Scared of biopsy! (atypical ultrasound)

Hi sadwife,

Do not worry about the biopsy, it should not hurt, I just had my first done last week and it went fine, quick and painless. They will numb the area, so please do not worry about that. I am waiting for my results this week. They found something highly suspicious of malignancy, about 1cm. The wait is hard, but try not to be scared of the biopsy. I was and it went just fine. Hoping for the best and keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Truly you will be fine going through the biopsy process... Ice, ice, ice afterwards and that will make a big difference once you get home. They should give you a small ice pack to take with you.... Most of us posting on this site have done pretty well with biopsies .... You're in good company!

Sadwife - I can sooooooo relate to the fear of needles and what you are going through. I had a punch biopsy and it was numbed up first with about 3 local shots, and I did feel them sting a bit - not bad, but I noticed it. I wound up having to do some deep breathing and the surgeon asked his assistant to hold my hand and talk to me, etc. I also wound up with a couple of stitches. I got through it though, and I agree with what smc said above, "Just show up, you don't have to be brave." I showed up, got it done, and was more than glad when it was over.

I would suggest telling them about your fear ahead of time and seeing if there isn't something they can do to help. Since mine did turn out to be cancer, I had a port put in for chemo, and with the port, they prescribed a tube of lidocaine cream that I can put on an area before a needle hits it. It was supposed to just be used for the port, but since I had a bunch left, I have used it for IV's, blood draws, etc. You name it, if it involves a needle, I slather that lidocaine on the place the needle will be used about an hour ahead of time (slather it on and cover with saran type wrap or Tegaderm). It has helped me so much, that I asked my oncologist to prescribe me a new tube, as the old one expired, and she did. I even used it for my first Covid vaccination a few weeks ago, and am planning to use it again this Friday when I get my second shot. Some nurses I've encountered and told them I had the lidocaine on there were totally baffled and had no idea what it was or why I did it. Others said they thought it was the greatest thing and that they were glad I did it, because I didn't feel anything when they put in IV's, etc. It makes me odd to the medical people, but so what?

I am a big baby when it comes to needles and invasive procedures, like you talked about. I don't care if people think I should "grow up", "take it", and put on my big girl pants, etc. Needles and such just freak me out. It's not just the physical pain, there is a real psychological factor there too that I don't think a lot of people consider or understand. Because I told my surgeon of my fear ahead of time, I was able to have my chemo port put in and taken out in the operating room, so I didn't have to go with just a local. He also arranged to have the blue dye they inject if you have breast surgery, once I was "under", so that I wouldn't have to feel all those needle sticks. I strongly suggest that you check with your dr ahead of time and also look into getting a tube of lidocaine cream - it helps me with both the physical and emotional troubles that I have with needles.

Amazing advice ThreeTree! Thank you! SadWife, breast area of biopsy will not hurt, just pressure & noise. Lymph node part is different for some people. Like others had mentioned above, tell them you are sensitive and they may add extra numbing for you, my 2nd radiologist did this and I did not feel a thing in the lymph node. Not all radiologists are created equal. Have someone drive you if you can, so that you can ice it right away in the car ride home, it will feel good to put pressure on it right away and icing feels so good. If driving yourself (doable), put ice pack in the bra on the way home (take a hankerchief to wrap the ice pack) Good luck, don't be afraid, you will do great!

Hello, like you I had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, This led to a biopsy. Going in, I was expecting a needle aspiration and the radiologist told me that now they were going to do a core needle biopsy (CNB). That gave me pause, but I like the center that I go to and feel they are the experts. They answered all of my questions. They are well aware of the stress the procedure and the unknown cause.

They began with the ultrasound to find the spot and guide the biopsy. The doc prepared the skin for the biopsy with antiseptic and gave me the injection of lidocaine. She told me to prepare for the pinch. I felt a little but nothing too bad. She then told me when the biopsy needle would be going in and told me to let her know if I felt anything. I felt a little something and told her and after that nothing.

I watched the ultrasound image. The spot actually disintegrated upon contact. She told me that I would hear a click as she took the sample. She also told me that they would place a clip in at that time and why. She let me know when that was placed.

After the sample was prepared, the doc left the room and the nurse came in for after care. She had a student nurse with her and asked my permission to observe. I had no problem with this. In fact, I think it is great that I could help her learn. The nurse placed the steri strips and gave me after care instruction.They asked if I was feeling faint. Then, I was offered a drink and crackers. I felt very cared for.

Next, back to mammogram to make sure the clip was placed correctly. This is so any further docs can see exactly where the problem is instead of having to approximate,

After this, I was done and was told my results would be forhtcoming. I had very little pain and iced as directed and had no swelling or bruising.

Have faith in your clinicians and ask every question that will help you.

Soooo glad the biopsy went pretty well from what you said! So it sounds like you're expecting results today??? Please let us know in your own time.....

Lots swirling in your mind sadwife - understandably! I hope you get some answers soon - seems you're preparing yourself for a lumpectomy.... I hear you ruling out a fibroadenoma in part b/c of your age. I was diagnosed with one in my 40's. Another one was found in my late 50's though not with the nipple discharge so the intraductal papilloma may be more what yours is......Wishing you the best and thanks for keeping us in the loop!