Concerns

[Rose123246]

I had a benign lumpectomy in 2004 - a lump was felt but did not show up on a mammogram.  Also, I had a needle biopsy in the same breast around the same time.  There were calcifications that appeared suspicious.  The needle biopsy came back negative for cancer.   A marker was placed in my breast to show where the biopsy had been done.  Both issues were in the right breast.

I recently had a mamo and was called in for a second closer up view.  They told me there were changes from my previous mamo in 2004.  After the second mamo, the doctor told me to come back in 6 months.  They did not give me a rating.  I am concerned about the changes and because I already had a biopsy 3 years ago in the same area.  I feel they may just be dismissing it.  Is it possible to have a needle biospsy to come back negative, but later develop into cancer?   Waiting another 6 months sounds risky.  I thought mamos were done to catch it early.

[Montana girl 06]

I hope you were able to get your questions answered at your appointment. It's interesting that when I first asked my surgeon 2 years ago if my new calcifications could be due to the previous biopsy he said that was very unlikely. But, then we got a new radiologist who felt they were caused by the previous biopsies and now the surgeon agrees with him. I make sure I go to the same surgeon and radiologist now because they know my history and are less likely to advise biopsy unless it's really needed.

Sorry to hear about the rest of your problems. I hope your body gets back to normal soon. I hope you can get some answers before Christmas so you can enjoy your family time. I'm glad to hear you have a well respected breast center you go to.
Carolyn

[Rose123246]

Thanks for your outlook!  I didn't realize a biopsy could cause more calcifications in the future.  Maybe that is why I have more than last time.  I had been handling all this pretty well until a couple days ago when the worry set in.  Part of the problem is that I wasn't given much information.  I had gone to a mamo place that didn't have a radiologist on staff, so they could not answer any of my questions... and when the doctor called me with the results, I really didn't know the right questions to ask.  I didn't know there was such a thing as a Birad rating until I started reading this site.  To me ignorance is NOT bliss.  I much rather be told exactly what seems suspicious.

Today, I am going to a breast center in Royal Oak, probably the best one in Michigan for a second opinion.  I went there in 2004 and they were very explanatory then when I had 2 biopsies.  They explained exactly what the concerns were.  I will feel much more comfortable waiting if they too say to wait six months.  I guess not knowing the details is what is worrying so much.

Besides, I have been having alot of other issues as well.  I have been bleeding for 3 weeks at a time and have 2 cysts on my right ovary.  My doctor says that it would not cause the bleeding, but I have read otherwise online.  I go for a follow up ultrasound in January to make sure the cysts are going away.  My breasts are at least a size bigger than normal - all month long.  My current period should be over - as this is day 9, but I am having bad cramping and I am sure I am about to start yet another cycle.  All the while my breasts are huge and they hurt when touched.  My breasts usually get tender only the first day or two of my period.  I received a steroid shot in October for a cold that would not go away and it seems everything started after that.... so maybe all this is from the shot.   I am going to mention all this to the breast surgeon today in the odd chance that everything is related.  

I will definitely ask for a Birad rating this time.  Thanks for your comments.  It is so good to hear other points of view.  I have learned so much from reading on this site.  I will post later today after I see the breast doctor.  

Thanks!

[Montana girl 06]

It's always a good idea to get a second opinion when you're not comfortable. I know the stress of waiting 6 months to find out if it could be cancer. But, I also have another view I'd like to share. After 3 benign biopsies in the same quadrant of my left breast we are watching my newest calcifications to see if they stabilize. We've come to the conclusion that my biopsies have caused more suspicious calcifications to form, plus I havce scar tissue fromt eh biopsies that makes it harder to read my mammograms and makes it easier for lumps to hide. (Two reasons why I try to avoid unnecessary biopsies.) About 85% of  calcifications are benign. Some calcifications do indicate an early cancer or precancer but it is quite common for them to suggest waiting 6 months if it is suspicious, but most likely benign. More experienced radiologists can often be a better judge of whether or not the area is truly suspicious. Less experienced radiologists have a tendency to err on the side of caution and advise more biopsies. I hope your second opinion is at a well-respected breast center.

I thought radiologists were REQUIRED to have a
Birad rating on the report. I'd request a copy of the report from your doctor and look for yourself.

[Rose123246]

Thank you for your response.  I do have a second opinion scheduled at a breast center in Royal Oak.  That is where I went in 2004.  I felt very comfortable with them.  This time I went to a regular GYN and I am just not comfortable.  I think part of the reason is that he did not do much explaining about anything.  He did not show me the xray with the area of concern,  nor give me a rating or even describe the "differences from my previous mamo" just said to come back in 6 months. If they say to wait 6 months, I am sure they will show me the reasons why they believe so and it would make me much more comfortable.  Again, thanks for your response.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Rose123246,   Without the ability to review the films and compare it is impossible to determine whether further evaluation at this time is appropriate.  A needle biopsy is sampling an area of concern.  Biopsy results must be interpreted in conjunction with the exam and imaging findings at the time and help to determine how representative the sample was of the area.  In the future it is possible that the area remaining may turn out to be cancerous or pre-cancerous.   Mammograms are used to screen, or follow an area of concern and changes are evaluated.   An option for you may be to have a second opinion with a breast specialist, these are usually found in conjunction with large academic centers.