An interventional breast biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure that is used to determine whether a breast lump or abnormality is cancerous or not. The procedure involves removing a small sample of breast tissue for analysis under a microscope. One of the most common questions that women have before undergoing an interventional breast biopsy is whether the procedure is painful or not.
Here's what you need to know.
Types of breast biopsies
There are different types of breast biopsies, including fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy involves inserting a thin needle into the breast to remove a small sample of fluid or tissue. Core needle biopsy involves using a larger needle to remove a sample of tissue from the breast. Surgical biopsy involves removing a larger sample of tissue from the breast through a small incision.
Is an interventional breast biopsy painful?
Most women experience some discomfort during an interventional breast biopsy, but the procedure is generally not considered painful. The amount of discomfort you feel during the procedure will depend on your pain tolerance and the type of biopsy being performed.
During the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the biopsy site. This should prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. However, you may still feel some pressure or discomfort as the biopsy needle is inserted into your breast.
After the procedure, you may experience some soreness or tenderness at the biopsy site. This is normal and should go away within a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help relieve any discomfort.
It's important to remember that while an interventional breast biopsy may cause some discomfort, the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the temporary discomfort. A biopsy can help provide important information about the nature of a breast lump or abnormality, which can help guide further treatment and improve outcomes.
In conclusion, an interventional breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that is generally not considered painful. While you may experience some discomfort during the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the biopsy site. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness or tenderness at the biopsy site, but this should go away within a few days. If you have any concerns or questions about an upcoming interventional breast biopsy, talk to your doctor.