biopsy

I am a 42 year old female and my right breast is 1.5 inches bigger than the left went to doc and he sent me to breast clinic got a mammogram and the doc said he was almost sure it would come back clear. Got a letter the next week and he said there may be a small cyst and would like to do an ultrasound for clarification Went for ultrasound and the doc said they had found a 1cm lump that he thought was benign on mammogram and ultrasound would clarify if it was. After the ultrasound the doc said he would need to do a biopsy I am worried as I dont know if it is a cyst or lump and if the ultrasound couldnt have clarified it any advice.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Usually when a biopsy is recommended it's to be sure that there's not something other than a cyst going on. So it may be that what was seen doesn't have clear-cut characteristics of a cyst. When there are questions, it's best to find out.
Keep in mind that many biopsies return a benign finding,so try not to worry too much.
Best wishes...

[ellie1605]

Thanks can anyone tell me what to expect with biopsy as I was just told that I would get local anasthetic.

[ellie1605]

I forgot to say the doc said the lump was quite deep down dont know what kind of biopsy that I am getting just know that they will be using ultrasound. Any help would be great. Thanks

[zouzi]

Hi again.
If you are having a fine Needle Aspiration, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon uses a fine hollow needle that is attached to a syringe to extract fluid from a cyst or cells from a solid lesion. The needle used in this procedure is very small (smaller than those used to draw blood). Several insertions are usually required to obtain an adequate sample. The procedure takes a few minutes,it's a little uncomfortable but not painful.
If the lump cannot be felt, ultrasound may be utilized to help the physician guide the needle into the breast and to the lesion. Stereotactic mammography may also be used. This mammography utilizes a computer to pinpoint the mass or cyst. Mammograms are taken from two angles and the computer maps the precise location of the lesion.

There is no incision and a very small bandage is put over the site where the needle entered. Fine needle aspiration is the easiest and fastest method of obtaining a breast biopsy, and is very effective for women who have fluid filled cysts.
Good luck and please keep us posted.

[ellie1605]

Thank you. I will keep you informed.

[zouzi]

If you are having Core needle biopsy .This procedure is similar to fine needle aspiration, but the needle is larger, enabling a larger sample to be obtained. It is performed under local anesthesia and ultrasound or stereotactic mammography is used if the lump cannot be felt.

Three to six needle insertions are needed to obtain an adequate sample of tissue. A clicking sound may be heard as the samples are being taken and the patient may feel some pressure, but should not feel pain. The procedure takes a few minutes and no stitches are required.

Core needle biopsy may provide a more accurate analysis and diagnosis than fine needle aspiration because tissue is removed, rather than just cells.

[ellie1605]

Thanks Zouzi I am just worried because it is all a bit unclear I thought that I was going for ultrasound to clarify cyst. Then the doc doing ultrasound said 1cm lump and never mentioned cyst. Then he said that I had to get biopsy with ultrasound and would get local anasthetic dont he said he would have done it that day but it was very busy and would get me in this week got to go back on Monday the 8th March for result. Will keep you updated thanks again.

[ellie1605]

Just to let you know that radiologist is off for a few days and will be getting biopsy done next week. I will go back to the consultant on the 15th. I have to get a fine needle biopsy with ultrasound. Do you think they would be doing a biopsy if they thought it was a cyst I am worried.

[zouzi]

Hi,
A breast cyst is a harmless, fluid-filled sac that shows up easily on an ultrasound. Other types of breast lumps may feel similar to a cyst, but one way to be sure that your breast lump is a cyst is to have a fine needle aspiration
The color of the fluid drawn out of the lump will give some clues about its nature. If the fluid is clear or watery and not bloody, and the lump shrinks as a result of the aspiration, it is most likely a cyst. Sometimes the fluid will be white, yellow-green, brown, or bloody . If the needle draws out small bits of tissue and very little fluid, that indicates a solid lump. Those tissue samples should be examined by a pathologist, to determine their nature.
I think that your doctor is taking very good care of you and wants to make sure by proceeding with a biopsy .Try not to worry too much,many lumps biopsied are found to be benign.
Please let us know how things are going.Wishing you good luck and a favorable outcome...

[ellie1605]

Hi Zousi got to go to hospital tomorrow afternoon for core biopsy do you think that it is a lump rather than a cyst with them doing core biopsy I will keep you posted.

[zouzi]

Hi ellie,
I am not sure, but I guess that a core needle biopsy can be used for both cysts and solid lumps.As japdip mentioned to you,we cannot know more than what the mammogram or ultrasound revealed.Even if it's a solid lump,it doesn't necessarily mean that it's a bad finding....It could be a fibroadenoma or some other benign lump..
I know that this is a stressful time for you,but soon you will know,and I hope that everything will turn up fine.
Best wishes...and good luck

[ellie1605]

Hi just to let you know had core biopsy wasnt to bad better than I imagined. The doc said that the reason for biopsy was because the lump could be a degenerate cyst but there are chareristics that he did not like and some shadowing that could be worrying so go on Monday for results. Will keep you posted

[zouzi]

Hi ellie,
Glad to know that your biopsy went well..at least one less thing to worry about.Yes, please keep us posted when you'll get your results,in the mean time we'll keep our fingers crossed for "Benign" finding!..
All the best to you ....and God Bless..

