Comparison of two Stereotactic Core Biopsies

Strawberry8

is the plural of biopsy really biopsies? It looks weird to me right now.

So I had an upright stereotactic core biopsy in 2016 on my upper outer right breast. It wasn’t the best experience. Pain in the neck and difficulty holding my position for what seemed like about 30 minutes for the procedure. There was also a bit of bleeding that didn’t seem to want to stop. When I was moved to take the final images after the marker had been put in I left behind blood on the paddle and the surgical tape fell off so it needed to be re-bandaged. I thought that would be the worst part but actuallyy the golf ball sized hematoma and lingering pain was worse. I actually had to put off the lumpectomy a few weeks until it subsided.

Fast-forward 3 years to yesterday’s core biopsy in nearly the same spot on my breast but at a different facility. I was ready for the worst! But this time I got the prone table...laying down on my stomach was way easier! I was less tense and holding my position was easy as pie. The procedure only took about 10 minutes once the area was located and there was little to no bleeding. Of course the pain is still a factor now that the lidocaine has worn off but so far my surgical strips are firmly in place and I don’t see any bruising yet.

So my recommendation, if given the choice, go to a facility with the biopsy table. It also helped that I couldn’t see what was happening either. Of course it is odd dangling your breast in a hole in the table but honestly, everything about this process is very humbling and often awkward!

I will say this, the staff at both facilities that helped with the biopsies were both amazing, comforting and super professional. It takes special people to do this work.

MelissaDallas

Strawberry8, I think it is less about the facility and more about where the biopsy target is as to whether they use the prone or the sitting position.

Strawberry8

perhaps, though this biopsy site is right next to the other, but maybe the angle was different. All I really know is that this experience was much better

KimDave

I have to go for mine in 2 weeks. She said I will be laying down so that sounds like it will be better. First one so not sure what to expect yet. Thanks for some detail.

Strawberry8

Wishing you the best for your biopsy and result!

They say the most discomfort is in the beginning when they are positioning and compressing your breast and then when they administer the lidocaine. I felt the lidocaine for the first couple of shots, but honestly I find novacaine shots in the mouth for dental work to be worse.

lyzzysmom

I had a core biopsy in 2014. It was horrible, painful and a lot of bruising. Last year I needed a stereotactic biopsy and told the doctor before just how painful the last one was. She promised this one would not hurt and to let her know if there was any pain. It was a breeze, painless and no bruising. I went shopping afterwards (no lifting or carrying anything heavy though). It is important to let the doctor know before about pain. I complained a lot before this one and the doctor was a lovely lady who looked at my ultrasound results and then told me to book the biopsy at a time when she would be available to do it herself.