Waiting and shave biopsy pain?

lilpupper · March 2018

Hey all I'm 23, have a persistent (1 year+) nipple eczema focused on the left nipple and my dermatologist wanted to do a shave biopsy after the latest batch of steroids plus a antifungal didn't work. So I consented, even though my understanding of paget's disease (which, she mentioned as a possibility along with skin cancer?) is that a punch biopsy is standard. But I'm not looking for reassurance exactly, I know cancer is highly unlikely and most biopsies come back benign.

But I am still anxious naturally, this is a lot for me to go through. The biopsy was two days ago and totally unexpected, since the appointment I had was just a follow up. I was/am shocked at how it looked after, I had no idea how deep shave biopsies are and I'm just glad I looked away while it was happening.

I've followed the wound care paper to the T, except for not using a dressing after 24 hrs, as I can't imaine having it rubbing up agains clothes constantly as it's already noticeably painful as is (not to mention it would get healing ointment all over my shirts.)

Which is my question I guess, is it alright that it's just sort of aching constantly? It doesn't feel hot generally so I doubt it's infected. Has anyone else had a shave biopsy on the nipple? My biggest hope is to hear from someone who has.

The dermatologist said I'd probably have my results by the end of the week.

Edit: Oh, also the dermatologist told the nurse who was inputting things into the computer that the purpose of the biopsy was to rule out atopic dermatitis (eczema) can anyone with tell me if this kind of wording typical? I assume it is, but it seemed like a weird question to ask so I just didn’t and I was pretty shaken up at the time anyway.

cath1 · March 2018

Hi lilpupper. I am a long time lurker to this page. I have had many issues with my breasts over the years, and have found the people here very reassuring, friendly and informative. I have not been diagnosed with cancer, but have a long history of lumps, bumps and other issues. Most recently I have nipple changes with occasional bleeding. My dermatologist gave me some cortisone cream to use, but I had no improvement. So I also had a shave biopsy yesterday. I too am pretty unfamiliar with this procedure, and was expecting a punch biopsy. Mine was about the diameter of a pea, but not real deep. I have had some achiness today, but expected that because of what the procedure involves. I am optimistic that the pain will get better as each day comes. Have you felt any improvement with the pain? Please watch for infection. Dont be afraid of calling the doctor if you still are concerned in a day or two. I have been through many many times of uncertain findings. The doctors do this all day every day, and I think some forget thst you, the patient, are worried. Call if you have questions, its ok. Its your body and you have every right to understand whats going on. Best wishes on your results 😊

gb2115 · March 2018

Hope you are feeling better now! I had a deep shave done to the side of my breast a few months ago. It did hurt for a few days. Sorry I didn't see this until now! Yeah, infection would look like expanding redness around the area, like silver dollar size. Or foul drainage, fever, etc. I wore telfa pads over that sucker for 2 weeks to protect it from clothing and it eventually healed. Pink scar now. I was alarmed at how deep she went when I first took the bandage off.

I would think a shave off the nipple would hurt more than average, think how sensitive the area is!!

Hope you had great results!!!

Recap · April 2018

I just had a shave biopsy this morning, only it was buttock. I can't see it lol so it is gonna be hand-held mirror tricks tomorrow for me. Paper says remove bandage after 24 hours like yours, then clean wound twice a day with q-tips soaked in hydrogen peroxide, and 'remove' drainage and crust as needed. It says do not let a scab form. Use 'white' petroleum/Vaseline after it is clean.

I don't recommend anyone put Vaseline (see my Vicks thread) on their breast, especially not nipple/arreola. Not so sure about hydrogen peroxide either? Hope you have different instructions-skin is quite different when it is nipple/arreola-like a water slide through the surface into your breast. It says to keep cleaning and replacing the bandage, keeping the wound covered until it is fully healed.

I had a mole shaved under breast years ago and it grew back-imo because they did not go deep enough wide enough to get the 'roots' of it. Second time round the guy cut quite a crater out, and it never came back (which is a relief to me) and you literally cannot see any scar or defect now in what was the softest most delicate of all skin.

Recap · April 2018

I hope you have your results back?

Not quite a week now but my shave bx site looks about the same. I had a bit of bleeding day 2 and 3, none since. No scab in the rear-view mirror. I bought a supposedly latex-free box of bandages but itched badly from the adhesive so I haven't used any bandages since. I wash the spot each day, after my shower, with a wet wipe with antibacterial Soft Soap on it.

Biopsy report was papilloma so not a mole, I guess. Personally I think my HPV+ was some form of cross-transference during a colonoscopy 5-6yrs ago. This spot grew very rapidly immediately after, and then plateaud at the size it has been for years now. All of my other stuff the last 8mos finally prodded me into getting this 'mole' taken care of also. I had no idea what HPV was until they started doing those commercials about a vaccine for kids and my gyn tested for it following a pap smear.

Waiting and shave biopsy pain?

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