Has anyone ever had a stereotactic mammogram with a needle biopsy?  If so, does it hurt a lot?
929665
I have not had a stereo bx, but I have helped perform many of them.  I would choose a stereo bx over an open biopsy, if I were the patient.  The only thing that might hurt is when they inject the xylocaine (like novocaine).  If you have ever had a cavity filled at the dentist's office, you know what that shot feels like...stings a bit.  We always numb the area to be biopsied.  Once you are numb, you might feel pressure, but you should not feel pain.  If you do feel pain, speak up, because radiologist can always inject more xylocaine.  I have seen very few patients who have had a problem with these biopsies.  Women who are very anxious will always experience more pain and discomfort in my experience.  The best thing you can do is prepare yourself by reading about the procedure, so you are aware of what is going to happen.  If you haven't already done this, below I have attached some websites which accurately describe this procedure.  \n\nhttp://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastbixr&bhcp=1\n\nhttp://www.stronghealth.com/services/womenshealth/BreastCare/stereotactic.cfm
283690
You wanna know about painful?  Try dying of an advanced breast cancer.  If you think about it, you are only in compression for about 30 seconds TOTAL.  There are four images taken, two on each breast.  Thirty seconds of even EXTREME pain (which mammograms do not cause) once a year, to save your life?  You choose.  That is kind of like saying you aren't going to get your kids their immunizations because shots can hurt....\n\nIf you have painful breasts, reduce your caffeine intake for at least 3 days before the exam and maybe even take an Advil or Tylenol before the exam.
886497
I have had this test. It is more uncomfortable than painful. I think it is an important test to check and see that everything is as it should be.  It was a few years ago that I had it done, it never left any traumatising memories...so from what I remember its not so bad. Just prepare yourself for discomfort, and it helps to have someone along that you can recieve comfort from. I had my sister with me.Sorry if I couldn't help more.
1027462
I would say get a second opinion if you don't feel comfortable with your doctor's answer. You could always get a mammogram on your own if you are really worried. The rule of thumb with random pains (so my doctor says) is that if it comes once or twice, don't be too worried, but if the same pains keep returning frequently get it checked out. The numbness and pain could be coming from a nerve impingment or muscle problem. Try not to freak out too much! Hope everything works out!!
547025
First hand experience!  I went from a G cup (seriously!) to a D in December of 2004.  The surgeon took off 13 pounds from me - he said it was the largest he had ever done.  I had three compressed vertebrae, was in constant pain and was tired of being gawked at.  By far the best thing I've ever done.  I was off work for three weeks.  The first couple of days are painful, especially if you drainage tubes.  Because the tubes are inserted into you, shifting positions can make you sore.  They give you narcotic painkillers and your best bet is rest.  I propped myself up on pillows, watched movies and just slept.  My surgery was performed on Friday.  My drainage tubes were removed on Wednesday (warning, when they pull them, it hurts like hades, but only briefly, once they're gone, the pain is pretty much over!).  I took painkillers on Wednesday and Thursday morning.  After that, it was plain Tylenol!  I was a bit tired, but it really didn't hurt.  Because of the stitches, they don't want you exercising or lifting anything.  My Mum came to stay with me and took care of everything.  \n\nThe relief in my back was immediate.  Within two weeks post-surgery, my vertebrae had completely decompressed.  I do have some scarring on my sides and underneath because he removed a huge amount of tissue, but the results are so stunningly beautiful!  I still look in the mirror all the time and admire them, they're perky and cute!  Its amazing how  wonderful it feels to have someone look in my eyes when they're talking to me now.  Good luck to you!  It will change your life.
1117969
I pray that your mother's results will be ok, and that she does well. The reason I am writing is because you reminded me of the time I was waiting on my Mother's biopsy, she has breast cancer. My advice for you is to expect the worse, although we are surely not aiming for it, this way whichever way the result goes you will not be affected. Also try not to have any expectations before you understand the full picture.\nI hope all goes well. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
1090394
didn't the doctor tell you that would happen??  My sister was going to have a boob job but the doc told her she probably would never be able to breastfeed and would more than likely loose all feeling in that area.  That is one of the side effects.
813702
Relax:  No lamp jokes--I know a typo when I see one.  I myself was once in the position of finding a lump on my neck, and in my case it turned out to be cancerous.  Now, before you panic, keep in mind that this was five years ago, and you're reading words I typed; meaning that I'm still around to type them!   Lumps found on the body usually make one's mind scream, "cancer!"  That's why I threw this out.\n\nNOW, back to reality.  Since there's no way any of us on Yahoo can diagnose a lump we can't even see (and even if we were there to see it, most of us--myself included--aren't licensed to practice medicine), your next step should be to talk to your doctor.  You say that "they" found a lump, so I'm assuming that you mean your doctor... but if I'm wrong, he/she should be involved immediately.  I'm not saying to panic--I'm saying that time's important.  If the lump is painless, here's what's likely to happen next:\n\n1) Perhaps a chest X-Ray to check for signs of lymphoma, or perhaps even a full-body CAT scan.  I know it makes it sound devestating, but it's really only part of diagnosis; they need to know exactly what's wrong before they can correctly advise you on treatment options (or lack thereof if it all turns out to be harmless).\n2) A biopsy of the area.  Usually they do what's known as a "fine needle" biopsy, which is done under light sedation (you won't feel a thing) using a needle slightly larger than what they'd use to draw blood.  Their aim is to take a small sample of tissue to examine under a microscope to check the cells for anything abnormal.  The only pain you're liable to feel comes from the needle used to deliver the anasthetic, and it's very brief.\n\nI'd list more steps, but they'd all depend on the results from the steps above.  If you've been fighting an infection, you may just have a swollen lymph node which will return to normal after the infection's over with--no muss, no fuss.  If it is cancerous, it's not necessarily the "Big C" everyone makes it out to be:  If it turns out to be Hodgkin's Disease Lymphoma, you've got a form of cancer that's 90% curable, and even treatable--with intent to cure--if you relapse.  I know of what I speak.  \n\nPlease understand that I wish you the best of luck, and sincerely hope everything turns out alright for you.  Either way, if you find yourself needing to talk to someone who's "been there," or simply want to vent frustration while waiting for test results, please feel free to contact me via my profile; I'd be honored if I can help you in any way.
