Hard lump after stereotactic biopsy

eviec1

Hello all,

I had the biopsy last Tuesday. Since then, I have experienced pain, bruising, and some swelling - all of which I expected and understand to be normal. However, this morning I felt a very hard and large lump in the area that was biopsied. That definitely wasn't there before (the biopsy was based on finding calcifications on a mamm - there was no palpable lump at all before). Is this normal? Should I be concerned about this? Has this happened to anyone else and, if so, what was the outcome? Thanks!

Beesie

It's most likely a hematoma. I developed one once after a biopsy. It's a collection of blood that forms after an injury to the breast. With hematomas caused by biopsies, usually the blood absorbs back into your system on it's own, but it can take time.

An Overview of Breast Hematomas

"A breast hematoma can happen to anyone regardless of age or menopausal status. It may be caused by trauma, or procedures like a breast biopsy or breast surgery....

...When feeling a hematoma, it may feel like a firm lump beneath the skin....

...Smaller breast hematomas will go away on their own, given enough time. The body usually simply reabsorbs the blood and breaks it down, as it does with any bruise. Using a heated compress or heating pad a few times a day can help this along."

eviec1

Oh, that's good to know. Since getting the idc diagnosis I've been a bit hyper aware (or paranoid) about everything my body does, so when I felt that hard lump this morning, of course my mind immediately went to thoughts of a growing tumor. This is such an emotional rollercoaster. My breast is still VERY bruised - purple and yellow - so I know the biopsy did a number on it. Maybe that's all it is then.

erineleven

After my stereotactic biopsy I had a lump it felt like a marble at the needle site. The doctor had warned me that might happen. I saw a breast surgeon right after and they confirmed it was ok