swelling 3 weeks after stereotactic biopsy

[sheri59]

I had a stereotactic biopsy 3 weeks ago. I am do on thursday for an excisional biopsy. Today I found that my left breast was tender in the region I had the biopsy and I could feel an oblong lump appx an inch long. Has anyone experienced this side effect before? Everything was fine up til now. I wonder if it is scar tissue or a reaction fro the clip marker they inserted.

[sheri59]

Thank you, I will call my doctor this morning. I don't think I mentioned that I do exercise at a gym. Yesterday before I noticed the tenderness or the lump I exercised. I did the eliptical training machine. I will admit It did feel a little uncomfortable. I exercise about 4 times a week this includes weight training.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

This reactions on the biopsy site maybe due to scar formation/healing or a reaction to the clip marker (though they tried to make these clips as inert as possible).  Another possibility is the presence of bacterial infection.  Bacterial infections can produce swelling, warmth, pain, and increase in size of any lumps.  I suggest you show this to your doctor before the excision.  If this is really infected then an antibiotic course before the excision biopsy may be indicated.  For now, make sure you avoid trauma or any excessive movement of that involved breast.  Regards and God bless...