Question 1

is one sedated for a needle biopsy on the  breast?

Accepted Answer

Unnecessary : It is normal to be apprehensive about any procedure undertaken when wide awake, however needle biopsies of the breast are very well-tolerated.  A small injection of local anesthetic numbs the breast and the procedure takes minutes to complete.  I would rank the pain somewhere between having an IV started and having dental work.  I hope the results turn out ok.

Question 2

hoping you can tell me, is needle biopsy of the breast painful?

Accepted Answer

Not very: These are done with local anesthesia and with very thin needles.  After the anesthesia wears off you will be a little sore but not too much.  Talk to your doctor if you are worried about this.

Question 3

breast needle biopsy - what to expect in the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Brief discomfort: A needle biopsy involves insertion of a hollow needle into the site where the lump or abnormality is located, and then extraction of a small amount of breast tissue into the core of the needle. The doctor will numb the skin first. There is a small amount of discomfort, usually, but nothing severe. You do not need sedation or anesthesia for this procedure.

Question 4

does a breast needle biopsy hurt a lot?

Accepted Answer

Usually no: Generally a local anesthetic medication is used that may cause very brief discomfort, like a shot, then the area becomes numb. Some feel a mild pressure sensation during the procedure itself, and there s usually little soreness after the local anesthetic wears off later.

Question 5

if you ever had a breast needle biopsy, will your breast look the same afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A needle biopsy only removes very small pieces of tissue. So other than possible mild early swelling or bruising that may occur temporarily, there should be no visible breast changes other than the tiny needle biopsy site on the skin.

Question 6

is breast needle biopsy safe, and how many biopsies can they take from one breast?

Accepted Answer

Yes safe: Breast needle biopsy is a very safe and common procedure to see if there are any abnormal cells cells in the breast tissue. It saves  having surgery and a breast incision too. The needle can be inserted several times under local anesthetic to obtain several samples if needed, so there is no true limit on how many biopsies can be done, as long as the anesthetic is adequate for you.

Question 7

what does a breast fine needle biopsy feel like?

Accepted Answer

Minimal pain: A fine needle biopsy is performed with a needle about the same size as is used to draw blood and it hurts only a little bit more.  Many surgeons, such as myself, will use local anesthesia to decrease this pain further.  Nowadays, it is much more common to have a core needle biopsy, which will give us a lot more information with only a little more discomfort.

Question 8

breast lump, core needle biopsy, i am 17 female, please help?

Accepted Answer

Overwhelming: Odds are that your breast lump is not cancerous, at your age if you are 17.  Wait for results of biopsy to make sure.

Question 9

how long is the wait to get results from a needle biopsy on a breast tumor?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Hopefully 2 days, but  often 4 or 5.  May take longer if the pathology is confusing and the pathologist needs to do specialized stains.  Some breast centers get results overnight, but this requires very tight logistics and is not the norm in most places.

Question 10

is vacuum assisted breast biopsy more accurate than just core needle biopsy? both u/s guided.

Accepted Answer

Depends: The key is an adequate sample of tissue, from the mass.
The accuracy comes from the pathologist!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Exercise after a needle biopsy on the breast

A member asked:

Is one sedated for a needle biopsy on the breast?

A member asked:

Hoping you can tell me, is needle biopsy of the breast painful?

A member asked:

Breast needle biopsy - what to expect in the procedure?

A member asked:

Does a breast needle biopsy hurt a lot?

A member asked:

If you ever had a breast needle biopsy, will your breast look the same afterwards?

A member asked:

Is breast needle biopsy safe, and how many biopsies can they take from one breast?

A member asked:

What does a breast fine needle biopsy feel like?

A member asked:

Breast lump, core needle biopsy, i am 17 female, please help?

A member asked:

How long is the wait to get results from a needle biopsy on a breast tumor?

A member asked:

Is vacuum assisted breast biopsy more accurate than just core needle biopsy? both u/s guided.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?