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Nipple/breast pain & discomfort 3 weeks after stereotactic biopsy

I had a stereotactic breast biopsy 3 1/2 weeks ago. Small-ish mass (benign) was deep behind breast, against chest wall. Clip was left behind. Bleeding took a week to stop fully. I was still having considerable breast discomfort/pain 2 weeks after the biopsy, so I visited primary care doc who gave me cephalexin just in case an infection was brewing in there. I'm 8 days into the 10 day course of antibiotics and the discomfort is still there- most noticeable in the nipple. Painful and VERY sensitive. Discomfort also when I push around gently on the underside of my breast. Not feeling any lumps or knots- just discomfort. I thought maybe the pain was starting to ease up about 6 days into the cephalexin, but it's just about as bad today as it was at the beginning of the meds.

I'm wondering if maybe my nerves are just flared up, or if there's some kind of nerve damage (I can't really find a less "strong" word than that) that might just take a long time to go away. It seems like 8 days of antibiotics would have taken care of the worst of an infection, so I'm mildly concerned. I did google searches on pain after biopsies, but didn't really find anything that matched my particular symptoms.

I have a follow-up with a breast care doctor, but that's 1 1/2 weeks away...

Any ideas on why I'm still having such discomfort?
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Avatar universal
I have no answers, but your situation describes mine to a T. I was relieved to learn I'm not alone. AND I forgot about the clip! I get little shooting pains...and now a soreness in the lower breast. I think I'll call the Doctor tomorrow. Thanks for posting. Google brought me here. It's been 3 weeks for me.
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I had my sterotactic needle biopsy done 5 days ago, my results were negative but he hit a blood vessel during the procedure causing lots of bleeding and a hematoma.  My breast is now almost totally black and blue (it increases every day).  But today I'm having shooting pains that go from the side of my breast to the nipple.  I don't really have signs of infection but for me advil just doesn't cut it.  Applying ice packs are the only thing that seems to help.  Thanks for your additional input at least I know I'm not alone.
Interesting.  I had a biopsy as well and yes, I've had small pains in the area of the clip.  I never really put it together until now.  It doesn't hurt enough to 'do anything'.  That would be troubling.  Katbel57, ugh.  That sounds awful.  Definitely call your doctor.  A hematoma can be sore but this is a lot!  Try tylenol as it doesn't increase bleeding, I guess.  But wow, lot to deal with.
Avatar universal
Many thanks for the reply. Just posting seemed to make me feel better. : )
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25201 tn?1255580836
I don't think this lingering discomfort is all that unusual; especially if the biopsy were deep into the tissue. I wouldn't be pushing around on it though ... this may well tend to irritate the situation even more. Were you given any pain medication after your biopsy ??? If not you might take whatever over the counter type you usually use for pain or discomfort. From the symptoms you describe I wouldn't think of infection. There may well have been some nerve disturbance during the biopsy. I believe I answered a similar question on the Stage 3/4 Forum last night so it isn't unusual. You might call the breast care Dr. and see if they have any advice until your appointment.   Regards ....
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