What is stereotactic biopsy like?

Wxnerd

I’m having a stereotactic biopsy done next week and I’m starting to get nervous. What can I expect for pain/discomfort during and after the procedure? I need to go in to work after so I’m hoping it’s not too bad. How long does the procedure take? Anything else I should know

Meow13

I hear it is very uncomfortable. I had a punch biopsy my bruising was bad.

I went home, it was fairly numb the next day it was sore.

AC1965

My breast was compressed and a vacuum-assisted needle punched a hole and administered lidocaine, which kicked in very quickly. The tissue sample was then sucked up through the vacuum. It sounds a little like a dentist's drill. I don't remember exactly how long I was there - I had two in the same breast that day. The second one was fairly painful and I had to ask for more lidocaine, and I developed a rather large hematoma under the first biopsy site. I was completely numb afterward and went back to work - was very sore and bruised for three weeks due to the hematoma. Not going to lie, it was rather unpleasant and very uncomfortable after the lidocaine wore off. If you do not have a very physical job going to work afterward should be fine though.

pink_is_my_colour

I had a stereotactic done on the left side and then a core biopsy done on the right within half an hour. I took Tylenol prior to the biopsies. It was a little uncomfortable but no pain really. I had freezing done prior to biopsies. I was a bit tender for a couple of days after but no real pain. They insert a needle after the freezing to take the biopsy. I had to have three needles as I had three tumours on the left side. I did put ice on it after to keep bruising down.

You'll be okay. I was super nervous because I didn't know what to expect. It's only natural to be nervous. I'd still be nervous even though I know what to expect. But there's really no pain. It's like going to the dentist once the freezing is in you won't feel anything. Hope this helps relieve some of your anxiety. Good luck with your results.

exbrnxgrl

I think you’ll find a wide variety of experiences with this biopsy. Although it wasn’t any fun, it was not as bad as I anticipated. They gave me ice packs to put in my bra afterward which were very soothing (It was a hot summer day too!) . I am a teacher and was on summer break, but had it been during the school year, I would have taken the whole day off, but if your job is more sedentary you might be fine to work. I also don’t recall much pain as the anesthetic wore off, but I took something preemptively. All the best to you.

AC1965

I don’t think my second biopsy would have been painful and my recovery time had been so long if I hadn’t developed the hematoma. Tylenol helped a lot afterward. Let them know if you feel any discomfort so they can adjust the medication. Sending good thoughts your way

djmammo

Wxnerd

Here is a link describing the process: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastbixr

There are many related videos on YouTube

HopeWins

this was my experience- got undressed from waist up. Went into room with a table that looked sort of like a chiropractor's table except no face hole. You lay on your stomach and they raise the table so the Dr can sit and work beneath you. I had to turn my head to side away from Dr and nurse. This was a little uncomfortable because u keep your head like this the whole time and can't move. There's a hole in table for your boob. They compress it with paddles like mammogram. After locating the spot, Dr injects lidocaine. The first thing the Dr did sounded like an ear piercing gun. I don't know what that was but it got some tissue. The subsequent extractions had some pressure/tugging as they extract the samples. Then they place a titanium clip to mark the spot of the biopsy. Then, the nurse cleaned and squeezed my boob, then bandaged it. Then went to regular mammogram room for new baseline image with the clip. The whole procedure was around 45min, maybe a little longer.

I'm going to be honest, it was traumatic for me. I didn't realize how long my breast would be compressed and the Dr did not allow even 2 seconds of time between lidocaine and extraction. I felt 2 of the 3 extractions. I didn't understand the squeezing at the end. It was a painful procedure for me, but I don't think it had to be. I didn't know what to expect and this was my first experience with a Dr that didn't tell me what I'd feel/what to expect before touching me and I was facing away so I couldn't see it coming. After the first extraction, which I felt, I was terrified. I think if I was fully numb and there was better communication, it would have been much different.

If I were to do if all over, I would have asked to take a small dose of xanax ahead of time. I would have had an agreement with the Dr to wait a few seconds for lidocaine to do its thing, tell me before she touches, etc. Not trying to frighten you. I wish I'd known what to expect so I'm just trying to be honest. I think others have had better experiences.

Wxnerd

I’m sorry you had such a bad experience. This is what I’m worried about. Part of me wants to cancel the appointment and take my chances but I know that’s not a good idea.

Thank you for sharing your experience