a little confused on ultrasound report

[lks43]

I had to pick up my report and films because my doctor wanted me to see a breast surgeon based on the results of a mammogram and ultrasound. They found a simple cyst and a nodule. They described it as well-circumscribed. And I remember the radiologist telling me that it was more than likely benign because its shape and it being smooth. She gave me two choices, to get a biopsy or wait and retest in six months. She recommended the biopsy becuase it wasnt there two years ago on a mammogram. On the report she cat. it as Bi-Rad 4. Suspicious abnormality.  I shouldnt have looked at the report because now I am freaking because there is a higher chance for cancer with a four. A bi-rad 3 means most likely benign. Why would I get a four?  Any bit of positive news you could give me would really be appreciated. I have never had anything more than stitches when I was a kid and one broken bone. So, this is really scareing me.

[mommy2two2008]

lks - I am sorry you are going through this too.  I had a surgeon consult yesterday after having a BIRAD 3.  The surgeon said he wanted it out just to be sure, and I agreed with him.  Google BIRAD 4 and a lot of good information will come up.  I did read somewhere that even with a 4 a very high percentage were benign.  I am having a lumpectomy on 7/31. I wish you well, I really do!  Let me know how it goes if you will!  ~K

[lks43]

What do you have that a surgeon wants it out. Especially when it is only a birad 3? You really have me nervous now. I hope my surgeon is not that aggressive and want to yank something out that doesnt need to be. Without taking a biopsy first.

[mommy2two2008]

Oh no - sorry for the confusion, I have a little over a CM solid nodule and a cyst.  I am also having thyroid swelling (one sided) and thyroid symptoms with normal bloodwork.  My surgeon said that lumpectomy was the best option because this is solid but he did say that it looks benign but the only way to know for sure is to remove it.  That is what I wanted all along.  I have a very high rate of cancer in my family.  My dad died at 45 years old from lung cancer.  The surgeon also said they recommend removal over a CM.  My cyst is right beside the nodule so they will drain it while they are there.  Of course, I did not want to scare you.  I am sorry for that.  I went in the appointment knowing I wanted them to biopsy, but have heard that you can't do FNA with something that is solid.  Removal / Biopsy -  I just want to know for sure.  Hugs to you.  I know what you are going through. ~K

[lks43]

Oh ok, I dont have the report here with me but I believe it was in the mm range somewhere. So, I guess they will just do a biopsy then? At least that is what the radiologist suggested. Its just kinda confusing because on one hand they grade it a bi-rad 4 and suggest a biopsy and then the next sentence says although, it is well-subsribed and most likely benign it could wait for a six month checkup. Kinda frustrating. And the wait is killing me. I didnt think it would because all along i dont believe it is cancer. But the longer it is to wait the more I read about it and the more nervous I get. I should not read anything. I have the appt with the breast surgeon next wed which is just a few days before I go on vacation. I would like to have a clear mind so I can enjoy my trip but on the other hand I also dont want bad news right before I go either. :(

[Mukenhimer]

I say, have the biopsy and save yourself 6 months of panic. Then you'll have your definitive answer.

[lks43]

I do want to have the biopsy. I would let it go the six months if he convinces me that it is most likely nothing and waiting six months will do no harm. But I dont think there are many doctors like that out there. I am sure he will probably suggest getting it done. They want to cover themselves.  I was ok, then after reading the report it got me going again. So this last week before the appointment is nervewrecking. Do you think that if he tells me to get the biopsy he could do it right then and there? I mean I know they do it in the office and I heard it doesnt take very long. I just want to get it over with and not have to wait till after my vacation.

[mommy2two2008]

Can they "biopsy" without surgery???  I am just asking b/c my doc said 'removal" and "day surgery".  I had heard that a solid nodule cannot have an FNA b/c there is nothing to aspirate.  I have no clue and am really new to this.  I turned 30 this year and man, while the party was fun, the rest of the year has yealded nothing but medical problems.

[lks43]

The radiologist suggested a Stereotactic biopsy for me. Where they take a hollow type needle to get a samples of the tissue. They make a 3mm incision and go in. They just numb the breast first. Supposed to be pretty simple and fast. I hope so.
Maybe you should get a second opinion or ask the surgeon why is it necessary to take out the whole thing and have surgery if they think it is benign. I hope my doctor isnt scalple happy.

[Mukenhimer]

I had my Birads 5 (which means, it walks like a duck and talks like a duck) ultrasound and mammo and my biopsy 2 days later. They numb the area on your breast and just go in with a needle and take little core samples. For mine, the pathologist was waiting just outside the door to confirm if he had what he needed before they sent me home.  The results were ready within 5 days (it was the Friday before Memorial Day weekend so I had to wait until Tuesday!)  For as fast and painless as a biopsy is, it's TOTALLY worth it to put yourself at ease.  ESPECIALLY if it means you'll be unable to enjoy your vacation!  He's not doing a lumpectomy (where he takes the whole thing), just little samples to test to see what it is.  I would recommend going with the biopsy on a Birads 4 mammo!

[mommy2two2008]

Surgery is fine with me at this point, you have to understand that between my swelling thyroid and my hurting boobs, I am a frazzled mess.  I wanted the whole thing out anyway, that way I am absolutely sure in my eyes