An Audit of Pain/Discomfort Experienced during Image-Guided Breast Biopsy Procedures

Abstract

A prospective audit of 221 breast biopsies was carried out to assess the pain/discomfort experienced during image-guided breast biopsies. The only significant factor in pain scores was the size of the needle used. Fine-needle aspiration cytology using a 21-gauge needle was found to cause the most discomfort.