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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Skin Thickening BI-RAD 4
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Skin Thickening BI-RAD 4
by dtwins, Apr 13, 2005 12:00AM
Previous History Age 40; pre diabetic & high bp.
3/04: suspicious lump found on very first mammogram of left breast upper outer area ,deep; BIRAD 4. 4/04 core biopsy --probable fibroadenoma. 6/04. Excisional biopsy: Lump: Pathology: fibroadenoma 4 x 2.5 x 2.3 cm. Fibrocystic changes including sclerosing adenosis, duct epithelial hyperplasia, large cysts and aprocrine metaplasia. 9/04: persistent skin thickening and edema on left breast --same breast as excisional biopsy --except the edema and skin thickening is located on the *opposite* side of the breast --(medial inner) from the excision. Core biopsy done at breast specialists office: pathology: inflammation & skin thickening.
4/05: Still have edema and thickening on left breast. routine mammo: impression: focal area of skin thickening in the medial left breast--BIRAD 4--surgical evaluation recommended. This is the same area as the 9/04 area--but more focal.
I have a appt scheduled with the breast specialist in 2 weeks. I will discuss another biopsy of that area of edema/skin thickening.
How worrisome is persistent breast edema & skin thickening? Is there an increase risk of breast cancer with previous biopsies, fibroadenoma & possible diabetes? THANK YOU!
3/04: suspicious lump found on very first mammogram of left breast upper outer area ,deep; BIRAD 4. 4/04 core biopsy --probable fibroadenoma. 6/04. Excisional biopsy: Lump: Pathology: fibroadenoma 4 x 2.5 x 2.3 cm. Fibrocystic changes including sclerosing adenosis, duct epithelial hyperplasia, large cysts and aprocrine metaplasia. 9/04: persistent skin thickening and edema on left breast --same breast as excisional biopsy --except the edema and skin thickening is located on the *opposite* side of the breast --(medial inner) from the excision. Core biopsy done at breast specialists office: pathology: inflammation & skin thickening.
4/05: Still have edema and thickening on left breast. routine mammo: impression: focal area of skin thickening in the medial left breast--BIRAD 4--surgical evaluation recommended. This is the same area as the 9/04 area--but more focal.
I have a appt scheduled with the breast specialist in 2 weeks. I will discuss another biopsy of that area of edema/skin thickening.
How worrisome is persistent breast edema & skin thickening? Is there an increase risk of breast cancer with previous biopsies, fibroadenoma & possible diabetes? THANK YOU!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Apr 14, 2005 12:00AM
Dear dtwins: A BIRAD score of 4 on a mammogram indicates significant suspicion on the part of the radiologist and generally warrants a biopsy. Fibroadenoma does not increase the risk of breast cancer but they are often removed to be sure that it is, in fact, a fibroadenoma. A breast specialist
who can review the films and perform a clinical breast examination will be better able to comment on the significance of the "thickening" as it relates to your situation.
who can review the films and perform a clinical breast examination will be better able to comment on the significance of the "thickening" as it relates to your situation.
