c4 suspicious cells

[jevs2]

My Mother has a mastectomy 30 years ago and has just found a lump under her scar in her armpit. A fine needle aspiration biopsy shows c4 suspicious cells. I've read that these are almost definitely malignant. She is going to have the lump removed next Monday. We are all shell shocked in our family that this has happened again after so long. Does anyone have a similar experience?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Jevs2,  Some centers will assign ratings to biopsy results of fine needle aspirations a scale from 1-5.  One meaning inadequate cells to diagnose , two meaning benign (non-cancerous) to five meaning malignant (cancer cells found in the sample).  A C4 rating is "suspicious" for malignancy, and more tissue is likely needed to be sure of what this is, it doesn't mean a definite diagnosis of cancer.      

It is possible for a cancer to come back even after many years, and a previous diagnosis of cancer is a risk factor  for cancer to develop again in one's lifetime.  

[japdip]

No personal experience but time means nothing to "cancer". We are never really "home free" so to speak and should always remain vigilant and keep up with exams and screenings. Suspicious doesn't always mean cancer and I hope this will be true in your Mother's case. Kindest regards .....