Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 8/9/2007

Question
I have had two needle core biopsy in my left breast.  The last one a year ago they implanted a titanium chip to track the area.  I have experienced great difficulty and pain in healing for the first four months.  Since then I experience tenderness and a lot pain when examined by a doctor and having routine mammograms.  I am scheduled in a few more weeks to have yet another biopsy on my right breast and chip placement.  I am considering electing out of the titanium chip placement.  I don't want the right breast to hurt like the left one has since the chip was placed a year ago.  Please advise if this is normal to experience such pain and discomfort after titanium chip placement.  Also, to best of my knowledge, the chip has not moved and remained at the original site.  Thank you for your advise in advance.

Answer
Well the chip is there for a reason. Its pupose is to clearly mark out the position of your biopsy. Well such strong reactions as you have had are not common. The choice is yours and no one can force you to accept any chip. But any lack of it will make future evaluations more difficult. It is supposed to remain in place that is why it is there otherwise there would be no purpose to it. Again, the choice is yours but my advice is to accept it if possible!