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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
3rd breast biopsy
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
3rd breast biopsy
by glose, Dec 09, 2003 12:00AM
I will be having my third breast biopsy next week (a wire localization in the OR for breast calcifictions). These are linear, pleomorophic, indeterminat calcifications located in the mid portion of right breast. My first stereotactic had to end after one core because a blood vessel was burst. The pathology was benign but no calcifications were obtained. Second stereotactic - 7 samples of tissue, but still no calcifications - report benign. Radiologist told me thought it was a representative sample this time. Then sent to a Surgeon who gave 3 options - wait 6 months, do another core, or take me to the OR. I opted for the third because if they don't get the calcifications this time, I don't think I can handle it. Surgeon said in his dictation - 1 in 8 chance of malignancy, which he thought was low. Doesn't sound too low to me!
Just would like your comments on how usual it is to take this long to get a diagnosis. I of course am praying for a benign result but realize there is still a chance of malignancy. I also worry with indeterminate calcifiations that there is a higher risk of breast cancer later on even if this is benign. Also, I have a sister who had breast cancer at 44 and a mother at 63. I know that is a strong family history. Thank you for any response.
Gloria
Just would like your comments on how usual it is to take this long to get a diagnosis. I of course am praying for a benign result but realize there is still a chance of malignancy. I also worry with indeterminate calcifiations that there is a higher risk of breast cancer later on even if this is benign. Also, I have a sister who had breast cancer at 44 and a mother at 63. I know that is a strong family history. Thank you for any response.
Gloria
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Dec 09, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Gloria, Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. The pattern of these microcalcifications give clues as to what might be causing them. For example a more scattered pattern would be less concerning and might indicate normal changes that come with age, a clustered area might be suspicious that the calcium deposits are forming near a tumor. Presence of microcalcifications alone does not mean a cancer or pre-cancerous condition, nor does that increased risk of cancer.
Being left with a question of diagnosis after a biopsy does happen. When a biopsy is done the doctor wants to locate the area of suspicion so as to be as sure as possible that the suspicious area was checked. One way of confirming the target is to see the microcalcifications in the biopsy specimen. Without seeing them in the pathology specimen there is some doubt as to whether the suspicious area seen on the mammogram was truly tested. The level of doubt may be lessened with the radiologists comment "thought it was a representative sample" or putting together with radiological findings and suspicion.
Being left with a question of diagnosis after a biopsy does happen. When a biopsy is done the doctor wants to locate the area of suspicion so as to be as sure as possible that the suspicious area was checked. One way of confirming the target is to see the microcalcifications in the biopsy specimen. Without seeing them in the pathology specimen there is some doubt as to whether the suspicious area seen on the mammogram was truly tested. The level of doubt may be lessened with the radiologists comment "thought it was a representative sample" or putting together with radiological findings and suspicion.
I received my pathology report this morning by phone from the secretary. Thank God, it is benign. It mentioned fibrocystic changes. I am so paranoid now after having so many biopsies that I was afraid he would say no we need more tissue, but he did see small calcifications in the tissue which is I guess all they care about. I go to see him for follow up of my biopsy on January 28th. The area seems to be healing well.
This experience has changed my life - I think for the better. I will be more diligent with my health. Most of all I will continue praying, especially for people who do not get a benign report, and who are going through this process. I have so much more compassion now for people who are in any type of crisis.
I, too, am waiting for results of a surgical biopsy that I had on Wed, Jan 21. It is now Jan 27 and I called today since I haven't heard from them yet. She said that they still are examining the tissue in pathology. I had a stereotactical biopsy first, on New Year's Eve Day and the results came back 5 days later with atypical cells. So - they told me that a surgical biopsy would tell more - I am now waiting and am a nervous wreck!
The surgeon came out to see my husband after the surgery and told him that it didn't look suspicious but that they needed to examine the tissue to make sure!!!
I just pray they call soon and say "it's ok"
This has been going on for about 3 months now and it is very draining and stressful! I totally understand what you mean!!!!
Continued good health to you! :-)
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/diagnostics/coreBiopsy/coreBiopsy.shtml
I hope all goes well for you and I wish you luck tomorrow. Again, try not to worry too much (I know that's nearly impossible at this point) but think positively if you can. It helps a little. I know, I've been where you areabout 5 times since I was about 22. I'm 40 now.
Take care and let us know how it goes for you.
Bet