Multiple site stereotactic biopsies in one breast.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi,  I was just told that instead of a single stereotactic biopsy site, they are going to sample two different areas.  My BIRADs is 4, with heterogeneous micro calcifications.  My question is this.  Does the multiple site sampling change the odds that I have breast cancer?

Thank you

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear vermontgirlII:  From what you have written, it looks as though the mammogram has identified two areas that appear suspicious,  requiring biopsy.  A BIRAD category four means suspicious lesion, biopsy recommended as 25-50% of these may be malignant.  These would be the same statistics for each area being biopsied.  Multiple sampling does not mean that you are more likely to have breast cancer.  It means that there is more than one area that requires biopsy.

[Under Forty Pam]

That will not change your chance of it being BC.  They probably just want to test multiple areas because they see calcification in several areas.  The chance of BC is low even though it doesn't look that way on this website.  We are all here to help because we ended up in the low percentage.

[vermontgirlII]

Thank you.  I was getting scared all over again.  Now I have to wait 10 days for the biopsies, then probably another week, because the biop is on Thursday, for the results.

[laure113]

I'm going through exactly the same thing. Except, they couldn't do both of mine at the same time, so I have to wait until Dec.6th for my second. The waiting is very nerve racking. I feel for you! Hang in there.

[vermontgirlII]

Thanks, I feel for you too.  Hang in there!  Diane

[blondieny]

I'm also having to areas of microcalcifications biopsied, also with a fibroednoma removed,how long do results take?

[boninclyde]

It is normal for them to test several areas (sometimes 3/4/5). Results usually take 3/4 days. Hope you all have nothing to tell us later but good news.

[cally44]

I was supposed to go for a breast core needle biopsy today but was late for the appointment and then rescheduled.  I wanted to know do they dye the needle, or do they just numb the surrounding area.  Also, if it is a benign tumor like fibroadenoma...do they have to remove it or is it better to leave as it is?  What if there are 2 lumps on the same breast...do they take a sample of each lump or just one.

What are the after effects of the core needle biopsy?  pain, soreness, etc??

Thanks and I hope it is nothing.

[boninclyde]

I haven't heard of dying the needle but they do give of shots for pain that don't really hurt. My biopsy hurt because I have heart problems and could only have very little pain meds. I 'm not sure what they do with fibroadenomas but I think they leave them. If there are two lumps they will sample both. They will get numerous samples. Or at least you hope they do. My first was inconclusive. They did not get enough tissue so after waiting 3/4 days for results I had to have another biopsy and wait another 3/4 days. Hope this helps.

[cyn17]

If it's a fibroadenoma, it will be removed. They take multiple samples with the core needle, which actually removes the fibroadenoma. Also they will biopsy both areas. The biopsies are not so bad to go through...they will numb you up. I think the worst part is the tension of going through the experience. Try to stay calm. If you've had a baby, use your labor relaxation techniques or ask your doctor for something to calm you. You'll do fine!!

I also have not heard of the dye needle, so I can't comment on that. Just know...they will make you comfortable with whatever technique is used. Stay strong!

[Twocapes]

It is my understanding that the lump is not completely removed via needle biopsy, only with surgical removal.  Multiple needle core biopsies are taken but it does not eliminate the nodule.

[blondieny]

This forum is UNBELIEVABLE, I have understood alot more through everyones comments, Iam a nurse and still have millions of questions. Understanding and being able to discuss has really made me more acceptable of what is going on, I turned 39 11/12  getting out of the shower that a.m. i felt a lump, seen my Md the following day, was set up for mammo and us 2 days following, seeing surgeon today to consult. I hve a mass and two areas of calfications, possibly one in duct. Being able to read other womens experiences have made me feel stronger. THANKYOU

[Bunny711]

This is an amazing forum isn't it.  I too was diaganosed with cluster microclaifications, and had excusion open biopsy, due to where it was located they could not do a needle or sterotactic.  Which is the way I wanted it.  I wanted these dead/bad cells removed completely whether benign or maglinant.  Turns out benign for now.

I hope all comes out well with you, I'm sure it will.

Take care.

[Bunny711]

Hi there, hopey you are smiling.  You know I was never really sure, so I will ask now.  I believe you had the sterotactic?  Correct?  Does this procedure remove the whole cluster?

Just wondering, and hope you are having a good day.

[cyn17]

Thank you twocapes for correcting me on this...I did not mean to give inaccurate information. My first biopsy was on a lump that turned out to be a fibroadenoma. The core needle could not penetrate it, so they biopsied the tissue around it and left the fibroadenoma alone. They also inserted a clip so they can track the growth on future mammos.

