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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Fibroid adenoma 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.
Fibroid adenoma biopsy
by asdb, Mar 01, 2006 12:00AM
I am 35, pregnant, and have a lump. The ultrasound showed a suspected fibroid adenoma, but to be sure it is not cancerous the doctor wants to biopsy it with an 11-gauge needle. I am allergic to lidocaine, novacaine, etc (and don't want meds anyway since I am pregnant). Can I do this biopsy without meds? My lump is VERY near the surface and I am DESPERATE to know if it is benign or not. How long will the needle be inside me... what can I expect during the procedure... can I DO this?!
I have no clue what to expect and am absolutely terrified! My surgeon still wants to give me lidocaine even though he KNOWS I'm allergic (that scares me most of all... how bad will this be?!) If you could "talk me through" the procedure it would help immensely!
Thanks!
I have no clue what to expect and am absolutely terrified! My surgeon still wants to give me lidocaine even though he KNOWS I'm allergic (that scares me most of all... how bad will this be?!) If you could "talk me through" the procedure it would help immensely!
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Mar 02, 2006 12:00AM
Dear asdb, Information from the ultrasound as well as physical examination can give more or less suspicion regarding a lump, however a biopsy may be necessary to determine whether there is malignancy or not. The decisions regarding type of biopsy would be based on doing the procedure that would most likely provide the needed information. Regarding the use of lidocaine/novocaine - you would need to have the rediscussion with your surgeon as to the true risks vs. benefits of their use in your situation based on your prior history. Another option would be to have a second opinion with a breast specialist to evaluate this lump and make recommendations.
If it were me, I'd sure have more imaging done, or at least have two or three other radiologists review the films. The RN comments, if read as I read them, might suggest that they should darn well be able to tell something more definite about the adenoma from the ultrasound.
To say, "Better to know than to find out later that you have bc that could have been caught much earlier", just isn't helpful. Again, women are getting so frightened of getting breast cancer that they are having their breasts cut off just in case. How 'early' is early enough? The point here is not to frighten women more, and to provide information. Suggesting fear? Not helpful. Be well.