Core Biopsy Questions

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sparrowhawk
sparrowhawk Member Posts: 179
edited October 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I am going for a core biopsy on Tuesday. Some background - 26y/o,  recently noticed some changes in my breast and had an U/S, which found an indeterminate nodule with blood vessels and lobulations.

I really know nothing about what to expect, except that my GP told me the core needle can take more structure of the growth and gives a better result than other biopsies. What can I expect from the procedure? What about recovery time?

I'm a mixture of feelings at the moment... my doctor was really upfront with me and told me it really looks abnormal, and she wants me to see a breast surgeon regardless of what the result may be (I have other abnormalities in my breasts).

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  • GreenHarbor
    GreenHarbor Member Posts: 265
    edited October 2018

    Hi Sparrowhawk... I had a stereotactic needle biopsy in July, performed by a radiologist. They first do a mammogram to find the specific area of concern. At your age, I don't know if you've had one yet? You stand for regular mammograms, but for this, I sat in a padded chair on wheels that they can move to get you in position. The doctor then cleaned my skin, and injected lidocaine. While waiting for the lidocaine to work, they attached the biopsy needle device to the mammogram machine. (I closed my eyes for this part, but they talked to me the whole time.) You’re squished for this part, but a little less than for a regular mammogram. The doctor and mammogram tech read off some sort of coordinates to each other, and then the doctor took the biopsy. The actual biopsy part took maybe 15 seconds. I did feel a small electrical type “jolt” on the other side of my boob from the biopsy, but it wasn’t painful. After the doctor took the sample, she then placed a titanium marker the size of a sesame seed at the biopsy site. If the biopsy doesn’t show anything, the marker shows up on future mammograms as a reminder that the area was already checked out. If you end up needing a lumpectomy, the clip is a marker for the surgeon. The doctor put a small dressing on it and sent me on my way. Start to finish, it took 45 minutes. I took Advil as soon as I got home, and iced the area several times. No baths, swimming or hot tubs for 7-10 days, but showers were OK. It was a little sore, but not painful. I drove myself. I wasn’t working that day, but if I was, I could have gone right back. They told me the results could take 3-4 business days, but my PCP called me the next day with mine. Good luck!
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  • sparrowhawk
    sparrowhawk Member Posts: 179
    edited October 2018

    Thank you! When I was 19 I found a lump in my breast which turned out to be a fibroadenoma - I had an ultrasound then, and had another about three years ago, but have never had a mammogram (because of my age). My biopsy will be U/S guided.

    Your info about recovery was so helpful. I am prepared for a few days laying low as much as I can and taking care of myself and my boobs!

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited October 2018


    About US guided breast biopsy: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breas...

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  • Dyannah
    Dyannah Member Posts: 52
    edited October 2018

    I had an ultrasound guided biopsy on September 28. I cannot answer healing time, but expect to get bruised. They laid me on a gurney. With my gown off one shoulder. They cleaned the area, and put towels around it. Leaving just enough room for the ultrasound and the needled loaded thing. They numbed me up. Made a small cut. The put the needle in, and took three samples. It was done by a radiologist.

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited October 2018

    I had a lot of bruising as well. It was a little tender and swollen but cold packs really helped. The procedure itself wasn't bad after the first lidocaine shot. Other than the bruises and it looking bad it recovery was pretty easy. Prayers ng for the best for your procedure.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited October 2018

    Mine was also US guided. I had to lay on my side. I remember that it seemed weird since the lump was at about 12 o'clock. Same deal here - numbed then tiny incisions then biopsies. I had two areas done because there was the lump and also a lymph node. It seemed like it took kind of a longish time, but I was also fairly anxious even with my husband there. Steristrips were placed over the incisions and the techs held pressure on them for a few minutes. I used ice packs and Tylenol afterwards. It was mostly uncomfortable - not a lot of pain. And no change at all in my activities since I attended a fundraiser that night and one of my kids had a sleepover party the next day

    The radiologist was professional but not very personal. The techs were great. One even went next door to the BS office to get me a prescription for Xanax to take at home! I had the results in 3 days even though it was over a weekend.


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  • sparrowhawk
    sparrowhawk Member Posts: 179
    edited October 2018

    Thank you all! I'm preparing for a few days' discomfort. Emotionally, I feel very chaotic (not about the procedure, but the situation in general). I'm making an effort to go about my normal life as much as possible, and to listen to my body when I'm stressed or tired.



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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited October 2018

    sparrowhawk - I had an ultrasound guided core needle biopsy of a palpable lump. The procedure took about 45 mins, was easy and painless, felt some pressure during the biopsy itself. I took Tylenol and put a little ice pack in my bra, but drove myself home and went to work the next day, no issues. I did want to warn you about the noise the core needle itself makes - it is a loud-ish snapping sound as it cores the suspicious mass - it catches some people off guard so wanted to warn you in case the practitioner doesn't. I did not have results until 5 days later - and the duration of testing to results can vary - I have seen as little as 24 hours to as much as 2 weeks, so you might ask about that and who will inform you of those results.

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  • sparrowhawk
    sparrowhawk Member Posts: 179
    edited October 2018

    Thank you! That's super helpful, especially as I didn't know about the noise! I will stock up on pain meds. I will definitely ask about wait time...I think that can cause even more anxiety than the procedure!


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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited October 2018

    The snapping noise sounded (and felt) like someone was loudly snapping an elastic band on my skin ...nothing serious, can’t say it even hurt much. Hang.....sending positives for asmooth biopsy & clear results!

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  • sparrowhawk
    sparrowhawk Member Posts: 179
    edited October 2018

    Thank you so much! :)

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