Stereotactic Biopsy During Pregnancy

AmandaN1980

Hi everyone. I am new here although I’ve read the forums looking for help. In December I had mastitis and was sent for a mammogram which resulted in them saying I need a stereotactic biopsy. The next day I found out I am pregnant. After reading about this biopsy and the pain so many claim they have had, I have had non stop panic attacks and ended up having a nervous breakdown last week. The way these people describe the pain it makes me wonder how this isn’t even a legal avenue.......has anyone had a biopsy while pregnant? I believe mine is vacuum assisted. I don’t know how I’ll get myself in onto the that table after reading these horror stories. I have dense breasts I understathat can make it more painful. Why do some people get this horrible pain and has anyone had this done that has dense breasts ? What was your experienxe

MelissaDallas

Amanda, I would guess that of 100 people who post here who report back after a stereotactic biopsy, most of them say it turned out to be a non-event and was not particularly uncomfortable. A few have some mild discomfort. It is pretty rare that anyone experiences a lot of discomfort.

AmandaN1980

Thank you for responding Melissa. Have you had one before? If so, would you mind sharing your experience

GreenHarbor

Amanda, congratulations on your pregnancy! I had a stereotactic needle biopsy last summer. I personally didn't think it was that bad. They start off by doing a mammogram, trying to find the area of concern again. Luckily, they found mine on the first try. They then pulled over a padded chair on wheels. I sat down and they positioned me again in the mammogram machine. They techs were calling out some kind of coordinates to each other. The radiologist then cleaned my breast and injected the Novocain. The cleaning just felt cold, and the Novocain felt like a bee sting. They then suggested I close my eyes, but told me what they were doing. They somehow attached the biopsy gizmo to the mammogram machine. The actual needle biopsy part was fast. I felt pressure, but NO pain. The doctor then injected a titanium marker the size of a sesame seed to mark the spot. Titanium is used in artificial joints and is very safe. They took me out of the mammogram machine, and the nurse held pressure on the site for a few minutes. Then they put a bandage on (gauze square under a band aid, like when you get blood drawn), and sent me home with an ice pack. Yes it's uncomfortable being squished in the mammogram machine, but it's over quickly. The bandage had to stay on till the next morning. I could shower, but no baths, swimming or hot tubs for 10 days. The scar looked like a small mosquito bite and has faded quickly. My tumor was at 12 o’clock, but the doctor went in from the right side, parallel to my chest. I would wear a separate top and bottom. You'll change into a gown, but I liked having pants on the bottom. I brought Advil in the car to take before the Novocain wore off. I drove myself. I was off from work anyway, but I could've gone back to work (office job). I'm not pregnant (age 51 at diagnosis!). I would call the office where you're having the biopsy, tell them how pregnant you are, and ask the actual name of the numbing medicine. Check it out with your OB/GYN. I assume they'll put a lead apron across your tummy. Good luck!

AmandaN1980

Greenharbor thank you so much for all of the great info. I am hoping mine goes as easy as yours did. I just wonder why some people say the lidocaine didn’t work at all. I do have dense breasts and I’m hoping that’s not something that prohibits the lidocaine from working. I know they say it can, but I’m hoping it works on me.

GreenHarbor

I have dense breasts too. I think there’s a lot of misleading info on the internet, plus there’s always a story about someone’s sister’s neighbor’s boss’s best friend who some rare complication. Tell them how nervous you are, and that you’re worried the Novocain won’t work. Keep us posted

MelissaDallas

Amanda, mine wasn't bad - the biopsy itself didn't hurt, aside from the sting when they started numbing me. I thought lying still on the table on my stomach was more uncomfortable than the biopsy itself. I stopped and bought groceries on my way home after the biopsy.

AmandaN1980

thanks ladies, I appreciate you taking time out to give your stories and help reassure. I’ll let everyone know how it goes next week.

AmandaN1980

I wanted to post an update finally and to thank these great women who gave me advice and helped me find the courage to go through with this. My biopsy was rescheduled last minute by the facility due to my pregnancy not being far along enough. Today I went in with a huge fear but a want for relief. Let me tell you, I could not believe how easy this was. I know there are horror stories out there-they lead me to post my original post. My doctor said what many others have - “there’s no reason not to completely and thoroughly numb”. I felt nothing after the lidocaine. It did burn but it was well worth it. I had the vacuum assisted core biopsy. I literally felt the tiniest vibrations when it was taking my samples. Zero pain. We did 5 and it took probably less than 2 minutes. The table was awkward but I didn’t feel pain from it. The mammogram for me was uncomfortable but I have lumpy breasts and pregnancy doesn’t help the tenderness. I am a fainter and I thought for sure I’d be eh woozy when they sat me I they sat me up but I wasn’t at all. My advice to anyone fearing this - communicate with your doctor. Tell them you’re scared and worry about numbness. It made a huge difference for me to communicate and get reassurance. For anyone in my area I had Dr Diana James at Jefferson Radiology in Farmington CT and she was absolutely fantastic. Good luck everyone and I hope this helps one or more worried ladies.