Does core needle biopsy hurt?

Amica · July 2018

I don't know where else to post this. I'm a 20 year Stage 2 breast cancer survivor but now a large 30 X 40 mm mass has shown up in a lymph node under my collarbone. I am scheduled for a core biopsy next week. They are going to have to go through my pectoral muscle.

Does a core biopsy hurt? I've been reading elsewhere on the internet and it sounds awful. Anyone with any experience in this?

californiateri · July 2018

I had a core needle biopsy following my ultrasound because the radiologist said the area looked "icky". He used a local anesthetic to numb the area and I really only felt pressure when he did the biopsy. I didn't think it was so bad.

Misha13 · July 2018

Amica-I just had a core biopsy last Friday and it isn’t awful. I had it in two places, on my breast and under my armpit. The only thing that was uncomfortable was the numbing shots! Especially under my arm, which is most like going under your muscle in your collarbone.

Take deep breaths and breathe through the needle pokes. The actual biopsy just felt like pressure, not painful. Once the numbing shots kick in, it’s a piece of cake!

I did use ice packs that first day and took some Tylenol the next, by the third, it was fine.

Good luck! You got this!!

Amica · July 2018

Thank you Misha13 and californiat... for your replies! That sounds reassuring.

And good luck with your results Misha13

take care,

Amica

macmomma · July 2018

I'm sorry to be the dissenting voice here, but my stereotactic core biopsy of the breast was awful. There were a few things: the table was extremely uncomfortable and I had to lie on my front with my head turned way to the right (like those extreme mammo positions?)face down for about 1.5 hours. Now, since it's a lymph node, it might be different for you. They shot a needle into my breast while being squeezed for mammogram, and that really hurt and was just weird and wrong. I had complications from it, and passed out driving home (no one suggested I have someone drive me). Granted, that's very rare, but I wish I had a) taken a pre-medication (xanax or ativan or something) and b) had someone there to drive me home. Just FWIW.

Amica · July 2018

Macmomma , that sounds just awful. I think it does vary person to person. I can't even imagine the breast being squeezed for a mammogram and then being shot with a needle. ouch. I see my family practitioner a day before the biopsy and I am prepared to ask her for a prescription for just 5 pills of some kind of strong painkiller, because I cannot deal with pain. Thank God 20 years ago when I first went through this,and I had multiple biopsies and surgeries doctors were not afraid to prescribe Hydrocodone etc. I had many prescriptions for it and did not suffer pain, I am thankful for that. And I never got addicted to it.

Jons_girl · July 2018

From what I understand there is a difference between stereostatic and needle core biopsies. I had a needle core biopsy after they found my tumor on ultrasound. And it wasn't bad at all! No worries!

Amica · July 2018

thanks jons girl ! -- It's good to hear your experience wasn't that bad.

take care,

amica

MelissaDallas · July 2018

None of mine (stereotactic or ultrasound guided hurt. Lying on the table in an uncomfortable position and trying to be still hurt worse than the biopsy.

Fixyourdog · July 2018

I had a core needle biopsy. It was not awful, but I'd have to say it's more than just pressure. BUT the radiologist was awesome and just gave me more lidocaine every time I squeaked. Plus, a helper of some kind held my hand and helped me breathe through it.

You will be fine but make sure they know you want more pain meds when u ask.

Amica · July 2018

thank you MmelissaDall and Fixyourdog. I will just make sure I squeak (or scream) loudly if there's pain lol

I've gone through something like 10 surgeries and biopsies for breast and endometrium, ovaries, uterus, including a sentinal lymph node biopsy that was filmed for training purposes, with a whole film crew around me, so I shouldn't be such a baby.

thanks again for posting.

Cathy1975 · July 2018

I had 2 core needle biopsies done Thursday. The shots stung a bit when the meds went in. 2 incisions were made in my breast. Didn't feel anything except pressure. I had a hard time getting to sleep Thursday night, trying to find a comfortable position. I also took an Ativan prior to the procedure. Still a lil sore but I'm ok. ☺

Amica · July 2018

cathy1978

thanks for the reply. That's helpful. You're a trooper. I believe they give some kind of sedative before the procedure here. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Amica

GyzmoesMom · July 2018

Honestly, it can depend on who's doing it. My first 3 biopsies were done by a radiologist -- and she beat the crap out of me. After that they've been done by a competent breast surgeon, and I have barely felt them. My advice is to have a surgeon do it, not a radiologist.

