Pain after core needle biopsy

Hi, 

I had a core needle biopsy (2 samples) in my left breast after a failed Fine needle aspiration on friday morning. I had a bit of discomfort a few hours after and took some paracetamol which helped. I have been relatively pain free until my bath this afternoon. I think maybe i knocked it while washing myself as im now in a bit of pain which is stretching round under my armpit and into my shoulder blade. Paracetamol hasnt helped... Is this normal after 3/4 days? My lump is pretty much 3 times the size now too... I am assuming this is due to swelling after having bits taken from it?

  • Hello there

    I am sorry to hear you are currently needing to have some tests and are experiencing some pain and swelling after the biopsy.

    It isn't unusual to have some pain, bruising and swelling after a biopsy and this usually settles within a week or two, however if the pain is worsening and the swelling is especially bad do let your doctor or the breast unit know.

    Please get back if you need to.

    I hope you know more and things settle soon.

    Take care

    Naomi

  • Thank you for replying. I was thinking i would wait til tomorrow and see how my pain is then call if i need too. Im thinking maybe its just nerve pain from the swelling? 

  • Hi stacca83

    I had seven Core biopsies taken from my right breast three weeks ago and still have pain, the first week I found really painful especially at night, I was told by my consultant it takes 8 weeks to fully heal as I was the same as you with swelling, pain etc

    I purchased a sleep bra from M&S and this helped ease the pain.

    I'm having a Vacuum Assisted biopsy on Wed and dreading it as I know what to expect plus still have swelling so that will be interesting shoving them in the Mammogram!!

    Try not to over work that side (easier said than done)

    Take care

    Lisa xx

     

  • Hi, I had the same ultrasound biopsy with 2 samples taken from my right breast last Thursday and was told it is a suspicious lump but lymph nodes look clear and whatever it is, it will require surgery. I bled alot during the biopsy. I am badly bruised and have had discomfort since then that worsens when I use my right arm. I have developed niggling pain in my shoulder blade & breast swelled & lump doubled in size. The swelling has just started to reduce and I think the lump has reduced in size, it measured 3.5 cm on the biopsy. I'm sure like me you will be extremely worried and the waiting is awful. I hope the swelling starts to recede. Do you have an appointment for your results? My Very best wishes to you.

  • Hi I know it’s been 2 years. I’m currently in the same situation and the waiting time is awful. What did the say the lump was please ?

  • Hello, Stella_M and thank you for your post.

    As it has been 2 years since the last post on this thread, I wanted to reply to you.

    I was unsure of your situation but it sounds like you are waiting for biopsy results at the moment. This is a difficult time because there is a lot of uncertainty and I can imagine you are going through a lot of different emotions at this time. If you have any other questions please post again or you would be welcome to speak with one of our cancer information nurses on the helpline if that helps. We are available Monday to Friday 9am till 5pm and the freephone number to ring is 0808 800 4040.

    Take care, I hope you get your results soon

    Best wishes 

    Jemma

  • Had core needle biopsy last Tuesday and breast still feels sore. Dull ache and tingling sensations that move from left breast to shoulder. Taking paracetamol like they were smarties but not disappearing. Goodness knows how I will feel after lumpectomy if biopsy  still uncomfortable. 

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to hear you are sore after your recent biopsy. The soreness can persist for several weeks afterwards. Applying arnica cream is said to help with bruising.

    Doing gentle stretching arm and shoulder exercises can help with blood circulation and tissue healing. Do contact your hospital breast care nurse if symptoms get worse, or you are worried. 

    I hope this helps,

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda

  • Thank you Vanda. Received my biopsy results today. Stage III invasive breast cancer and neg ER, so will have to receive chemo first followed by surgery. 

    I told the nurse about aching and tingly and she said it was probably the nerves in that area but all I can think about is the sensation of the breast spreading.

    Consultant said for me to enjoy my trip to New York this Thursday for 5 days and wear compression socks on flight…… so I am going as I may not have the chance again. I will keep taking the paracetamol for aches and pains. 

    Thank you for the support.