278189
Well, push a needle through it... does that hurt? Now, imagine taking a razor blade to it and slicing it all off... does it hurt now?\n\nActually, if you get one done, the doc will numb it up pretty good. Then you get the ice and pain meds, and it ends up being annoying for a few days. It's much better than giving birth, of that I'm sure.
220249
Rocky I suffered with the As*teroids for almost 20 years.\nI finally got tired of them and had the surgery.  I can honestly say I had ZERO pain!  I was in the hospital overnight because there were many..... but I wish I would have had the procedure done a long time prior!!  Believe me they will get no better without the surgery.
464149
I have worked in mammography for over 15 years.  If you have a suspicious area in your breast, you must have a biopsy.  It can mean such a difference in your life, and your quality of life.  Biopsies will not spread breast cancer.  Read below, and check out the sources.\n\n"With some types of tumors, such as tumors of the ovary or pancreas, it is possible for a needle to carry a malignant cell to another area.  But this is not a concern in breast cancer. Breast cancer cells do not seem to be able to live independently unless they are biochemically ready to do so. This means that a core biopsy - or any other type of\nbiopsy procedure - will not spread the cancer to other areas."\n\nhttp://www.susanlovemd.org/faq/biopsy/biopsy_3.html\n\nBiopsies and/or air cannot cause breast cancer to spread. The fear of biopsies comes from the concern that sticking a needle into a breast tumor to get a sample, or using a scalpel to remove the whole tumor, can then move some of those cells to a different place in the breast (by the cells sticking to the needle or by the cells dropping from the tumor into other places). Studies have not found this to be true for breast cancer biopsies. Some people believe that exposing the cancer to air during surgery or biopsy can cause the cancer to spread -- this too, is not true.\n\nhttp://www.oncolink.upenn.edu/types/article.cfm?c=3&s=5&ss=38&id=9530
186566
it doesn't hurt one bit. they numb your mole with a shot. the shot doesnt hurt at all. i have the biggest fear of needles and i'm fine. then if it is raised then they just scrape it off but if it is even with your skin then they scoop it out like ice cream. depending on the doctor and size they will pull it together with stitches or leave it. if you have the option take the stitches b/c if they leave it then it raises and looks bad. i have had a few removed and all those times i didnt even realize they were finished because i didn't feel a thing. Also, my insurance covered it so I am not sure how much it costs. Good luck with it. :)
397349
yes, I actually had it done a week ago.  It is an EXTEMELY senstive area, and unless you have had breast surgery, and some of the nerves are dead, it will hurt!  Also, for most people it is a hyperpigmented area, meaning it is dark, hard to know what the color will turn out like, and if you get any result from all the discomfort.
976801
I have had this done.When you go in they will show you a movie about Dysphlasia { not sure if I spelled it rite but you know what i mean}and how they remove it. What will happen if they do not get it all or it comes back.I know that you are scared.I was terrified.But remeber they caught it early which means chances are they will get it all the first time. As for the Leep it's self honestly it's not fun.But they do freeze the effected area before they do it.What I found more uncomfortable was having the freezing needles put in.I had some  cramping after that lasted about 3 days.I just took Motrin for it. I had to go back every 6 month for 2 years to have Biopsies taken just to be sure it did not come back. I now make sure that I never miss my pap.Good Luck if you need to talk feel free to e-mail me. Hope this helps some.
440878
Usually pain is not a sign of cancer . When doing a self breast exam and you feel a lump usually something that is bad doesn't hurt and the lump will feel like it is fixed to the surrounding tissue. Usually we all have weird lumps before and during out menstrual cycle so self exams should be performed after your period. \nIf you feel pain it could be an infection or a blocked gland, just to be on the safe side go get it checked out.\nCancer does not discriminate between age, size and cultures, unfortunately it doesn't matter how old or small you are, there are always possibilities
794115
I had that done not to long ago... if ur getting it done by a different doctor then you may feel uncomfortable... i did... the solution that is used is made of an acid and you may feel a tingleing sensation on your cervix shortly after it is applied... next the doctor uses a special microscope to look at your cervix closely if they find any irregular spots she/he will take a biopsy.. they tell u it will feel like a tiny pinch but thats bull shit.. when they did mine i screamed and my pain tollerance isnt that low... its actuallt mediocre.... if that tells you anything....  thats basicly it... theres not much more to it other than that...
1181222
Yes, I had it done about 9 months ago. Most insurance company will pay for it if you claim you need to do it for medical reasons. Problems with your back, rashes. I had  my breast and a tummy tuck done. I will tell you this, tummy was much less painful. I would get it done all over again but the plastic surgeons underestimate the breast surgery it was painful.