Readers Respond: How Did You Choose Your Breast Biopsy Method?

• Fine-needle aspiration
• Core needle biopsy
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Open surgical biopsy
• MRI-guided biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy

Stereotactic biopsy, pain-free

Had a Stereotactic biopsy yesterday and it was pain free.My doctor prescribed valium (which may be the key) for anxiety. The Radiologist and Tech told me exactly what they were doing each step of the way and what to expect as far as type of sensation. They were spot on. All the surgeries and treatments i have had at The VA Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia have been 5 stars! I'm a patient and a hard to please person at that. So believe me, to get praise from me, they have to be on their game. Don't ever delay treatment because of fear. Insist on medication for anxiety when faced with procedures. You know what is best for you. You must be your own advocate concerning your body. Please make wise decisions with your doctor but you must be able to trust them to take care of you. Again, procedure probably would hurt without some medication, so insist on a valium or something of that nature. Good Luck to all of you and may God keep us safe.

—Guest Tweety

Stereotactic Biopsy Pain

I had a Stereotactic Biopsy done 10 years ago and won't let anyone do one on the lump I have now. I still have pain shooting through the track the needle took. The male doing it said I wouldn't feel any pain and gave no numbing meds. Frankly, I'd rather have a double masectomy than face another Stereotactic Biopsy. I'm insisting on another method or else they knock me out to do it.

—Guest Jean

Breast Biopsy Complications

A year ago I had my first mammogram and ended up having a stereotactic biopsy. I took a xanax first so I wouldn't freak out. I was uncomfortable but tolerated it unitl the anesthetic wore off. They gave me the maximum amount allowed but I could still feel the tip of the needle probing around right behind my nipple. They got a couple of benign samples but had to stop. Next couple of days I was fine and then a week later I started bleeding internally. Now if there's any pressure put on my right nipple it causes immense pain. Just went back for another mammogram and they want to do another biopsy in the same place. This time they're going to perform an ultrasound biopsy. I'm hoping they're not just going to fish around on the scar tissue and that the anesthetic will work this time.

—Guest Kate

core biopsy

I have to have a core biopsy done and i am scared to death. All i keep hearing is it hurts like heck -- so can someone tell me: does it really hurt like heck and does it matter the size of the breast as to how much it hurts?

—Guest jeanette

Wow! that wasn't bad!

I have put off going in for a mammogram for about 5 years even though my doctor's have wanted me to get one. The reason was that my last mammogram was so painful that i was terrified to go. This time i found a wonderful clinic where everyone was full of compassion. The mammograms were not bad. The ultrasound was somewhat painful but not overly so. It was recommended that I have a core biopsy, and I agreed to the treatment. I was given a prescription for one valium the morning of the procedure. the doctor talked me through the entire procedure. He made sure that I was not in pain. I actually turned to watch the operation on the ultrasound screen as I was so comfortable. It was interesting. The results came back as a fibroadenoma with possible PASH and Phyolles tumor. Will have surgery to remove the lesion. I hope all goes well.

—Guest Kelli G

Disgusted by Stereotactic Biopsy

I just went through the stereo biopsy and it hurt like hell! Two mammograms, 2 MRI's, 3 ultrasounds and 2 biopsies now and results are still "inconclusive". I've decided to wait and have another MRI in 3 months. Very disgusted with all the tests and 2 biopsies and still can't be told what this is. I'm not going under the knife unless I really have to.

—Guest Terri

My 2nd Stereotactic Biopsy

I agree with most of you about the discomfort, though the one I had 5 years ago was much worse. But, anytime someone is placing a foreign object into your body, requiring an incision, I believe appropriate drugs should be administered to render you unconscious! The procedure hurt, and my neck really hurt from being twisted to one side for so long. If men had to have these so often as us, there would most definitely be drugs involved. After my 2nd one in 5 years, I'm in need of an open biopsy for what I'm told is DCIS. (At least I'll be knocked out for this one!) I'm 46, and really worried about a lot of things, including disfigurement. Wondering if we should demand open biopsies, or at the least, IV sedation for stereotactic biopsies.

—SoreBooby

Core Biopsy

Actually, it did not hurt, it was uncomfortable but not painful. I actually passed out the first attempt because thats the way I am, a big baby. But I came round and decided I must go back in and have the biopsy completed, felt really stupid when it was all over. Did not need any pain killers after but wear a supportive bra next day it was slightly bruised but nothing I could not handle. It's really not that bad I had 5 sample taken.

—Guest Julie

Core Biopsy on Cyst

The radiologist could not determine if the spot was solid or fluid. I opted for the core biopsy immediately after the ultrasound. Could not bear to wait for surgery. No pain at all with the procedure. He thinks it was a cyst as it disappeared after 2 core samples. Waiting for pathology report!

—Guest bk

Apprehensive about surgical biopsy

I had a stereotactic biopsy 3 weeks ago. I was told it showed "atypical cells" and now am scheduled for a surgical biopsy. I am not looking forward to the needle wire placement prior to surgery since I don't have any lumps. It sounds suspiciously like the stereotactic test. I am considering canceling the biopsy as I have so much other stuff on my plate. Has anyone else dealt with atypical cells??

—Guest Liz

Don't Sweat the Pain

Please don't worry about pain. I read so many posts and got myself so worked up and it was NOTHING! Not even the needle hurt more than a slight pinch. It was the easiest test I ever had and I cant believe I acted like such an idiot, crying and panicking. Waiting for my results but the test was not painful in any way.

—Guest poconomomma

Surgical Biopsy

I chose this procedure because I have 2 spots of calcifications. One could have been done by stereo biopsy but the second was questionable. I couldn't see going through multiple procedures. I'm waiting for the results now. I think this is the hardest part.

—Guest Kathy

Core Needle Biopsy

I didn't "choose" my biopsy method - I was told to have a needle biopsy and it turned out to be a core needle biopsy. The doctor and technologist were very good at telling me what was going to happen - with the exception of how painful it was. He started out with lidocaine, to deaden the area, then did another anesthetic injection - actually 3 more. He removed 7 or 8 samples from 2 areas, and all were painful except 2. I wondered why they didn't use something like Valium or Xanax to make it more comfortable. Then he implanted 2 items that would show up on future breast mammograms/ultrasounds/etc.

—Guest Calla

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy

I didn't have a choice - it was made by the experts. I felt no discomfort what so ever. My nerves are what got to me over time. The procedure was quick and the physician was wonderful. She made me feel at ease. I chose not to watch, I just listened as she talked me through the procedure. Don't worry about the biopsy - just get it done and hope for the best. Still waiting for results.

—Guest Alaina

Core Needle Biopsy

I had a core needle biopsy done yesterday 2/9/11 - the Doctor took 2 samples. I didn't feel anything, not even the needle with the lidocaine. I'm still wearing the very unattractive ace bandage and have steri-strips to close up the small incision they made. I'm not the least bit uncomfortable. This did not hurt at all. Now I wait for the results. Should hear by Monday. I have a good feeling everything will be fine.

—Guest Penny