Surgeon excised the wrong tissue

In December I had a rountine Mammography.  I was called back for a diagnostic mammogram and then for an ultrasound. I had a core needle biopsy on December 30 with placement of a clip.  My diagnosis was Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia.  I was told that it was pre cancerous, that I needed a surgical excisional biopsy, and that there was a 20% chance my diagnosis would change to cancer.  

It took awhile to get in to see the surgeon.  She was highly recommended and even the nurses before the surgery were talking about her expertise.  I had the wire guided surgical biopsy on February 4.  On the 9th the surgeon's office called to let me know that the results were negative.  On the 11th I went for my follow up office visit.  The surgeon then told me that the pathology report for the tissue she removed showed no sign of the previous biopsy or of the clip.  Now I have to wait a month, have another mammogram and then probably have another surgical biopsy.

Since the biopsy was wire guided, it never occurred to me that the surgeon would remove the correct tissue.  I'm not sure whether I should trust her or try to find another surgeon. This is time consuming, expensive, painful and incredibly stressful.

Has anyone else had this happen?  What guarantee do I have that she won't "miss" again?  

[japdip]

If the wrong area of tissue was removed then the wire was NOT placed properly. This is what guides the Surgeon to the correct area for surgical removal. Since the tissue doesn't appear differently one must rely on the placement of the wire. I see no reason to distrust the Surgeon but if you don't then by all means see someone else but I would also want to be sure that the wire was properly placed at the site of the previous biopsy.  ADH is NOT cancer but does increase your chance of developing breast cancer in the future by a slight amount. Regards ....

[kandykat]

Thank you for your response, but how do I make sure the wire is properly placed?  The surgeon placed the wire using ultrasound in the OR after I was under.  Also after I had the core needle biopsy they told me that my Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia diagnosis was precancerous, not that I had a slightly increased risk for breast cancer. This was not the surgeon who did the excisional biopsy. It was an RN who worked for the radiologist who did the core needle biopsy and placed the clip.

I'm confused and also angry.  This has been going on for 2 months, and it looks like it will be at least another 2 months before it is resloved.

I know that medical treatment doesn't come with guarantees, but I'm looking for a way to not have to undergo multiple expensive, inconvenient, painful procedures without any more information about my actual condition. How do I know that the next time around the wire will be properly placed?

By the way, both of my parents died of cancer.  My father was only 28 and my mother was only 58.  Both of my mother's sisters had breast cancer. Additionally grandparents and great grandparents had cancer with at least one of my great grandmothers having terminal breast cancer. An oncologist told me when I was in my 20's that given my family history I was almost certain to die from cancer myself. This should help explain why I am so anxious at this time.

Thank you for responding.  And for allowing me to vent!

[katarina777]

How frustrating!!! I can see why you are upset, I would be too, very!

The only thing I can think of, kandykat, is that you take someone with you for your appointments, like someone who can ask intelligent questions and be your advocate. This has really helped me, and doctors take you more seriously often when they know you are not alone and there is someone there for you and looking out for you...and for 'them' as well.

Best of luck, my dear.  Katrin

[Jen1967]

I had a friend who had a lump. The dr did a core needle biopsy twice and both came up negative. He finally did a lumpectomy and the tumor was positive for cancer. Get that lump out of there!

[kandykat]

Thank you for your comment.  I do want it out of there. I thought is was.  For one whole week I thought the lump was gone.  But it isn't yet.  I'll get it gone somehow.  Anyway, thank you again.

[kandykat]

Thank you for your advice.  Unfortunately, I'm pretty much alone.  I'm divorced and my ex hasn't been heard from in years.  My son suffers from depression and PTSD.  He behaves like a three year old in stressful situations.  I have friends, but they all work.  I'll get through this, but it's pretty lonely.  Posting on this site helps.

[bluebutterfly2222]

We are here for you.

Let us know if there is any way we can help.

Best wishes,
bb