Questions for doctor about results

[skibabe]

I just had a needle biopsy that ended up showing atypical cells.  I now have to go for a surgical biopsy.  What kind of questions should I ask about the results that follow.  Upon reading some of the results in this forum, I don't understand everything that is mentioned and how the women got such specific results.  Even after the needle biopsy, all the surgeon said was that the cells were atypical and leaning more towards abnormal than normal.  Is there some sort of scale I need to know about or testing for homonal involvement with my calcification developments?  I always need to approach surgery with as much info as possible so I hope you can help.

[vermontgal]

Skibabe-
In order to see a copy of the pathology reports, you need to ask your doctor for a copy.  He should gladly provide you with a copy. The path report on a surgical biopsy will contain alot more info than the one on your needle biopsy (because this biopsy provides more tissue, they can provide get more information from it).  Best of luck and hang in there!

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear skibabe:  Whenever a biopsy is done, a pathologist examines the tissue and determines whether the cells are normal or abnormal.  A report is then generated that details the findings.  In many cases this is the information you see in the questions on this forum.  My guess, from what you are saying, is that there are some abnormal cells and the concern is that, because they took only a small sample, there could be other cells in and around the calcifications that need to be evaluated.   The next pathology report should answer your questions better.