Breast Biopsy

Hi....I had a needle biopsy 2 years ago....it was ok....they removed some calcifications and I was good to go.  I had some other medical concerns and out of my own neglect time got away from me and I forgot to get my mammy.  Needless to say in May I finally followed up and they called me back in for more x-rays.  I had an appointment with the surgeon today and am scheduled for another needle biopsy on July 11th.  I know it sounds like a long time to wait...and it seems that way to me also, but I am on coumadin and need to see my hematologist so I can go on another medication for 2 needle injections a day for 7 days before the biopsy.  I can not stop the blood thinner like most people....so I have to use a different source besides the coumadin...hence the long wait.  My doctor did not specify a BIRAD score to me.  Does anyone know if I should ask her?  Will she know this information.  She did say these calcifications are different from the first ones.  She said they were in a strange cluster and there were quite a few of them....hence, she said they were suspicious.....at the same time waiting 4 weeks would not make a difference.  It is great knowing that there are other women on this site that have been faced with the same problem.  Maybe one of you can tell me who I could ask.  Would the radiologist tell me?  Thanks to anyone that is here to listen.

Granny Jo 47


This discussion is related to Breast Calcifications.

[alicia27lmt]

Hello,
I will try to help a little.  I just went through a similar situation, and in a nutshell the radiologist explained everything to me including his BIRAD score and why he came to it.  If you able to contact the radiologist he/she can answer a lot of your questions as well as the surgeon.  For me, I was able to reach the radiologist the next day and he was kind enough to explain it all to me...I also had microcalcifications, that I just had a biopsy for today.  I would start with the radiologist, and go from there.  I am not sure if all radiologist's are as accessible as mine was, but it is worth a try.  Microcalcifications are fairly common, are not usually cancerous, but can indicate a problem.  Try not to worry yourself sick, as I did.
Best wishes
alicia

[japdip]

I wouldn't think the BIRAD score is of any importance at this point ... you have an appointment for the biopsy and even if the Coumadin wasn't a factor; the wait isn't all that unusual OR important. Calcifications do occur normally in breast tissue BUT when they are seen in certain groups or clusters they do indicate an underlying problem. Not all are indicative of cancer but the possibility is definitely there. Waiting is always the worst but it's something we all must do; whether it's before the biopsy, waiting for results after the biopsy or waiting for additional surgery if that is necessary. Easier said than done but try to focus on something else hoping the time will pass quickly. Regards .....

[GrannyJo47]

Thanks for your response...and thanks also to japdip.
I did contact my doctor and was told that I had been given a BIRAD 4 score which the radiologist listed as suspicious.  The doctor said to not worry since many of the radiologists give this score to clusters that appear a bit unusual.  Easier said than done, but the time is going quicker than I thought it would....could be that I am being kept busy going to the other doctors.  I am certain waiting after the biopsy will be worse, but once I receive the results I will thank God if they are good and thank him if they are bad for I am sure he will see me thru whatever I have to face next.  It is great having all of you here to talk with since most of you have already been there.  Thanks for the support.  All my best...Granny Jo47