[ellie1605]

Hi just back and was told biopsy was clear he wants a scan in 2 weeks and gave me a slip of paper to give to appointments that said something /watchful waiting. But he said he has to discuss me with radiologist tomorrow and will call me at home tomorrrow. I am glad he said it is clear but confused as to why he needs to discuss me when he is arranging a scan.

[zouzi]

Hi ellie,
I am glad too that the pathology report says "clear"... this is good news!.
I really don't know why your doctor needs to discuss this matter with the radiologist,but according to the paper saying "watchful waiting" could be ( just a guess) that they want to discuss about the follow-up monitoring of the cyst or if the need of an MRI is warranted.When the doctor will call you tomorrow ASK him why is an MRI needed?
You always have to ask,first because it's your right to know, and second because doctors don't tell us much, unless we ask.
I hope that you'll get even better news tomorrow..Please let us know and good luck...

[ellie1605]

the something that I couldnt remember was advanced monitoring/watchful waiting.Will let you know tomorrow.

[ellie1605]

The breast care nurse called and the radiologist is happy with what he got from biopsy and it is clear at the moment. He wants ultrasound done in 3 months to see if its ok or if it has grew. Go back to consultant on July. As for the advanced monitoring/watchful waiting that is what they are going to do monitor it watch and wait.Could this turn into something or do you think that will be me ok. Thanks for all your help and time and I will keep you posted.

[zouzi]

Hi ellie.
This is indeed good news!.Congratulations for the benign results!! :)
Monitoring the cyst in 3 months to check if it has grown, is the normal procedure and I don't think that you should worry at all right now.If your next Ultrasound will show that the lump has grown or changed in any way I am sure that your radiologist or doctor will see to it that everything will be taken care of.Up to now you have received excellent medical care from both doctors.
Enjoy your life ellie...you have had quite a lot to worry about lately,now it's time to relax and be happy my dear.
I am glad to have been of some help to you during this stressful time.
Be well and God Bless.

[ellie1605]

Hi sorry to pester you again but I have severe stabbing pain in my right nipple  and it kept me awake last night. I feel quite sick with the pain. Do you think it could have something to do with the biopsy.

[zouzi]

Hi
No bother at all ellie, but I think you should call your doctor..do you see any redness around the nipple? it could be a sign of  infection or pain from nerve damage,I really can't tell....for the time being take some pain killers and wear a good supportive bra,nevertheless call your doctor to make sure about this severe pain you are having okay?.
PS After my biopsy I also had pain, caused by nerve damage ,but it was not severe)
Take care now...

[ellie1605]

Thanks I dont see any redness but when I try to lift it underneath it is sore. I will phone in the morning let you know and thanks again.xxxx

[zouzi]

Since you have no fever or redness,then this could very well be nerve damage which is quite common after a biopsy or surgery.
The nipple and surrounding area have a lot of nerves and these may have gotten irritated.Damaged nerves can cause pain such as you are describing and sometimes can last for quite a while.
Massaging gently the breast and applying warm compresses can be very helpful.
I hope you feel better soon...:)

[ellie1605]

Thanks will give it a try. Keep you posted.

[ellie1605]

Just had my ultrasound and the radioligist said that the lump is still there but has not changed in size. He said that what the charecters coming off it is showing somthing different but biopsy was clear so he is happy with that will see consultant in July. I am worried and I would rather they just took it away I dont know what to do.

[zouzi]

Hi ellie,
I would also prefer removing this lump,but for the time being, I think that you can wait till you see the doctor in July .The biopsy was clear and the lump is still the same size and that's a good sign.
At your next appointment with your doctor in July,you could mention to him/her that you are worried about this lump and that you prefer to have it removed.
Don't worry for now,the doctor would have suggested to remove it,if he thought that it was necessary to do so.
Take care and God Bless...

[ellie1605]

Spoke to my GP last night and he said he understands my worry but the consultant is a good doctor. I said I am not happy and I just want it taken away. He told me core biopsy said it was a 8mm fibrous breast lesion what is this I said I dont care I want it away.

[zouzi]

Hi again,
When you'll see the consultant,you could certainly voice your preference about this small lesion that you wish to to have it removed.
I would choose the same thing too; to have it excised and have peace of mind.
Please let us know how things are proceeding,and I hope that everything will be to your  entire satisfaction.
Take care and good luck...

[ellie1605]

Hi there just an update, went to see consultant on Monday asked about removing it he said he will take me in on the 29th July. It is very deep down and he said he will have to give me a lumpectomy first by ultasound then he will take me into theater and remove the rest I asked him how come he couldnt do it all when I was asleep and why did he have to do lumpectomy if core biopsy was benign. He didnt really give me an answer on that I wonder if you have any ideas. Do you think the lump will be tested.

[zouzi]

Hi ellie,
I really think that you should to talk to your surgeon to be able to understand better what's going on.
A lumpectomy is suppose to remove the lump completely.The Doctor should give you an answer about what he intends to do exactly concerning the second intervention.
I am also baffled about this,because there is not enough information given to you, to be able to understand the Doctor's intentions...  I really don't know what to tell you,except that you really should be more informed by asking him again until you fully understand the situation and be satisfied with his answers.
Take care...

[bluebutterfly2222]

Could it be that he is going to do a wire-guided lumpectomy?

If that's the case, before sugrery a thin wire is inserted with the help of a mammogram or ultrasound, to make sure the lump can be easily identified once the patient goes into surgery.

Please keep us posted when you have learned more from your surgeon.

Best wishes...