MRI guided Biopsy - What was your experience like?

Katrina,
My MRI guided biopsy was 6 weeks ago. I was face down with a plastic rack under my chest. It’s not too uncomfortable but I had two areas on the same side and for one they used the needle to extract the sample and the other they used a scooop-like probe to remove a tissue sample. The lidocaine helps numb the area but the scoop procedure was a bit painful for a short while. I had quite a lot of bleeding and ended up with a huge hematoma and my lumpectomy was delayed for a few days in order for it to heal more.
The position you are in during the procedure makes it difficult for the radiologist to get to to perform the biopsy. I hope you have a painless biopsy.

I had MRI guided biopsy done At University of Chicago hospital (a horrible place to go for medical treatments). They had Fellow student did it for me. Extremely painful. Wish you good luck!

I had MRI guided biopsies on both breasts last December. You lay on a table face down and your breasts hang through and open area where the radiologist can do the needle biopsy. The Lidocaine helps somewhat. I found it helpful to keep my eyes closed the whole time once I got on the table. They asked me what kind of music I like and I chose my favorite and that was on in the background. The nurses and radiologist were all so kind. The radiologist told me all she was doing every step of the way and one of the nurses was gently rubbing my back. They kept telling me I was doing very well. That was helpful. You do feel some pain but it doesn't last that long, and it's surely not as bad as other pain I've had. I hope you have a friend who could drive you there since your husband isn't able to drive. They may have volunteers who can give you a ride at your hospital if needed. You can always ask. Sending Love, Healing and Wellness wishes to you❤️

My experience was excellent. I previously had a stereotactic biopsy, and this was much easier, to me.

I found the compression to be lighter, and that really helped. They biopsied 2 sites very quickly with just a couple of trips in and out of the MRI. I also healed quickly with no residual discomfort (again, I think the lighter compression helped) and I took 1 Tylenol that night, then that was it.

I hope your procedure goes well!

jportal, resort, ssmab,

Thank you all for the information. I am glad that you warned me that it could hurt so that I won't think that something has gone wrong if I feel some pain.

If I do have cancer again, I am going to look into getting some help with the transportation. I never thought I would be in this position. Never thought that I would be in this position.
Katrina

kissmekate48,

There are so many nice people on this site.

Thanks for your well wishes!
Katrina

@katrina123 - I had MRI biopsy and yes you lie face down and the biopsy procedure can be uncomfortable. I like several others had extremely comforting assistants during the procedure that either held my hand or touched me with soothing music during the procedure. I had a previous Ultrasound needle core biopsy where they implanted a marker so there was no doubt where the MRI biopsy needed to be done. I can't for the life of me remember why I had two biopsies. But I know one was done at the start which determined I in fact had BC - determined it was Triple Negative; and the second was done after chemo, but before my bilateral. Not to give the impression that I'm tough, but I drove myself to both biopsy appointments and was provided an ice pack to place on the sight of the biopsy for my drive home. I'm just trying to impart that I was uncomfortable but not in pain and able to safely focus on my drive home from the appointment. I used that drive home to focus on my driving so I didn't focus on the what if's after the procedure.

Hi. Get a friend to help if you need. I was able to drive home after my MRI biopsy. It is rather noisy because of the big magnet in the machine. The anatheisa was local, a sting, the biopsy needle still did sting a bit. I had a bruise for a week from the grid that they use to hold the breast in place. The needle mark healed up and my breast was tender and itchy for a week. But within a day they told me it was not cancerous but pre-cancer. I have a friend who has had small breast cancers in both breasts, so you are not alone. Do not let the fear take over. I found the doctor doing the biopsy was very intelligent and able to answer my questions.

I am 77 and I just don't have the energy that I used too. Also, I have to go to a city that I am not familiar with. I do wish that I could drive myself.

You are amazing!

I was face down. My breast was actually in a “frame”. I got to choose music that I could listen to during procedure (Jimmy Buffett) and given a mild sedative. If these things are not offered, you can ask. I was overwhelmed and scared at beginning of diagnostic processes, but once I discovered all the staff was there to help and very willing to answer my questions. Good luck to you!