Bad Pain in breast 3 weeks after stereotactic biopsy for DCIS

percy4

Had my stereotactic biopsy for DCIS 3 weeks ago.  No pain inside at all till today; all of a sudden I have it (inside; not the incision).  Anyone have this, and know possible causes?  The marker clip, perhaps, or maybe only now is scar tissue forming, from the needle, inside the breast.  Pretty fast, significant pain, just sitting here, more especially if I move the breast , by bending over, etc.  A little late for a hematoma, after all this time.  No redness, or anything like that.  Advice?

MelissaDallas

sharp zingy pains are nerves trying to regenerate.

I'm just not in the camp that believes in problems with the clips as far as pain. I don't think anyone I can think of could ever feel one.

percy4

Thanks.  Took ibuprofin, and a great relief.  Don't think if it was serious, that would happen, though what a surprise to have sharp pain after all this time.  Unless something more happens, do feel I can wait 2 days till I talk to 2nd opinion breast surgeon to address this.

MelissaDallas

They really are sharp aren't they? I still have them occasionally from my excisional biopsy 1 1/2 years ago.

percy4

Yes, indeed.  Though this was from stereotactic biopsy, and not lumpectomy, it did make me nervous.  As I said, it's better, now.  Don't know what I would do without all you good women to talk with. xx

ballet12

Hi Percy, these things DO happen, the sharp zinging pain. I had pain after the stereotactic biopsy on one side for weeks afterward, on and off. I think I also did develop a hematoma. That breast had already had multiple surgeries (and was headed for three more), so I guess it had been through the mill. I've now had a stereotactic biopsy on the other side, and haven't really had those problems. I completely agree with Melissa, that it is very unlikely that the clips would cause that kind of pain. You should resume wearing a sports or other compression bra if it persists. I did that for weeks after the stereo biopsy and then the lumpectomies.

Erinsoule

this is exactly what happened to me today! I had a MRI biopsy done a couple weeks ago, I'm healed up from that and didn't even have any pain afterwards except for tenderness and bruising. I woke up today with sharp shooting pains in the breast that had the biopsy. Worse if I move too, but even happens just sitting. I was worried the tumor was getting bigger or something?! So scary and I'm so new to this!

ballet12

Hi Erinsoule,  some say that the shooting pains are the nerves in the area making new connections.  This would be part of the healing process.  As noted above, this can go on for quite some time.  Of course, if it gets worse, talk with your surgeon about it or the person who did the biopsy (radiologist?)

percy4

I definitely had bad pains in my breast several weeks after the stereotactic biopsy; had not had pain before.  I was also concerned, but saw here that many women have this, and it was explained as "reconnecting" pains.  Still; I did tell my BS about it, as I think we should all do.  Her assessment of my pain was as I expected; normal.

ketchwave

I am actually quite relieved to read this thread. I had an ultrasound biopsy a month ago and healed well with little discomfort. Then as I started my pre menstrual symptoms with swollen breasts the breast with the biopsy became very swollen and sore. Now a week out I am not sleeping because it hurts so much. The cat nudged me the other morning and I just about hit the roof. Shooting pains for sure! But this string has elevated my concerns. I did contact my patient navigator and she said it was very unusual and she'd never heard of this. That I should see my GP. Not sure what she thought he could do. Thank you!

Moderators

Hi ketchwave, and welcome!

We just wanted to let you know that this thread has been pretty quiet for quiet a while now (2014), so if you're wanting some questions answered, we suggest you start a new topic in the Not Diagnosed but Worried forum.

We hope this helps.

--The Mods

BarredOwl

Hi ketchwave:

That doesn't sound like the ordinary occasional, often movement-induced, random, sharp stabbing pain described by others. Please see your GP as advised. They will do a physical exam, and assess if there is anything that might need action or follow up in light of new swelling and pain. They will evaluate for possible signs of local infection, a possible hematoma (hurts, but does not usually require treatment), and the like. Let us know how your appointment goes.

BarredOwl

XYZ1867

Hi Ketchwave,

It was great finding this thread tonight and your recent post. I'm in a similar situation as yourself. Had a stereotactic biopsy about 4 weeks ago, healed just fine with no pain. Then, earlier this week, woke up one morning with stabing pains and a lump in my breast near where they had done the biopsy (no lump was ever in the breast before or after the biopsy). So, naturally I freaked out. Went in and had an ultrasound to see what was going on. Doctor basically said it was just a lump, probably scar tissue, no hematoma, nothing to worry about (easy for her to say!). Now reading this thread it makes sense that it *might* be nerve pain that I've been experiencing (certainly not pleasant, and not constant, but often enough to worry about). Feels like I've got a burr in my breast, or like I'm getting a bee sting. Glad to know I'm not alone!

Mariposa22

Exactly 3 weeks ago, I had a core biopsy. They took 4 samples. The pain inside my breast was gone after a week or so but I could still feel where the incision was being sensitive. Then, the incision didn't hurt anymore but inside the breast does hurt. I have a hard lump right where the incision was. I have no bruising or discoloration. I have read somewhere that the healing takes 2 months. Am I right?

FaithsMama

4 samples is a lot. When I had my stereotactic, they took one sample and the pain was horrible for a week or so. I imagine with 4 samples it would be worse. Hang in there. Talk to your dr if things don’t improve. I would say as long as the pain is lessening and not getting worse, then that is a good sign.

Were you diagnosed? Or were they benign

ksusan

The pain of my biopsy sites was only resolved when I had mastectomy. I found the pain management options offered to me really lousy, and now I have learned never to put up with that. If you are in pain, it is legitimate for you to ask for a pain relieving medication. Tylenol was a joke.

Lula73

mariposa- you could have developed a seroma or hematoma within the breast. That would explain not just the pain but the lump too. I’d call the Breast center where you had it done and let them know to see what they recommend.

MANDYL

I have 2 more weeks for mastectomy, I had diagnosed with DCIS on 8/13, after biopsy the lump feels bigger and harder(my surgeon said it’s normal), it doesn’t feel pain the first few weeks. But last week I started to feel some pain in my breast, anybody out there has the same problem over a month the lump still has bigger size than before?

TrmTab

I had two sites investigated that left me so bruised and with a seroma that the LX I was scheduled to have had to be postponed 3 months. The lump was so large that if I had gone forward at that time they would have had to do a MX instead of a LX...eventually I did have a MX, but it was a golf ball and with DCIS you should feel any lump!

today is my 3 year cancerversary...

ksusan

I still had pain and a seroma weeks later, when I had the mastectomy.

VegGal

I too had pain from the time of the "closer look" mammogram (bruised up) until the BMX. It was a throbbing and stinging pain that radiated down the arm on that side. One of the first things I noticed when I awoke from surgery was that the awful pain was gone. 

ANGRY_WIDOW66

I was diagnosed with DCIS this afternoon. Alot of information was given, very unsure what's going to happen next.