Too thin for core biopsy

Hi

I saw my consultant today to find out why I was being refused a core biopsy.  I was told it was because I have small breasts and are very thin that they are worried the needle could go through my lung and they were not willing to take that risk.  Has anyone else heard of this before?
I am a AAA cup but the lump is not right on my chest wall.


Many Thanks

M

[sonu78]

Hi,
You can still have a biopsy done. This is called the needle biopsy which can be done under the ultrasound guidance. But the only disadvantage would the nonavailability of a large chunk of tissue as a study material.
This should not deter you from having a biopsy done.

[MelanieLHG]

Hi

Thanks for your reply.  I had the needle biopsy done but came back inconclusive, which is why i requested a core.  The consultant agreed to this but radiology said they were not willing to take the risk.

Regards

Melanie

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Well the radiologist is actually justified in his doubts. What you can do is ask your physician/ surgeon about a complete surgical excision biopsy. As the disadvantage of a needle biopsy would be still existent if you get a reeat one done because of the small tissue obtained usually. Goodluck.

[sonu78]

Hi,
If your radiologist has doubts about the risk involved, youi can still go ahead with the biopsy without your surgeon with the disadvantage of it being an surgical procedure.
Negative needle biopsy was probably due to insufficient tissue.
Have an open biopsy done for you will be sure of diagnosis.