MRI Needle Guided Biopsy... Who has had one...

m_azingrace said:

Hello taleena. First let me
Hello taleena. First let me say how sorry I am that you have to do any of this. I had needle biopies on a lump and on an enlarge lymph node. The ultrasound tech and the radiologist worked as a team, using the ultrasound to guide the needle to the lumps. I experienced slight discomfort, as it was totally numbed for this procedure. I was awake, and even able to see the screen somewhat, although to my unskilled eye, it meant little. The radiologist makes the incision and inserts the needle, with is at the end of a long probe with a "trigger" at the end s/he holds in her hand. I suspect the device is similar to a cable shutter used by photographers, that has a kind of plunger on the end that the thumb rests upon. Push, take a picture or Push take a sample...very much the same.
When the team agrees that the needle is in the right spot according to the screen the radioligist takes the sample. You will hear a click similar to the sound of a staple gun, and perhaps a slight pressure, but there should be no pain. This process will be repeated until they have the samples they want. In my case it took what seemed forever, but was actually not more than 45 minutes. During the entire time, they continued to reassure me, and tried to make me as comfortable as possible.
Can something go wrong? Yes, something did with mine, but it was so very unusual,rare and unexpected that I don't see the need to go into it. Put your confidence in the trained team, and relax is the best advice I can give. If you are typically a very nervous person, request something to calm you. The worst part was the waiting for results, which can take as much as several days.
I hope yours goes well and that it's a good report. Remember that the women here are your friends and fellow travelers and are here to offer comfort, information and support on this most unwanted journey. Praying angels surround you and God's arms around you. Gracie

PS I had the needle biopsy first, then the surgery. I also opted for the lumpectomy, with some lymph nodes removed as well. The surgery was July 21, but I didn't see the oncologist until Aug 13. He's ordered more tests, to determine the best course of chemo for me.

lynn1950 said:

Taleena, Please Read My Post
Taleena, please read my post today under a heading that says Where Were You When by Calleen. I did have a needle guided biopsy and the results were ambiguous (although no one told meexplained that to me at the time.) I'm not trying to scare you - just give you some information to think about. Perhaps your situation is different, since you already know you have cancer, and these cells they are extracting are simply to find out more about what kind of cancer is growing.

Anyway, for the stereotactic biopsy, I was first given a tranquilizer. The nurses and radiologist were wonderful and caring. (I may have had a mammogram before I went into the the actual procedure room, but I don't remember). In the procedure room I lay on my stomach on a table with my breast hanging down. The nurse held my hand and brought me warm blankets. The radiologist guided a very thin needle into the spot that showed possible cancer and extracted cells. He was guided by the image on a screen. Then a titanium marker was left to show where the tissue was taken to be visible on later mammograms. The area was bandaged and I was released to go home (driven by my husband) with instructions for care. The whole thing was painless.

Your advice to first consult an onco is right on. I wish I had known that when I began this whole journey. PM me if you want more information.

I will be thinking and praying for you next Thursday. xoxoxoxo Lynn