Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
 | 

Biopsy or no?

by MomEsq, Oct 13, 2009 07:37PM
I had my first mammogram at 35 (October 2008), to establish a baseline.  No family history and no clincial findings.  Mammogram came back abnormal, MRI performed, also abnormal.  So, a sterotactic biopsy was performed (October 2008) on the right breast due to clusters of pleomorphic microcalcifications.  Result was samples contained calcifications and all samples were benign with no atypia.  
Follow-up mammogram, April 2009.  Bi-Rads 4.  Radiologist recommended biopsy as the October 2008 biopsy did not get all of the pleomorphic micorcalcifications, which are located at the 6 o'clock region.  My doctor (surgeon) indicated that waiting another 6 months for a follow-up mammogram was prudent, and that is the course I chose.
Follow-up mammogram, October 2009.  Again, Bi-Rads 4.  Radiologist recommended biopsy for the same reasons as in April 2009, however does note that there is no change in the pleomorphic microcalcifications.  This time, my doctor (suregon) says that we can go either way -- wait another 6 months and do another mammogram, or do a wire-guided surgical biopsy.  Surgeon says that after 2 years, (October 2010) of no change, the pleomorphic calcifications will be rule benign.
I have spoken to my family doctor and she is showing my films to another radiologist as well as speaking to my surgeon.  I am frustrated that the surgeon isn't making a more definite recommendation.
What should I do?
Member Comments (3)

by iam1butterfly, Oct 13, 2009 08:11PM
To: MomEsq
If it was me facing the same decision... I'd opt for the biopsy.

by zouzi, Oct 13, 2009 09:05PM
To: MomEsq
I think that both iam1butterfly and I, suggested in your previous post that it would be advisable to proceed with a biopsy.I can see that you are reluctant to make a decision,and really we cannot advise you otherwise,Your BIRADS score is 4 and this suspicious cluster of microcalcification,as a rule, has to be biopsied.Of course the ultimate decision rests upon you to make...I think you should  have a very serious discussion with the doctors who are treating you and see what's the best way to proceed.You can also get a second or third opinion if necessary to better understand your situation. Take care now.

by MomEsq, Oct 14, 2009 07:33PM
Thanks!  I was having computer issues, and thought my previous post had not posted, thus, the 2nd one.  I think you're both correct, I just don't want to go through the whole thing again -- the same area was biopsied in October 2008, and the calcifications now present have not changed in a year.  Add to that the sterotactic biopsy was HORRIBLE.  It took 3 HOURS as the radiologist hit a vein and had a hard time stopping the bleeding.  The "joys" of womanhood! ;)
Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment
Recent Activity
peekawho says "Happy Thanksgiving!"
pooket825 commented on I'm obsessed!
2 hrs ago
Heatherm4 commented on I'm obsessed!
3 hrs ago
Ovulation Tracker: I'm obsessed!
3 hrs ago by Heatherm4
Heatherm4 rain, rain...go away!! I have no idea what day I ovulate...
drifter0213 commented on turkey
5 hrs ago
student_psychologist commented on turkey
5 hrs ago
LIZZIE LOU commented on turkey
7 hrs ago
RSS Expert Activity
What You Don't Know About Breathing...
Nov 24 by Steven Y Park, MD
Thanksgiving
Nov 23 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
Snoring As Your Internal Smoke Alar...
Nov 22 by Steven Y Park, MD
Community Members