Does a biopsy hurt?

Hi, they will freeze you so if you've ever had dental freezing, it's very similar. Just a little pinch sting when the freezing needle first goes in. Then the freezing kicks in & you can't feel anything. They freeze you very well and you should not feel anything but pressure after that. If you feel pain, ask for more freezing.

The tool that does the biopsy is like a big syringe but it makes a loud noise - like a staple gun. My radiologist demonstrated it to me beforehand & she always let me know just before she pushed the button so I wouldn't flinch at the noise. Usually the most uncomfortable part is the positioning. They often need your arm up etc. When the nurse is positioning you, you can ask for extra pillows etc to support you so you're comfy. You can also ask for them to put a facecloth over your eyes so you can just try to ignore it all and pretend you're not there.

I had hardly any bleeding after. It really is just a bandaid thing. They gave me a small icepack to put in my bra. I went grocery shopping on the way home from mine in 2017. It felt bruised that night & I took a tylenol at bedtime but that was it.

I hope this helps. Deep slow breaths - you can do this.

I’m so sorry you are here. The waiting time is so tough. I second Moth—you can get through the biopsy. My doctor set the screen so I could watch them, but I decided to be a chicken and keep my eyes closed. It was quick, and I just had some bruising afterwards. The noise was kind of strange, but it really didn’t hurt. You can definitely get through this. Please keep us updated.

Yep, easier than going to the dentist. I'd suggest doing some fun stuff between now and your biopsy - and also after. It's tricky with Covid and winter, but if nothing else, watch some goofy movies or turn up the music and silly dance.

I had to have 4. It is definitely not painful and nothing to worry about. Good luck. I know the waiting is the hardest.

Tell them about the dentist.

I don't want to be the contrary one but I agree with others - once you get past the sting of the lidocaine, everything should be fine .... until it isn't. My radiologist talked with me the entire time so I really wasn't focused on the clicking. All of a sudden, I felt as though I'd been jabbed with a knife. He acknowledged immediately I was in pain but reassured me I would get more lidocaine. Within a minute, I had no pain. Apparently, the device he used also was connected to a lidocaine syringe driver so he just had to push a button. I was tense & stiff until he finished which in my memory wasn't too long. So, rest assured, if you are experiencing pain, your radiologist can rapidly give you more lidocaine so you are more comfortable. I would do it all again in a heartbeat if I needed it.