I thought my other two biopsies were also fibronomas, which were removed completely by core needle. However, they were complex cysts, not fibroadenomas.

Thank you again for the correction!

[laure113]

Yes, I did have the sterotactic and my first cluster was removed completely. I'm not sure if this is always the case. I hope so!

[cally44]

Hi

So when I get my core needle biopsy can they remove the entire lump???  I would like that so would it be possible?
Also, can they be sure not to hit a milk duct area b/c I am nursing and I would hate to have that leak or an infection happen.

Thanks

[cyn17]

Whether they can get the whole lump will be determined as they are doing the biopsy. There's no way to tell right now. Also, not all lumps have to removed. As for your concern about hitting the milk duct, I think you'll have to ask the radiologist that question.

[boninclyde]

I hope you get good news. This is hard just before the holidays or at any time. Please keep us posted. All our stories help each other.
bunny711 - great news.
Happy Thanksgiving All!

[blondieny]

HAPPY THANGSGIVING! Once i again i have to say what an amazing forum this is. I work for a family MD and i feel as though i have acquired more info through everyones experiences. I seen the surgeon yesterday good news is they feel as though the one area of calcifications which i was extremly concerned about because it was in the duct, was more like  a ribbon of calcifacations, and that we need to keep eye on, when i go in for the biopsies of the other calcifacation, and  the fibroadenoma i will requestion my concern reguarding it being in the duct. I just want to tell all of you that getting the most knowledge of what is going on before you talk with a surgeon ( or md ) is extremly important. My us showed the mass diagnosed as fibroadenoma, which now has become smaller, I asked if this was possible answer being NO, it probally is a cyst, they will find out during biopsies. I didnt think us could confuse fibroadenoma and a cyst, SO just ask lots of questions and be knowledgable.  HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING

[Ladymusical]

Hi All:
I had a stereotactic biopsy yesterday.  I had two sites also. Quite frankly the whole experience was not good.  I thought the initial meeting with the surgeon was pretty good.  My opinion from yesterday was entirely different.  I, unlike other women found the procedure to be invasive. I felt nauseaus during the entire procedure.  Start to finish was 45 minutes-not 15 as I was originally told. I was given sufficient novacaine.Thank God.  Then it changed it was like I wasn't there. After it was done they told me to sit up. The surgeon went to filling out forms and dictating to his office on the phone about the procedure and she (the tech) was reviewing the screen and going on and on about the samples. How great they were. And that I should be excited about this. They left me sitting for over 10 minutes holding my breast where the incisions had been made. As they chatted on and on.  Yes I understand the importance of getting good samples and noting the information  BUT note to doctors and techs make sure the patient is taken care of. Everyone else was lovely and empathetic. These two were much too clinical. If it turns out that they had to take care of these matters immediately, then have a nurse come in or someone to make sure the patient is ok. Afterwards I went to have another mamogram so they could record the markers. For the most part I have found the medical world a different place than the doctors I grew up with.  If it turns out to be malignant I will have to find a different surgeon.  Someone that recognizes that this is a difficult and scarey time for the patient. I am to call my doctor's office tomorrow for the results after 10. This past month has seemed surreal. You ladies and my husband have been so helpful, thank you.Good luck to all and my prayers are with you.

[ziggy123]

I am sorry that you had such an unpleasant experience with your biopsy. It it amazing how all of us have had such a wide range of experiences with procedures and the medical profession in general. You are right to plan to seek out a new more understanding physician if need be. I will say a prayer that this is not necessary and that everything will be fine for you.

[laure113]

That sounded awful. I was told not to eat several hours befor the surgery because some woman get sick. I was lucky! Mine also took an hour. I was not left alone in the room. I hope my next one is as okay as the other. Not fun by any means. Medicine has become so cold. Most of the time, I feel like a number. You have to feel comfortable with your doctor and I'm glad you wouldn't settle. Hope everything turns out okay. Please let us know.

[Montana girl 06]

There is a huge difference in medical centers. I'm so sorry you had a bad experience. I had a nurse rubbing my shoulder during the stereotactic. Then she compressed my breast after the stereotactic to keep bleeding to a minimum. Then I was walked down the hall for a mammogram. After that they sat me in a recliner with a warmed blanket and offered me juice. Of my 3 biopsies, this medical center was definatley the warmest/most patient centered. I would definately look for another place. I hope your results turn out ok.