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reliability of breast biopsies
Hi,
This is my question: how reliable would one 8-mm sample taken on a 40 mm lesion be? Isn't it usual to take more than one sample on a mass so big? Can my sister trust the path report of "NO MALIGNANCY" or should we aks for another biopsy with more tissue samples examined?
Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
I understand your concern.Progesterone creams are usually indicated for women with breast pain or with benign breast diseases.Some studies show that there seems to be no association between breast cancer risk and topical application of percutaneous progesterone .
You may check this reference :
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1525-1500.1999.99032.x
I suggest you discuss your concerns with your physicians to guide them in managing your sister's condition .
I hope this helps. Keep in touch.
I understand your concern.Progesterone creams are usually indicated for women with breast pain or with benign breast diseases.Some studies show that there seems to be no association between breast cancer risk and topical application of percutaneous progesterone .
You may check this reference :
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1525-1500.1999.99032.x
I suggest you discuss your concerns with your physicians to guide them in managing your sister's condition .
I hope this helps. Keep in touch.
Sorry, I didn't answer all your questions. Yes, a mammo done in June 2007 was clear. The mammo done when she discovered the lump showed a large bi-lopbed hyperechoic mass lying in a transversal manner in upper right quadrangle of left breast. Ultrasound showed large lesion with more or less defined borders. MRI showed "voluminous density with moderately rapid curve (I am supposing they mean enhancement) and a moderately intense signal. The signal is equal to that of fat."
The biopsy did show that the core sampled, although it has tubular components, has an intact myoepithelial layer, and I find this reassuring. What I am no happy about, however, is the Progestogel; I thought we were now avoiding hormonal treatments of all kinds in post menopausal women.
Sorry to post so much and thank you again.
Betty
The biopsy did show that the core sampled, although it has tubular components, has an intact myoepithelial layer, and I find this reassuring. What I am no happy about, however, is the Progestogel; I thought we were now avoiding hormonal treatments of all kinds in post menopausal women.
Sorry to post so much and thank you again.
Betty
Thank you so much for your response. Yes, I am very anxious since I already lost one sister (not to BC) and DO NOT want to lose the one I still have.
I do feel reassured by the biopsy statistics (it was a biopsy done in the doctor's office; she said it sounded and felt like a staple gun); thank you especially for that.
What about the progesterone gel? My sister is five years post-menopausal; isn't hormone treatment of any kind a bad idea? I guess I'm just too worried.
Betty
I do feel reassured by the biopsy statistics (it was a biopsy done in the doctor's office; she said it sounded and felt like a staple gun); thank you especially for that.
What about the progesterone gel? My sister is five years post-menopausal; isn't hormone treatment of any kind a bad idea? I guess I'm just too worried.
Betty
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
I understand the predicament.
Was a mammogram done prior to the biopsy? What does it say?
Before any biopsy is done ,a mammogram usually is necessary to give light to the physician's step towards management. For lesions that are noted to be probably benign, a biopsy is recommended if the patient is highly anxious, if there is a strong family history of breast cancer and if the patient is not likely to be compliant with follow up. An excisional biopsy is usually indicated for palpable lesions confirmed to be malignant based on previous biopsies ( fine needle or core needle biopsies ) or if the mammogram results show it to be highly suspicious of a malignancy.
Was a core needle biopsy done on your sister? Core needle biopsy may be done on both palpable and nonpalpable lesions. For nonpalpable lesions which shows a lump in the mammogram but can not be palpated, a stereotactic core needle biopsy may be done instead.A negative result in a core needle biopsy may not be true in only less than ten per cent of the time ( sensitivity 90% and specificity of 98%).A negative core needle biopsy may not warrant a surgical excisional biopsy.A mammogram showing microcalcifications and other changes aside from the palpable mass may warrant further evaluation.
However, I feel that you are very anxious about this. You may discuss with your physician your concerns so that your previous scans may be reviewed.This will help convince you and allay your fears.
I hope this helps. Keep us posted for anything.
I understand the predicament.
Was a mammogram done prior to the biopsy? What does it say?
Before any biopsy is done ,a mammogram usually is necessary to give light to the physician's step towards management. For lesions that are noted to be probably benign, a biopsy is recommended if the patient is highly anxious, if there is a strong family history of breast cancer and if the patient is not likely to be compliant with follow up. An excisional biopsy is usually indicated for palpable lesions confirmed to be malignant based on previous biopsies ( fine needle or core needle biopsies ) or if the mammogram results show it to be highly suspicious of a malignancy.
Was a core needle biopsy done on your sister? Core needle biopsy may be done on both palpable and nonpalpable lesions. For nonpalpable lesions which shows a lump in the mammogram but can not be palpated, a stereotactic core needle biopsy may be done instead.A negative result in a core needle biopsy may not be true in only less than ten per cent of the time ( sensitivity 90% and specificity of 98%).A negative core needle biopsy may not warrant a surgical excisional biopsy.A mammogram showing microcalcifications and other changes aside from the palpable mass may warrant further evaluation.
However, I feel that you are very anxious about this. You may discuss with your physician your concerns so that your previous scans may be reviewed.This will help convince you and allay your fears.
I hope this helps. Keep us posted for anything.
Good advice; thank you. I also have read that sometimes "benign findings" can mask malignancy. My sister (she is in a foreign country and has already posted here) has been advised to use a topical ointment called "Progestogel" for four months, and then have an ultrasound to see if the salve has shrunk the lump.
I think I'll try to convince her to come home for an excisional biopsy. Do you think that's good advice, or is it jumping the gun? It would involve a lot of expense for her and other logistical problems with the government, etc.; however, if necessary, she'll do it. You opinion?
Betty
I had a lump in 06. I had a biospy and they said no cancer. 2 weeks later I asked for them to remove it - it was painful and I just wanted it out. Mine was small like a pea.
Once removed I found out it was cancer. I had a double mast. 2 months later. This summer 07 I found another lump on top of the implant. They thought it was nothing and an MRI shown concern but they thought it was impant related and to look at it again in 6 months.
My onc. thougth I should have it tested with a biospy just in case if I wanted. He also felt it was not cancer. I just wanted it out. I removed the lump and found out it was cancer once again.
I would suggest - don't wait and have it removed if you can. If they are unable to remove the lump have it tested again in 3 months. If they can get a PET scan - do it. Be aware that PET scans also show infection or scars.
Good luck!!!!
Once removed I found out it was cancer. I had a double mast. 2 months later. This summer 07 I found another lump on top of the implant. They thought it was nothing and an MRI shown concern but they thought it was impant related and to look at it again in 6 months.
My onc. thougth I should have it tested with a biospy just in case if I wanted. He also felt it was not cancer. I just wanted it out. I removed the lump and found out it was cancer once again.
I would suggest - don't wait and have it removed if you can. If they are unable to remove the lump have it tested again in 3 months. If they can get a PET scan - do it. Be aware that PET scans also show infection or scars.
Good luck!!!!
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