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

Responses: 24

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

biopsy with ultrasound

I was really nervous about this, but was extremely relieved that it wasn't painful! The thing that had me most concerned was numbing the breast, and that was a slight stick (less than a vaccination, I thought). The bigger needle looked huge from my perspective, but I was numb so didn't feel it. The surgeon was very good, took the time to explain all to me. Waiting now for results.

—Guest Pam

Breast Biopsy pain

I'm going to have a breast biopsy test this Friday, some online opinions make me more nervous. Is that true, it really hurts & causes discomfort? I'm still concerned about going to have a test or not. It might spoil my Holiday season!

—Guest Tracey H.

Ultrasound-guided biopsy

I had some discomfort and a positive cancer diagnosis. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. I take Tamoxifen and am doing well. Almost a year now since my diagnosis.

—Guest sharonw

Streotactic core needle biopsy 10-29-09

My biopsy was done yesterday nad it was a breeze. I had got myself into quite a state worrying about it. The procedure was virtually painless.I felt only the tiniest of pricks and that was all. They took 8 samples from a superficial (just under the skin) nodule at 12 o clock at top of breast somewhat near the nipple area. I was lucky in that there was no pain. i had taken a 25mg Xanax and ibuprofen prior and that was a good thing to do for me. The results will come to me later today. The nodule was 2mm, round and oval, all a good sign.

—Guest Linda

Needle biopsy

I had 2 needle biopsies done on the same day. One on one breast and one on a different kind on the other. Neither were an open biopsy. Got the results back today and the one was a fibroadenoma and the other was a fibrocystic change. I have had very few complications due to these less invasive procedures... just a little weakness due to a nerve that's attached to a ventricle getting hit on the side with the fibrocystic change. Am concerned that that nerve getting hit will cause problems down the road as my family has heart problems... I have 2 grandparents that died of heart attacks, my dad has a weak heart muscle and my mom had a minor and a major stroke due to a hole in the heart.

—Guest Sam

Second Stereotactic Biopsy

Had my second stereotactic biopsy 7 days ago. This one took two hours on the table, complicated by breast size and bleeding, with my stiff neck hurting intensely from the position. Couldn't use a supportive pillow as it raised my breast. I still look mutilated and feel pain. And, I still feel totally debilitated. There must be a better way to do this.

—Guest Judith B.

Core Needle Biopsy

After my ultrasound - I had the core needle biopsy. The female nurses prepped me for the worst pain and explained everything to me. It was a little uncomfortable with the numbing needle going in - and then I did not feel a thing. I did not feel the needle taking the 5 samples either. That area was sore for about 4 days.

—Guest guest

No decision yet

have not made a decision. i have cystic disease of the breast. dr found 2 nodules left and right one mort hetrogeneous in nature both are birad's 3 and calcifiations what ever that maybe. my only option is surgical biopsy because the cyst are too small for a needle biopsy. my problem is that i live in malaysia right now where you just cant get a straight answer on your questions. so i don't know what options i have, really could use some help.

—anitahelbren

stereotactic biopsy - torture

Had a stereotactic biopsy this week. Really believed the bs about quick and uncomfortable but that I would just feel pressure. Am a strong person with high pain threshold, but this was extremely painful. First jab ok, but the rest just pure pain with no offer to numb me further or stop. Just to hang in there. I had visions of women being tortured in third world countries or being a living captive of Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs getting sewing up on my left breast. It hurt, it hurt after. Even though I've received a benign diagnosis, I'm still traumatized and don't feel like celebrating. I would go elsewhere, make sure I would receive adequate anesthesia/numbing, or even opt for painless full on surgery before going through this again.

—Guest helen

Open Surgical Biopsy

I had two - the open surgical biopsy and a fine needle aspiration. I would choose the surgical biopsy again without even a second thought. I found the fine needle aspiration incredibly painful. Recovery from the surgical biopsy was simple in comparison!

—Guest N

stereotactic biopsy

I recently had a biopsy because my mammagram suggested that I had abnormal microcalcifications. I now have a diagnosis of benign fibroadenoma. I am glad that it is benign, but there is some pain during recovery. However, the procedure was not as bad as I thought it would be, and the staff was very good, and administered additional Lidocaine.

—Guest R. Falk

STEREOTATIC CORE BIOPSY

I had many mamos, compression spots, and ultrasounds. Dr decided on stereotactic core biopsy. Very scared, but agreed as this spot/lump has been making its appearance since 2005. Have never been biopsied, just told it was fatty tissue. The spot stayed the same; no changes over the years. 1/2009 mamo same thing. Different breast specialist. After reading all those posted painful stories. I must say I had the BEST radiologist.Was not given an anticipated cocktail. Just shots full of Novocaine, that's the part I feared the most. The piercing shot of Novocaine passing your nerves before it is numb! I did not feel the shot or the probe.I witnessed everything on the ultrasound screen, conversing all the while and getting a mini crash course of this very much understandable, scary procedure. Took 10 mins. was bandaged with ice packs, a little tender, just like before your period after Novocaine wore off. No problems.Most scary part, waiting for results. Diagnosis: fibroadenoma; no cancer! :)

—Guest SHANA

Chosing Biopsy methods

I just had my first Mammogram in 20 years I'm 45 now. They didn't like something. Sent me for ultra sound and they whispered and told me that I needed a stereo. NO other options were discussed and very little info. I'm no dope so I researched this - NOW I want an open excisional Biopsy. I'll never be happy with negative results they give me any other way and if it is cancer I want it out - NOW. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll tell you the HUGE $ making industry of needle Biop is forcing women to have this procedure no matter what would be the best choice - PLUS I have heard a bunch of Horror stories about needle track seeding too - God Bless you all!

—Guest mrscinidaho

stereotactic biopsy

Don't let anyone fool you - this is quite painful pressurewise as you are not numbed until they are ready for the needle to be inserted. Sorry to say. Waiting for diagnosis is not fun either... good luck!

—Guest judi

open biopsy

i didn't choose - the doctor had done that for me. first i had a FNA, then now going into surgery for a open biopsy.

—Guest guest tng