What can I expect from a biopsy??

swg

Mammogram and ultrasound I got yesterday showed a 1 cm mass.

I have an appt Weds for a biopsy. Just wondering what to expect, from those who've had one..is it super painful?? Does it cause a lot of bruising? I can't help it, I'm dreading it..

MelissaDallas

Do you know what kind of biopsy? My core biopsy wasn't painful. I thought lying on my stomach "sway-backed" on the table for so long was uncomfortable and got a muscle spasm in my neck/shoulder. It stung just a little when she first started injecting the local, then just pressure. I bruised, but it wasn't particularly sore after. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home

djmammo

SWG

I am assuming since its a 1 cm mass you will have an US biopsy (lying on your back) rather than a stereotactic biopsy for calcifications (lying on your stomach).

This may be helpful: click here

CatmomX4

I just had a biopsy today for the same size mass. It was an ultrasound guided biopsy. I lied on my back during the procedure. The only discomfort was the slight burning when the second numbing shot was injected. I felt virtually nothing during the biopsy. In fact the biopsy procedure was more comfortable than the mammograms and regular ultrasound I've had the past few weeks. Tonight I have just bit of pain...it feels a little like a needle is in my breast, but it's not a sharp pain. I've been icing every twenty minutes or so to minimize swelling and bruising.

swg

Hi Catmom! I like cats, too. My cat is about 1-2 yrs old..not sure since she was feral when I took her home. She's a sweet, loving housecat now.

And yes..the mammogram was tremendously painful. The tech was really making sure to get the area under my armpits..which I appreciate..they wanted to see if anything had spread..but I am still sore from it

swg

Thanks DJMammo!

swg

I think the nurse told me what kind of biopsy but I can't recall. I was too freaked out knowing I have a mass

NotVeryBrave

Most often it seems like it's a core needle biopsy that they do. Mine was US guided, laying on my side for both breast and node. The lidocaine injection was minimally painful and immediately numbing. The rest just felt like pressure.

I chose to watch on the US monitor - probably not the best idea since I think it fed into my "freaking out" feelings. Later there was some soreness. I did use an ice pack for a couple hours, off and on. But I felt well enough to attend a bingo fundraiser that night and host a 13 year old's birthday sleepover the next day.

Good luck!

Mojojennijo

I had a core biopsy and got a large hematoma (I am a bleeder) so some advice with that, make sure your sports bra for after is tight and that they hold good pressure after. Both of those things didn't happen for me. But my rainbow colored boob is rather impressive looking

Also use ice. And don't life heavy stuff after (another thing I failed on)

I was expecting a fine needle type biopsy so I wasn't prepared. So it's good to ask!

swg

yes, they did do a US guided biopsy. I'm home now and still in so much pain. Is that normal??

MTwoman

swg, please note mojo's post. A nice compressive sports bra and ice should help!