Amica · July 2018

thank you GyzmoesMom,

thanks for your reply.

I don't have that choice. Here in Ontario I can get in to see the radiolgist for ultra-sound guided biopsy, it took 4 weeks. My family doctor said it would take several weeks or months just to get the consult with a general surgeon who could do the biopsy. She wouldn't even estimate how many.

If it hurts too much I will literally just start screaming until they are forced to inject more local anesthesia. I can't take pain.

SmartH · July 2018

They will probably numb the area. I didn't feel any pain during my biopsy.

Amica · July 2018

thanks smarth!

take care,

Amica

Amica · July 2018

I had the core needle biopsy and it did not hurt because they do use local anesthetic on the area. However there was some pain after the procedure, the pain was worse a day or two out, Tylenol managed it, but for me the pain I believe was compounded by lymphedema. So that was my experience of it, now I just wait for results.

Bostoniangal25 · July 2018

Any biopsies , ladies , are numb with lidocaine!!! No one will do them without, especially one under collar bone. I had core biopsy and fine needle aspiration, in my breast and under armpit- didn’t feel nothing , breast was bruised month before surgery, I had no big breasts though.

You will be fine!!!!

ksusan · July 2018

My biopsies were quite painful. People need to know that you can't predict it up front and to arrange for pain medication if needed.

Snickersmom · July 2018

I had several biopsies - stereotactic, ultrasound guided, etc. - and none of them hurt. They were all done by radiologists There was a slight pinch of the needle but the Lidocaine really helped and all I felt was pressure. I had no problems afterward except that I had both the ultrasound guided and the MRI guided the same day - really back to back - and a few days later the side and underside of my breast were totally black and blue. But since they were both coming off shortly afterwards, it was okay.

Amica · July 2018

I agree with you @ksusan that as you wrote "... People need to know that you can't predict it up front and to arrange for pain medication if needed."

The problem is at least where I live, the doctors simply will not provide a script for what I consider a real pain medication, e.g. hydrocodone, for this. I asked for just 2 or 3 pills especially since my biopsy was done on a Friday and I was afraid of ending up in agony over the weekend, with no access to my doctor's office. It pisses me off royally that people in an actual potentially painful situation are denied TWO or THREE pills. What made my first round with breast cancer bearable was that I was never in pain, and that is the way I prefer it. Why should we have to suffer needlessly?

The way things are I am nearly as scared of going through further cancer surgeries with no pain medication as I am of the cancer itself. Or maybe they will provide actual pain meds nowadays, just not for a biopsy, I don't know.

couragement · July 2018

Hi dear Amica,

How are you? Any news yet? How are you recovering from your biopsy? Any lingering pain? Preach it here about pain meds! I am with you. I found that once I had cancer they were very willing to be helpful... but it certainly was before even more constant issues around prescribing opiates. What is the situation with medical marijuana in Canada?

How have you been, and what have you been up to? I overdid it getting in the ocean to ride an old school surf mat (can't ride surfboards any longer due to chest pain) and my lymphadema raged. I didn't know you had it too. It is all new to me and I honestly can't tell what is what from just nerve damage, deep muscle aching, or actual lympahdema (mine seems very truncal). I binged on the water time, still binging on sugar, but it is summer time and I have this need to run to joy when I can.

Sending much love your way,

Your old friend in California

Amica · July 2018

Dear couragement

I have this image of you in the ocean swooping around in the water with the sun glistening on the waves and a glorious wind whippinig its way through your hair. I love California.

Yes I have news. It is not good. I just found out a few hours ago. The pathology report says "This lymph node is positive for metastatic adenocarcinoma." But I don't know the full picture until I get more tests. They are still testing my biopsy sample and my doctor referred me to a regional cancer center, the Juravinski. I do not think the wait will be too long.

The strange thing is that for the last few months I had this sinister sensation of being choked, you know if you are really anxious and you feel your throat tense up like you can't catch your breath, kind of gulping for air. I attributed it to anxiety. Now I know it was the actual tumor pressing in that area and/or the cancer may have gotten to my lungs. And other things make sense, like I could not lie on my side in bed (my good non-lymphedema side) because i felt like my pyjamas were bunching up around my collarbone. I kept thinking why do all my nightgowns feel so tight like they are strangling me? Again, it wasn't the nightgowns, it was the lesion on my collarbone.

Not sure about the marijuana situation here, I think it's going to be legal soon in Canada, recreational, medical all of it lol

Hope your lymphedema/soreness feels better!

