suspicious breast mass - biopsy?

I had a suspicious mass on my mammo and the follow-up ultrasound showed what may or may not be clusters of cysts. The radiologist recommended coming back in year. This did not sound wise to me given they weren't sure they were cysts. I would like to get a biopsy done to make sure of what it is. I talked to my doctor and she agreed referring me to a breast specialist/surgeon but the consult isn't until the 7th.

I am wondering how a biopsy there will go: do I need to plan much time off from work for the procedure, time afterward, and pain expected.

Any insights are much appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

I am trying not to think of the ramifications of this until I know more. It is weighing on me though and I can't stop thinking about the possibilities. I am really worried, more than I dare admit. Thanks for listening too.

A biopsy of your breasts will hurt - I'm sorry to say. Just follow their instructions for after care and you should be fine. I would take off that day and the next from work. If you have any questions at any time, feel free to PM me. Take good care of yourself - was wise of you to schedule earlier appointment.

Hi Fresia, I don't have any experience with breast biopsy, but I want to offer my support for an easy procedure. I hope everything turns out well.

You'll need a day off, but that is all. Breast biopsies don't take terribly long to do, are done generally with a just a local anesthetic. When I had mine, they did give me something to relax during the procedure (but honestly it probably wasn't necessary). It's uncomfortable mainly because of the bizarre way you have to lay for the procedure more than the procedure itself. It was not painful afterward really and I was back to work the next day.

Thank you all for your insights. I really appreciate it.

I have the consult with the breast specialist/ surgeon tomorrow. Funny, I am more nervous it, what she will say about my images and the possibilities than any procedure itself. I have been so distracted the last couple of days with it. Work was a disaster yesterday as a result. Not good for my first full time week back. I have to try to set this aside to focus. **sigh***

I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that what it is, is indeed a cluster of benign cysts. I've never gone through having a breast lump, so I can't really give you any words of advice on what to expect. I know your mind is racing with a billion questions and "what ifs" but it's best to not dwell on the negative. Doing so will only bring you into a downward spiral that is difficult to come out of.

I don't know if your spiritual or not, but some people find comfort in their spirituality in times like this. If you aren't spiritual, I'd recommend turning toward those closest to you. Even a therapist can help.

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I had a biopsy done this past February & it only left me a bit sore. I was able to work but was told not to pick up heavy things.

Mine was a needle biopsy tho from 3 different spots & only left little holes that took a few days to heal.
I hope yours goes well!

Keep us posted, Fresia.

I had a breast biopsy. They just used a local anesthetic and I don't recall much trouble afterward. Mine was benign, which is the case most of the time.

Hang in here, Fresia.

So I finally got to see my ultrasound. They do look like cysts, not opaque masses like with suspicious for cancer. This was the super good news. However because of the cluster and causing pain, I can have aspirations done to "deflate" them like letting air out a a balloon to let the fluid out to make things more comfortable. This was the good news to get rid of the pain. The not-so -thrilled news is is that this is very common in women over 4o and may become an ongoing issue. However, given that they were cysts, I am thrilled.

I also was relieved that this is the first surgeon I have ever met with really lovely bedside manner. I felt completely comfortable; she had no problem answering my questions and took her time. I was impressed. I will be keeping her in my "rolodex" for future things including this upcoming, jokingly, deflation. The only time I have ever wanted to be deflated.

She said the procedure is similar to a biopsy so in knowing your insights, I feel more comfortable about this too. Again, thank you so much for your support! I have been very stressed, more than I care to admit. Y'all have really been helping me through this. I can't thank you enough.

I'm really glad to hear you got the results you wanted!!! Congrats!

Relieved for you.

Thanks for the update. I am so happy for you, Fresia! Great news- and that the surgeon is kind is a huge plus