Has anyone had a painful biopsy? What was the explanation?

Posted by warmer @warmer, Mar 21 2:07pm

Hi all--thank you for this warm and compassionate space for sharing experiences and encouragement. I have already learned a lot.
My question--if you have experienced a painful biopsy, did you ever get an explanation for the pain? And did you find anything that helped?
I have had three ultrasound-guided biopsies now for a cancerous tumor in my left breast. The tumor is attached to the chest wall. Several lymph nodes are affected, and the oncologist has assigned me to stage IIIb.
The first biopsy was just one core sample. It hurt like hell.
The second was a few core samples, and the placement of clips in the tumor and the lymph node. For this biopsy, I felt the pinch of the needle administering the lidocaine, but the actual procedure was not painful.
The third biopsy involved about 6 core samples (I have enrolled in a clinical trial that requires fresh samples and a mammaprint). One of the injections of the numbing agent stung quite a bit. And then the biopsy needle--my god. I think I might have scared the radiology team with my response-- gasping and crying! Eek! And yet--the last two core samples were just fine--some pressure, but very little pain.
Now, I do not want to alarm anyone who is heading into a biopsy procedure--I think the vast majority of patients have very little pain--just like my second treatment and some of my third! But I see that there are just a few people who report a more difficult biopsy.
If you had a painful biopsy, did you ever figure out what was going on?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

karpow67 | @karpow67 | Mar 24 5:59pm

I had one stereo guided biopsy and it was excruciatingly painful. The lidocaine didn't numb all of my breast and I felt the initial puncture. My mind saw my breast as a chicken breast with a knife slicing through it. I was not prepared for any pain just pressure. I have had 8 surgeries prior to this biopsy so I am very familiar with surgical pain. It made me instantly cry and the Dr. felt horrible. They also didn't tell me they were putting clips in at the site. I have since read that there are issues with these clips. I then had to have a mammogram immediately following the biopsy, I called that insult to injury. The following week a non-contrasting and a contrasting MRI and they wanted another biopsy. I said ABSOLUTELY NOT. I will be having a double mastectomy so no need.

cookercooker | @cookercooker | Mar 25 10:06am

Had biopsy of right inguinal node -- in the groin. Yup, it hurt. I've never sworn in a doctor's office before. Lidocane injected before procedure. that hurt too. I requested more after the first puncture of the biopsy needle, and that helped a lot. I don't think the docs let the freezing do it's its job before digging in. Was close to fainting with my blood pressure having dropped severely.

irenegoody52 | @irenegoody52 | 6 days ago

Yes, it was very painful. I wish they had told me first and I would have requested Xanax.

salamander | @salamander | 6 days ago

No issues what so ever. Didnt feel a thing. Took three motrin before but didnt tell them.
They didnt ask. Even though it says not to. Rather do that than take xanax. It is not a brain thing it is a pain thing. motrin helps dull the pain. Great doctor also.
My experience. Left breast - first biopsy.

salamander | @salamander | 6 days ago

In reply to @irenegoody52 "Yes, it was very painful. I wish they had told me first and I would have..." + (show)

I would be more nervous for groin than breast. So sorry that happened. Ugh!

peggydobbs | @peggydobbs | 6 days ago

Ask the doc/tech to test if you really are numb. If not, ask for another lidocaine injection.

cmce | @cmce | 3 days ago

I experienced initial stinging when the lidocaine was put in, and then nothing recovery was easy and painless.
I had to do this again to have the sonar seed placed at the tumor site in preparation for the lumpectomy this coming week. Same doctor and technique. She was incredible and so kind. I was happy she was the interventional radiologist to perform both of these procedures. Now onto the surgery!

drummergirl | @drummergirl | 2 days ago

Hi Warmer- yup, me too. I was told I would not feel a thing. I about jumped off the table!
The interventional radiologist doing the biopsy was not what you would call patient friendly. I was having a biopsy on my left breast. She gave me some lidocaine, but not enough. For some reason, they are often stingy with it according to my anesthetist son in law. She took three samples and each one hurt more than the last. I had a huge hematoma on my breast for weeks. She went in from the side and not the top of my breast. Not sure why the longer route was selected. I don’t believe this should happen if done correctly.

mari | @mari | 1 day ago

Since I don't enjoy needles - like 70% of us - I HAVE STUDIED Lidocaine and am very experienced with it,
Better to have it in your system for MORE THAN AN HOUR, for it to take effect.