Core Biopsy

[bellarose1966]

I am 41 years old and scared, I had my mammogram 2 weeks ago and thought everything was fine until they called and told me that I needed to come back for some more views because there was some density in my right breast. I went back and they smashed the heck out of me 6 more times, by the 5th attempt to get a good view I had a bloody discharge out of my nipple, that freaked me out, but the tech didn't seem worried, so she attempted to smash me again. (now mind you I have very tender breasts to begin with and I was still sore from the week prior) I almost walked out when she said she needed yet one more view...OK so how many times do you have to smash the heck out of me to figure out that you should have just done the ultrasound to begin with? Well they finally did the ultrasound and found a asyermmetrical density and told me I needed a ultrasound guided core biopsy right away! HUH? I freaked out and cried all the way home...My biopsy is Wednesday April 16, 2008, I am worried that its going to hurt like hell, does it really hurt to get those numbing shots in your breast? Is it horrible? I give myself shots every night for my diabetes and those hurt sometimes and leave bruises, does anyone know? I am going to take some Xanax before the procedure to help myself relax. Also, is it normal to have a bloody discharge after being smashed so many times? I have NEVER had any discharge out of my nipples..Thank you!


This discussion is related to Asymmetrical density on baseline mammogram- rec. biopsy.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS) is not an invasive type of cancer and is confined to the duct of the breast.  It can, however, grow in size.

The recommended treatment for DCIS is either mastectomy alone or lumpectomy plus radiation.  Radiotherapy is added to the lumpectomy because it decreases local recurrence rates by 50% compared to lumpectomy alone.  

Lumpectomy alone, without subsequent radiotherapy, may be an appropriate treatment if the DCIS is considered to have a "low risk" of recurrence.

The risk of recurrence depends on certain factors such as size, tumor grade, age of patient and status of surgical margins.  "Low risk" refers to a tumor which is small, with low tumor grade, and negative surgical margin, occurring in older patients.

Let us know about how you are doing and post us about what your doctor advises.

Let us know if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[bellarose1966]

I posted another blog about how the biopsy went, it was actually smooth sailing until the next day! OUCH and today 2 days later its really sore, but not awful like it was yesterday, and each day it will heal, BUT I did get my test results a few minutes ago which made me freak out! I have DCIS less than stage 1, so they caught it early, thankfully but that doesn't make it any easier to absorb. The doctor said its treatable and cureable at this stage and maybe radiation will be a factor, but it doesn't make  any of it easier to swallow so to speak. I don't know much, I do know that my doctor will probably operate to take the ducts out and from there, I have no idea, and I don't see her now until May 2, so it will be awhile. I will keep you posted.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It is normal to have some discharge after so much of pressure and trauma to the breasts. You should try some warm compresses and pain relief medications to help with the soreness.

You could take xanax before the procedure - and do inform your doctor about your being a diabetic and taking insulin. The doctor will give you local anesthesia before the procedure,so you would not feel the pain much - and you could take pain relief medications after the procedure for a few days.

The technicians are usually in a rush and they therefore handle patients roughly at times. You should insist them to be gentle.

Let us know how your biopsy procedure goes and post us about what your doctor advises.

Let us know if you have any other doubts.

Regards.