Can anyone tell me about a breast needle biopsy? Does it hurt? How long does the procedure take?

Answer 1

A breast needle biopsy usually is not all that painful during the procedure, as they use a local anesthetic to numb the area before inserting the needle. That said, it can hurt afterwards, once the anesthetic wears off. Ice packs and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help. Some women also have bruising at the biopsy site. If you are about to undergo a biopsy, you need to speak with the doctor who is performing the procedure, or his/her patient care nurse to explain the steps in detail. The time of the procedure will vary depending on the biopsy method used. (see link) Good luck!

Answer 2

The only actual pain you will feel is the numbing injections prior to the actual biopsy. The biopsy samples are taken with a spring loaded apparatus that works so quickly that it is over before you realize what happened. After an ultrasound guided needle biopsy your breast may have a slight bit of bruising afterward but no pain during the procedure and only a bit of swelling and bruising afterward. Going to the dentist for a large filling is much worse in my opinion. The hard part is waiting for the results.

Answer 3

You will feel only a quick sting from the needle if you have a local anesthetic to numb the skin. You may feel some pressure when the biopsy needle is put in. After a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, or stereotactic biopsy, the site may be tender for 2 to 3 days.

During a stereotactic biopsy, it may be hard to lie still during the biopsy. For 24 hours after the biopsy, do not do any heavy lifting or other activities that stretch or pull the muscles of your chest.

If you have general anesthesia for an open breast biopsy, you will not be awake during the biopsy. After you wake up, the area may be numb from a local anesthetic that was put in the biopsy site. You will also feel sleepy for several hours.

For 1 to 2 days after an open biopsy, you may feel tired. You may also have a mild sore throat from the tube that was used to help you breathe during the biopsy. Using throat lozenges and gargling with warm salt water may help with the sore throat.

After an open biopsy, your breast may feel tender, firm, swollen, and bruised. The tenderness should go away in about a week, and the bruising fades within 2 weeks. However, the firmness and swelling may last for 6 to 8 weeks. You can wear a bra or sports bra for support for 2 to 3 days after the biopsy. Do not do any heavy lifting or other activities that stretch or pull the muscles of your chest.

Answer 4

The procedure takes up to an hour. They insert a needle directly into the breast and it does sting. The key is not too look at the needle and remember that this test is to help you.

Answer 5

I had this done a few years ago with no pain at all. The needle was so fine that I did not even feel it go in, there was only a sting once the needle was inside my breast and that was it. So try not to stress to much about it because it is over so quickly you'll barely even notice it

Answer 6

I have had bi-lateral biopsies on my breasts. It is painful. I put myself mentally out of the picture and try not to focus on what is happening. It is not un-endurable pain and will not cause you to faint or anything like that. Try to not look when they do this as sometimes it brings you back to the pain and there may be a little drop of blood. It is far better to go through this than an operation. I'm with you sister, go to your happy place and you'll be fine.

Answer 7

The procedure takes about an hour, and your doctor will give you a local anesthetic. You can read more about the procedure here http://www.medselfed.com/asp/prodDisplay.asp?prodId=333&partnerId=preop&id=&cachedate=