Stereotactic Biopsy

[pookie66]

Hello - I am new to this forum and have a question.  I am 45 years old and have a stereotactic biopsy scheduled for 3/28/12.  The radiologist found a focal cluster of microcalcifications on my left breast.  The report states heterogeneous dense breast with a classification of BIRADS 4 and possible milk of calcium.  I have had scattered calcifications for 6 years and they have kept an eye on them with no problems.  However, this very small cluster is fairly new and hasn't changed.  The radiologist was on the fence about it and couldn't decide whether to have me come back in 6 months or have the biopsy.  So, she recommended the biopsy just to be on the safe side.  There is no history of breast cancer in my family.  I took my copies of the films to a breast surgeon to get his opionion, and he also recommended a biopsy.  He did say that he thinks it's benign due to breast density changes, but can't be positively sure.  The surgeon will perform the procedure and pointed out that due to my small breast size (34A), he would have to "build up and support" my breast in order to get an adequate sample.  Even then, he can't guarantee that it will work and I may have to have another type of biopsy.  So, my question is....has anyone with small breasts gone through this procedure with any issues?  I am scared to death for a number of reasons and not sure what to expect.  Thank you.  :)

[ncmichigan]

I think if you stay positive and keep smiling, you'll do just fine! I'm a retired nurse and I really believe that a positive attitude CAN make a difference with our health. Being appreciative of what you have and having empathy for those who are worse off than you instead of focusing on what isn't perfect are also important. I feel SO fortunate that I only have LCIS and not something worse. Because of other risk factors the chance for invasive cancer is there and there's really not much I can do about it except keeping up with my screening schedule, so it's still frustrating sometimes. But I'm so grateful that's all it is and know that many women here are suffering so much more.I hope that by providing support, information or just someone to listen to them that I can somehow make even a small difference in their day.
I'm really glad you'Il keep smiling and I definitely will, too! :o) Good luck with your biopsy and I'm wishing you all the best,
nc

[pookie66]

Hello - thank you for your response and good advice.  I guess I should have asked that question about the excisional.  The surgeon actually explained in detail the different types of biopsies - stereotactic, core needle, and excisional.  I guess he was giving me all the scenarios in case one doesn't work - he did mention that he prefers to go with the stereotactic.  So, I trust his better judgement and will keep my fingers crossed that it is successful.  I do appreciate you taking the time to give me your opinion and thanks so much for the good wishes.  I will definitely give an update after the 28th.  I will tell you this much, this experience has been an eye opener.  I know it may not seem that serious, especially for those who are dealing with bigger issues.  However, it has made me realize how precious life is and that things could be worse.  So, here's to looking on the bright side and keep smiling everyone.

[ncmichigan]

I just wanted to add my good wishes to zouzi's. She's right in saying the odds are really in your favor. About 80% of biopsies come back with benign results. Even if it does end up that yours is not, you still have every reason to be hopeful--- it'll be caught very early when it's highly treatable. So please try to stay positive, even though we all know from experience how hard that is. I agree 100% that the "what ifs" are way worse than knowing "what is" and dealing with it.
I did think of one thing you might want to discuss with your surgeon. Maybe it would be  better to just go with the "other" type of biopsy to begin with? I'm not sure if he's referring to an excisional biopsy or not. All three of mine were excisional and really quite easy. Two of them required needle localization before hand because the lump could not be felt with one and the other was for microcalcs like yours. Those weren't bad either since they really numb you up. My surgeon was really willing to go with what I felt most comfortable with and maybe yours will be, too. I didn't even have the issue of small breasts, but he agreed with my preference for excisional, since my first one was that kind for a fibroademoma,. I think it's definitely worth discussing with him and letting him know your fears and concerns.
In any case, I'm wishing you an easy biopsy and benign results. Please let us know how you're doing, if you wish, because we do care.
Hugs,
nc
PS: I also think it was very kind of you to wish others well while you're going through these issues of your own. I appreciate it very much and I'm sure others do, too.

[pookie66]

Thanks so much for your response - I appreciate it.  Glad that we are all able to share our stories on here - it makes a world of difference knowing there are others experiencing the same issues and concerns.  I think I am just scared of the "unknown" and the fact that I have never had any breast issues in the past.  So, this is all new to me.  I understand most microcalcifications turn out to be benign, but there is always that small chance that they will not.  I will try to be optimistic.... and hopefully, I can put all of this behind me.  Thanks again and good luck to all the ladies out there who are going through some hard times.  It will get better!  :)

[zouzi]

Hi and welcome to our Forum!
Let me start by saying that you shouldn't be scared about any biopsy procedure.Your radiologist and Surgeon both think that your calcifications don't look that suspicious,which is a good sign,but they just want to make sure and this is indeed good medical practice.
I am sure your surgeon will proceed with a type of biopsy that is best suited for you.Having small breasts is not unusual and many women have biopsies performed successfully and without any complication.
Keep in mind that a BI-RADS score 4 means that the clustered calcifications are only suspicious and many biopsies done on these findings return benign results.So I really hope that your results will also be benign.
Wishing you all the best and good luck! :)