Needle or Surgical Biopsy

[terr2001]

My mammagram showed cacifications in my left breast. Most in one area. Does this mean breast cancer is more likely?  I am so scared, I see Surgeon as soon as I can get appt.  Radiologist said a needle biopsy or surgican biopsy should be done. Is one better than the other?

[japdip]

That decision will be one that your surgeon will be qualified to make afer he/she reviews your films and reports. Usually this depends on the area to be sampled. Both types have their place in the diagnostic procedure. Microcalcifications appear normally in  breast tissue but when they are grouped in certain patterns is whe they become suspiscious although many are still found to be benign.

[carol03]

I was in the same position as you.  After a routine mamogram they found a cluster of microcalcifications in the left breast, that were not there from previous mamogram.  I had a sterotactic biopsy last friday.  I was so stressed out over the procedure, which was not as bad as I had anticipated.  The procedure takes about 15 minutes, setting up with exrays and positioning took awhile.  I know it is hard not to worry, I had my good days and bad while waiting.  

Thinking of you and wishing you good results.

Carol

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What is your age? What does the exact report say?

Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium in the breast tissue that need to be investigated further to rule out cancer.

The microcalcifications if large or clustered are usually biopsied for a confirmed diagnosis. Most calcifications are usually benign.

The usual plan of follow up is a regular breast self exam, a clinical evaluation in 6 months and a mammogram every 6 months or annually or as your doctor advises. A biopsy is done for a confirmed diagnosis and to rule out malignancy. A needle aspiration is a less invasive procedure but the cahnces of getting adequate sample are less - it could be inconclusive at times. You could talk to your doctor about which would be the preferred one in your case - this will depend on the size and site of the lesion.

You should carry on regular breast self examinations and report any abnormal features to your doctor.

Get the investigations repeated in 6 months to one year to see for any change in the lesion and then discuss with your specialist if any active intervention is required.

Let us know about how you are doing .

Let us know if you have any other doubts .

Regards.