives here and doctors should understand that.  I have already had my bmx based on my diagnosis of TN as I chose to get this out of me now.

Maggie