Core needle biopsy in breast

[lisalisa]

Hi all - unfortunately I have a lot of fear around hospitals and procedures and need to have a core needle breast biopsy tomorrow. It’s ultrasound guided. Can someone talk me through what happens pls ? And how painful it is

Basically they use the ultrasound to locate the lump then they numb the area of skin over it. This stings a little but the anaesthetic works quickly so stops stinging quickly. Then they use a biopsy needle ( it’s sort of a plastic contraption that is spring loaded) and using the ultrasound line it up and one click and it’s sorted. They may take 3-4 samples but after the first one the rest are fine because you know what’s happening.

They then put a steri strip over each biopsy site and a big plaster/dressing over the top.
It can cause bruising and it’s a bit uncomfortable for a couple of days.

If you can take ibuprofen take a big dose, 600mg, just before you go for your app. And make sure you have painkillers for afterwards. You may not need them.

I had mine done in 2021 when Covid restrictions were still in place so I could have anyone with me, you may be able to now though.

For direct comparison I’d much rather have a breast biopsy than have a speculum placed for cervical smear or coil placement.

I had one done a few weeks ago. They were gentle, talked me through and I was fully anaesthetised. It did not hurt during the procedure although I gradually bruised afterwards.

you may find that the ultrasound professional can give you an insight as to what they are seeing on screen.

wishing you all the best.

It's absolutely fine. As pp said, they locate the site to prod by ultrasound and take a sample - usually of a cyst. Results come back pretty quick (if I remember correctly, it was like a 'one stop shop') and the alternative of more invasive biopsy is far more unpleasant!

Forgot to give you a virtual handhold for later today and do remember, that we now have these opportunities to prevent / stop possible issues further down the line! X

I had one at a breast clinic, they give you a local anesthetic and apart from a little tugging, I didn’t feel anything. They were telling me what they were doing all the time, but to be honest I wasn’t really listening, so I switched off. It was all over quite quick and there was no pain until the next day when it became a bit sore. I did go to work the next day, but left early, it wasn’t bad enough to have to take anything. I was fine with the procedure, but the nurses being kind made me cry and I don’t usually cry, I had my DH with me and he was worried they’d given me bad news. I got my results a week later, it was a fatty lump, but that week waiting was really awful for all of us. Good luck OP.

Forgot to say the only thing that made me feel wobbly was that everyone else 'seemed' to have a partner there for support. It had never occurred to me or him!

I had one in the breast clinic. It was awkward because of where it was and also it was so small. They were lovely though and gave me a cup of tea and biscuit afterwards!