Core Needle Biopsy Questions

Bunniculabunni1

Going in for a core needle biopsy and just wanted any information on those who have experienced it. What type of anasthetic was used? How did you feel afterwards? What were the following days like? Was there lots of brusing or bad pain in the days following the procedure? Any input would be appreciated!

MelissaDallas

Mine wasn't bad. Lying on the uncomfortable table & being still for so long was the worst part of it. Make sure you get as comfortable as possible before they start. They just use a local. Little pinch when they start injecting it, but not bad. The procedure itself is no big deal.

I drove myself home. Could have gone back to work. They put one of those tiny cold gelpacks in your bra. I think I might have taken an Aleve but really had very little discomfort after. I did have some pretty technicolor bruising

Jackbirdie

I had an ultrasound guided core needle biopsy and can report very much the same as the poster above. My nerves were the main problem..I took an anti anxiety pill about an hour before (clonazepam). i also felt a pinch and had some bruising but not a big deal.

They may leave a wire in to help locate the area in future scans.

It's weird and awkward but doesn't hurt.

PoppyK

Mine wasn't bad either. My neck was a bit sore afterwards from being on the table, but that was about it. I had no bruising. My breasts were very large, so the next day they were sore and I wanted to keep them still. The titanium clip markers were no big deal either.

Good luck!

mye

I agree, the ultrasound core needle biopsy wasn't too bad. For anaeshtesia, they injected lidocaine I believe. It stung a little. The first core biopsy was a bit scary (they took from several locations), but then I knew what to expect. It sounded a bit like a stapler whenever they took tissue out. It is a good idea to ice it a fair amount of time afterwards. I only did for a couple hours and I bruised quite a bit and my breast felt very heavy. I also had a stereotactic biopsy (mammogram guided) the next day afterthe needle core needle biopsy. That one was definitely more uncomfortable, just positioning for it.

Good luck tomorrow!

Molly50

I bruised quite a bit but the worst part for me was swelling 3 days later which I used a heating pad on. That helped a lot. The biopsy itself was not painful but I bled a lot probably due to the aspirin I took the day before for a migraine. I didn't know I would be getting a biopsy until the radiologist came in to see the ultrasound.

magiclight

Molly50: I was quite swollen after a core needle biopsy because I took Ibuprofen before and like you was not expecting to have a biopsy that day. After my MRI biopsy the staff put tiny ice packs on me and gave me a very pretty pink chest compressor that I wore home. Sending calming thoughts your way as you await results.

keepthefaith

My tumor was pretty deep, so it took a while for the BS to extract the tissue. U/S guided. She was actually trying to get most of it out. Afterwards, I had the "shakes"; I guess from the trauma. They put a warm blanket on me. No pain to speak of during the procedure. The prick of the needle for the anesthesia and pressure during. A volunteer stood behind me and talked to me during the procedure. Made it much less stressful. They did another mammo right after to make sure the chip was in place. I used ice for the next day or two. You may want to get an open front sports-type bra. I used one for my LX. I was told not to lift or strain my arm, etc. But, I was still numb when I got home and started throwing the ball for my dog. I made it bleed...but, totally my fault. I was bruised for a while and I took pain meds the first night. But, after that, just tylenol I think for a day or two. Probably wouldn't have needed that if the tumor wasn't so deep. Good luck. You will do fine. I had a friend drive me. Was nice to have the moral support. I hope you get B9 results!:)

XIO9024

I had ultrasound core needle biopsy the day before and had local anesthesia. I was given gel ice pack to use to reduce the bruises. I was instructed to wait 24 hours and then shower and not to exercise for two days. I drove to work after the procedure. I don't have bruises and pain, but do have a little swelling and some discomfort. The entire process including mammogram before and after the biopsy took an hour. I am waiting for the biopsy report and to see the doctor the day after tomorrow. Good luck to you!

23pairs

Hi there, Bunniculabunni1 -

I was pretty nervous of the core needle biopsy too. In retrospect, it was much easier than pretty much every other biopsy I've had. I go to a breast center, so the staff cater exclusively to women. I felt very well taken care of.

I went in, as mentioned earlier, very nervous. First, I went in and spoke with the nurse navigator. She explained the procedure in detail. She told me that she would be in there with me. She actually held my hand through the entire biopsy.

Then I was off to change into the gown and put my things in a locker. When I got into the room it was chilly in there. The nurse got a heated blanket and put that on me to help warm me up. Then the doctor came in and explained what he was going to do. He let me know what he was doing the entire time I was there. The entire staff, from the US tech to the doctor, was entirely professional while also being warm and understanding. I've honestly never had such a good experience (medically speaking).

He used a small gauge needle to inject lidocaine in a couple spots in my breast to numb the area a bit. Then he pulled out the core needle, and proceeded with the biopsy. He used the ultrasound to guide him. The sound the needle makes is a little jarring, and I imagine it would be frightening to someone who was not aware that it would make that sound. Someone mentioned that it sounds like a stapler, and that is pretty close to the sound I heard. Kind of like, "ka-chunk."

Then, the doctor put in the titanium marker. It didn't hurt at all, but it sure did bleed. I don't think they were prepared for how much I bled. Once they got the bleeding under control, they glued the hole shut. I am told that some places will use a stitch or two, but this place did not. I put a bra on and they put a small ice pack in my bra. My breast surprisingly didn't bruise up as much as I expected it to. It did hurt for a few days afterwards, but nothing severe, and I didn't need any pain killers. Just keep alternating cold and heat as you can and you'll be fine. You should be okay to go back to work immediately - I did.

BTW, my results were benign. I hope you get the same! Good luck!

mary1354

I had a core biopsy done a week ago. It was completely painless when they were doing it and I felt a slight burning for about 2 hours after the procedure and I was fine after that no pain or bruising.

Good luck to you

(Edited by Mods to remove capital letters. Please refrain from the use of capital letters in posts as that is tantamount to shouting and is unnecessary)

Bunniculabunni1

My thanks to everyone! I had some lab work done and finally got my appt for Thursday morning. Thanks to your shared experiences and kind words I am less anxious about the situation and much more positive. I am so happy that I found this forum!

HighTops5280

My nerves were the biggest problem before my ultrasound guided biopsy. I had no idea what to expect and was scared to death just thinking I probably had cancer. The shot for the local anesthetic was nothing and after that I felt nothing. I went home with just a band-aid on my breast and a little cold pack stuck in my bra. No pain at all afterward.

DiabeticCancerChick

My radiologist used a nifty tool that injects lidocaine along the way. She announced in advance that I would feel pressure here or a pinch there, but I didn't feel anything, and afterward they marveled at the fact that I didn't bleed at all. The ultrasound screen was right there where I could see it and I was fascinated by the image of the biopsy needle advancing toward the tumor. I was given little ice packs to take home, but I really didn't need them. I was left with a visible scar, but have no idea how long that would have lasted, since the mastectomy removed it along with my breast. If I were the sort of person who likes to wear bikinis (and I am definitely not!) the scar may have bothered me a little, but I suppose that's just because it was in an obvious spot. It was small enough that fading only slightly would have made it unnoticeable.