BREAST CANCER COMMUNITY
Biopsy or no?

Biopsy or no?

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?
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3 Comments
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684030_tn?1324623729
If it was me facing the same decision... I'd opt for the biopsy.
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587083_tn?1327123862
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.
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Avatar_f_tn
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! ;)
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