NEEDLE BIOPSY

HI

MY SISTER-IN-LAW HAD A MAMMOGRAM DONE SOME TIME LAST WEEK
THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY  ARE CLUSTERS OF FIBROIDS.  SHE IS HAVING A NEEDLE BX. DONE
ON MON. I KNOW ON MY MOTHER- IN-LAW AND FATHER-IN-LAW SIDE THERE IS CANCER.
I JUST WONDERING IF THE NEEDLE BX. WOULD DETERMINE CA. OR WOULD YOU THINK THEY
WOULD WANT TO REMOVE THE FIBROIDS TO PREVENT IT TURNING INTO CA ?  ALSO, WOULD SHE
BE CONSIDER A HIGH- RISK ? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INPUT

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Italianprincess:  In general, a cluster of fibroid tissue would not necessarily be an indication for biopsy.  A cluster of microcalcifications, which can appear in fibrous tissue, might be an indication for biopsy.  Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue and these are normal. Microcalcifications in and of themselves are not a condition that would become cancerous.  However they can be a sign of a problem that may need further investigation based on their appearance on a mammogram.  For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause and microcalcificatins that form a cluster may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor.  The results of the biopsy will help to determine next steps.  In terms of familial cancer risk, one would need to review her family history specifically and then determine risk.  If she has a lot of cancer in her family, she may benefit from seeing a genetic counselor.

[japdip]

If you mean Fibrocystic Breast Disease, this is a benign condition although I'm not familiar with these cysts referred to as being in clusters. Microcalcifications are at times observed in clusters by Mammogram and this would definitely call for a biopsy of some type. A biopsy is the only way to tell the difference between a benign finding and cancer. The cysts can be removed if they cause a great deal of pain but are usually left alone and they do not "turn into cancer". She wouldn't necessarily be considered as high risk although with a fammily history of breast cancer she would be of increased risk.   Regards...