Breast Biopsy

[Elly1967]

I had a mammogram last week that was compaired to one I had in June and there had been significant changes.  I had a needle biopsy on Friday.  I am concerned.  There were calcifications and a spot that was said to look like a papilloma.  It was in my left breast right behind the nipple.  Is there any chance that it could be cancer?  The waiting game is very difficult.  I guess I just need the truth about what it could be.

[Elly1967]

Thank all of you for the much needed support and information.  I am so glad that people have a place like this to go to when needing the truth delivered in a comforting way.

[ncmichigan]

So great to hear your GOOD news---we're all happy for you and thank you for sharing it!
We know you'll continue with your recommended followsups and hope you'll continue to have negative results!
Warmly,
nc

[japdip]

I don't think you're "silly" at all .... the only question or concern that is foolish or silly is the one that goes unanswered and we are here to take care of that !!
What wonderful news ... thanks for sharing; we always enjoy hearing the results and don't hesitate to come back any time with anything that bothers you ... we'll be here for you . Once again .. CONGRATULATION !!!!

[Elly1967]

I found out today that my results were benign!!!!  I am so happy today.  Thanks for all the advice and information.  I do have to continue having mammograms every six months for two years, but the relief I feel is enormous.

[Elly1967]

Thanks,
I am new to this so I hope I responded the correct way this time.  Thanks so much for your time in dealing with someone who is probably just being being silly.  I don't mean to seem as though I have no faith.  I know God has everything under control.

[japdip]

The issue about the calcifications is this ..... they are a normal occurrence when scattered about but when they are seen in clusters or groups then they indicate that something abnormal is present within the breast tissue. Now keep in mind that this abnormality IS NOT always related to cancer .... anything benign that wouldn't normally be there causes the clustering too. When it comes to issues of this sort the Dr.s NEVER guess, hence the need for a biopsy. If this is a Papilloma then it also needs a definite diagnosis since there is always a chance that cancer may be a factor even though it isn't often the case. Please let us know when you get your results and please add it to this post as a comment so we'll have all the information in one place. This makes it easier to answer and also easier for those who read, seeking information.    Kindest regards .....

[ncmichigan]

Everyone here can understand your fears and concerns, because we've all been through it. I think most of us here try to emphasize that statistically most biopsies end up with benign results. We understand the waiting for biopsy results is hard, but try not to worry about the "what ifs" and and just deal with "what is". This web site has some really good information on breast calcifications provided by the Mayo Clinic and the American Cancer Society and I think you'll find it really helpful and encouraging: http://breastcancer.about.com/od/mammograms/p/calcifications.htm
I'm sending my wishes for all the best and my hope for benign results,
nc

[Elly1967]

Thanks for the info.  I have another question.  Breast cancer doesn't run in my family, but my mom has had bladder and lung cancer, and now has mylodisplasia.  I guess I am having trouble understanding why I had to have a biopsy when calcifications are a normal thing.  It was very rushed the day I went to have another mammogram.  First they took me in for more views on the mammogram, then came back and got me for an ultrasound, and then went right on to doing a needle biopsy.  I understand maybe they were being thorough, but these people do this all the time, and I guess I am reading into the urgency of the matter and trying to rationalize that they must have seen something or they wouldn't have done all this.  Could you offer me any words of wisdom?  I want to know if calcifications and the suspicious spot it surrounded could be cancer.  I am just probably overacting, but I am wondering if it could be cancer?

[japdip]

Papillomas are wart like growths that sometimes puncture a milk duct. They can be removed if they cause difficulty and are considered a benign finding. Having a single papilloma does not raise your risk of developing breast cancer ... if there are multiple papillomas the risk is slightly elevated. There can be a papillary ductal cancer but this type is usually confined within the milk duct and rarely spreads beyond this point. Waiting is the worst .... everyone agrees but it's a necessary evil so try to relax and wait as calmly as possible.  Regards ..