Has anyone ever had a breast biopsy?

Question

I have lumps in my breast, instead of getting a mammogram i got an ultrasound and now i have to get a biopsy of the breast in which they remove tissue and test it for cancerous cells..do it hurt? what is the whole procedure? thanx

Answer 1

I guess it depends on the type of biopsy that they do. I had a core needle biopsy, ultrasound assisted. They will pinpoint the lump again with an ultrasound and take a hollow needle that shoots through really quickly and retracts just as fast with the help of some kind of "gun" for lack of a better word. They numb you first and you will be awake through it. The numbing shot didn't hurt me at all. It didn't feel any worse than an ant bite and then I didn't feel the biopsy at all after that. It was actually kind of neat because you could watch the ultrasound monitor and see the needle shooting through the tumor. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I have had 2 biopsies, one with local anesthesia because it was more of a surface thing, and the other with a general anesthetic because of an existing lump which had suddenly grown quite large. It was really not painful. It WAS scary and that is natural to feel that way. You need to ask your doctor questions, find out exactly what type of procedure they will do on you, how long it will take, what to expect before and after, things like that.. Keep in mind that MOST biopsies turn out to be NON cancerous. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Generally in other parts where the tumer is easily accessible or while removing the tumour speciman for biopsy is taken. Generally in breasts such biopsy is not done. Instead Core Needle Biopsy or Excisional Biopsy is done for evaluating the condition. How they are done pl. read-

Core Needle Biopsy

Core needle biopsy, also known as wide-core needle biopsy or cutting core biopsy, involves the use of a large-bore needle and is the simplest method of pathologic diagnosis of cancer. It results in minimal disturbance of surrounding tissues and a solid, intact sample. Tumors located in the liver and breast are commonly biopsied with this technique.

Excisional Biopsy

Also known as surgical biopsy, the excisional biopsy entails the surgical removal of the entire tumor mass and is a diagnostic technique that simultaneously serves as a treatment. For example, a lumpectomy removes the entire primary tumor mass associated with breast cancer. Excisional biopsy is also useful for diagnosing and removing surface tumors of the skin, such as those associated with squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.-

Answer 4

I can only speak for non-cancerous lumps. The surgery only last a few hours at most and they send you home immediately with painkillers. It is very painful the next time you wake up but not debilitating. You should be fine! Good luck and good health!

Answer 5

my mom has breast cancer and had this done but her was so bad they had to put her to sleep her breast was like rotten she had 5 done on her breast and 2 under the arm she was in some pain the next day and they gave her loritabs and she went home takes about 2 weeks to find out what kind and if its cancer or not