Hematoma after stereotactic biopsy

Hi Lifechanges,

I too got a hematoma after my sterotactic biopsy, although I had been on coumadin for a heart problem, I stopped it in plenty of time. They said it was because my tumor was very vascular. I had my lumpectomy about 3 weeks later and there was still a little residual bruising when I had surgery,but the majority had cleared up.  I hope things go well for you

 Tamara

Hi "lifechanges"

Don't be FRANTIC! I know it is easier to say than to do!!!! I had a core biopsy and had a pretty big hematoma for a few days after. I was able to put warm compresses 24 hours after surgery which helped. There was nothing else I could do, it will pass don't worry.

My initial dx was "atypical hyperplasia/borderline DCIS".  I have now had my lumpectomy in the left breast (had it 3 days ag0). Recovering well, not 2 bad. My anxiety now is now towards the final path result and having clean margins...I am terribly anxious about this clean margin deal.

Take care, you are not alone in this!! we are all here for each other. This is an awesome site.

Alicia

Hi,

Just wanted to tell you that I had a hematoma also, it took a couple of weeks before it totally resolved but my surgeon didn't seem concerned.  I was very bruised and had a golf ball size lump for about 3-4 weeks. My surgeon also said to wait a couple of weeks before doing lumpectomy due to hematoma, so this must be standard.  Some people just bleed more than others.   By the time I had surg you could hardly tell.  Good news is the lumpectomy wasn't as painful/bruised as the biopsy site!  You'll do fine, waiting is the worst part. 

Good luck

-+-Hi Lifechanges,

 Was aleted to your post by a friend on the boards..(we look out 4 each other).

 Last week-end I popped a vein connected to the mammory artery and wound-up having to take ambulance to Hospital. I bled out into my MX site and it swelled up so big it felt like I had an extra person under my shirt! My BP was so low I couldn't stand-up w/o passing out and/or getting dizzy & throwing up. As I said, I wound up in surgery and had to get 4 units of blood.

Point being...IF you start to feel dizzy, swelling more than you think you should, or throwuing up or any of the 3...call you BS & GET TO ER!. I nearly bled out and died cause I kept telling DH it was only a blood sugar crash.

I DO mean to scare you but only with the best of intentions. 

Best of luck!

xoxo

Lursa5

Thank you for the tip about arnica lotion and massaging the hematoma . .

I developed a golf ball size hematoma and deep purple bruising all over my right breast following stereostatic biopsy and was told 2 weeks  later this might delay surgery . I was completely traumatised about this .

After reading your post I bought Arnica lotion , arnica ointment plus homeopathic arnica pills . I massaged the hematoma  and the bruising a few times a day with the lotion or the ointment , took the arnica pills as directed , put warm compresses as well in the mornings and evenings before putting lotion / ointment 

. 2 weeks later the bruising had disappeared and the hematoma was substantially smaller meaning I had scheduled surgery 4 weeks after the biopsy as  my breast surgeon could see the cancer .I have no bruising and no pain from the lumpectomy !

11/08/2011 IDC  , 1.2 cm stage 0 , grade 1  0/3 nodes 

I'm so glad I found this site and read about the hematomas.   I had two biopsies (different sites) in my right breast.   I've had a hematoma the size of a golf ball at one of the sites ever since. Blood vessel hit during the 2nd biopsy.  The hematoma immediately appeared and was developing even more during the mammogram that immediately followed the biopsy.  It's been 19 days but feel better knowing I can try the arnica lotion and warm compresses.  My breast is still pretty bruised and tender but definitely improving and the colors are primarily blue and red now .  My diagnosis was ALH at only one of the sites and have been referred to a breast specialist/surgeon.  No rush, no malignancy the doctor said but he also said I may need a mastectomy.  I'm putting everything off until after my birthday next week.  Thank you very much for the information shared ladies!  xxoo to all!!!

I want to tell you how much it means to me to find this conversation about hematoma after stereotactic biopsy. The doctor told me not to worry. The PA said "It will go away," and hearing those words really have been getting me through when it feels like it never will. But it means so much more to hear from people that have actually experienced the pain and worry of it themselves and can say that it does go away. As soon as I read this, the tears just started to flow...ohh thank God other people have had this and it really does go away. I had my biopsy a month ago and my breast started hurting like hell around 3 weeks after and I'm taking Tylenol 3 times a day. I describe mine as a rock hard area around and below the incision site about 3 to 4 inches long. That whole area hurts plus my nipple feels like it's constantly in a vise. The PA I saw recommended I wear a sports bra day & night, and that has helped minimize pain from every little movement. The bra I wear is actually not a sports bra but similar and more comfy. It's Bali Comfort Revolution 3488. And no, I don't work for Bali. Just happy to pass on a comfy bra because we all know how hard those are to find....Nothing beats sitting down on the couch at night to relax and popping off that bra! Hopefully, soon I will be back to that. I'm scheduled for surgery in 3 weeks for an excision all biopsy, and they say the chance of hematoma is much less for that. Thank you all once again.

Thanks so much, Melissa. I'll check it out!

I'm sorry you are experiencing this pain and discomfort. I also had a hematoma after my stereotactic biopsy and tried to manage it with tylenol and a tramadol at home initially. After I swelled to twice my size and was in significant pain, I contacted the breast center and was directed to come in to be examined. I ended up being transported to the emergency room where a breast surgeon removed the hematoma surgically. It took weeks of bruising, soreness and swelling to return to normal but now I am almost back and planning my DCIS lumpectomy. i was told it was rare to have a hematoma bad enough to require surgical intervention. Lucky me...smile.

I'm sure your BS can provide some relief tomorrow that goes beyond creams and painkillers. Know that there is an end to your discomfort.