I posted a poem in the Arts Section of this board. It's pretty far down on the following page

my poem

wishing you sunshine and joy,

Amica

couragement · July 2018

Oh Amica,

I am so sorry, and I am so saddened by this news. You have my heart sitting next to you right now. May we just beat together.

You sound strong. I don't know what you may be feeling, but if you feel like talking about it I am here. I love your poem. You are a lovely writer and your ability to create imagery, and energy, is beautiful. May you maintain such flow throughout this time.

I would imagine having this new information is powerful in so many ways. How interesting that many symptoms now make sense, and the understanding of the sinister feelings. I so hope that they have methods to reduce these sensations so that you can be more comfortable. How are you feeling right now about gearing up for any therapies or treatments they may want to do?

Is there anything I can do for you? My husband will be in Toronto in a month for work and I can send anything your way.

With love from California

Amica · July 2018

Dear Couragement:

You are so kind. thanks, I'm good. I think you already sent your weather our way because it is very California-like this evening, cool, not humid, lovely weather. Your husband will love Toronto, it is a great city to visit, I have not been there in ages myself, though I don't live too far.

I just edited my post above; I think I may not have stated the terminology correctly. The pathology report says "This lymph node is positive for metastatic adenocarcinoma most consistent with primary breast origin", but that may not be the same as "metastatic breast cancer." I don't even know. I don't have the full picture yet. I am just taking a day by day, moment by moment approach right now Lots of deep breathing.

wishing you well,

Amica

P.S. Honestly, reading the pathology report is so scary right now I think it's best if I put it back in my bag lol. LOTs of time to read that sucker some other time.

couragement · July 2018

Right?! Not a bad idea to put it away until you get to speak with someone. I would imagine they will be scheduling both a PET and bone scan.

I hope you got some sleep last night. I am so pleased you are having lovely weather! I will try to send more, but it is unfortunately going to be getting super hot again. If there is anything you can't find there but love down here (ie: Trader Joe's treats!) just give me a shout!

May you have a restful weekend and I send much love!

Amica · July 2018

"Not a bad idea to put it away until you get to speak with someone." -- Absolutely. Even my family doctor couldn't interpret most of it.

I hope you have a splendid weekend, lovely Couragement

Sending a cool breeze your way from Ontario

Amica

Bostoniangal25 · July 2018

Hi Amica, so sorry to hear your diagnosis!! Hang on here !! Hope it’s no major metastatic disease!!!

For biopsy no need of pain meds aka opioids, after surgery possible , yes, indeed. Tylenol is fine . I stooped my ixicodoneon third nite from unimastectomy because I overdosed - took too much in short period of time , but it was according my instructions- But still I was thinking I m having a stroke at age of 41- strong heart beat, heaviness in my chest, couldn’t breath , called 911. In emergency room they run some test thinking I have clot in my lung , it happened the first nite after surgery at home.

I would like to know- you were working so hard to prevent recurrence, why it came back ? If you need anything, we are here for you!!! I really hope it is a mistake of some sort!

Hugs❤️❤️❤️

ksusan · July 2018

"For biopsy no need of pain meds aka opioids"--again, this was not my experience. I recommend getting some pain meds lined up beforehand, and if you don't need to fill the scrip, great. I have had bad pain after all biopsies. Tylenol doesn't work as a pain reliever for the majority of people; it's recommended in case it help[s and because unlike aspirin or Advil (which I was forbidden to take after biopsies for this reason), it doesn't promote bleeding.

Amica · July 2018

thank you for your support bostoniagal25

I agree with you ksusan.

My doc finally did prescribe tylenol 2 but it has caffeine in it and I am sensitive to caffeine. I took it and I was up all night. I would like to be able to take a pain pill and sleep, not lie there awake. I just don't don't understand these doctors. Caffeine, indeed. I'm not working. I don't need to be alert. I need to be able to rest without being in pain.

Also I am referring to a persistent pain in my right side that I have had ever since the biopsy, and a pain at my shoulder, and clavicle. They may well be cancer-related. I mean, the biopsy may have stirred things up. I don't know. I feel so helpless. My family doctor is a useless twit. And I still haven't gotten an appt at the Cancer Center. Today I called their referral service and it sounded like my paperwork was all screwed up, it was unclear they even had what they needed. What a colossal mess. I'm disgusted.

Does core needle biopsy hurt?

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