2 biopsies?

[jb1959]

First abnormal mammogram 2 weeks ago:  "worrisome cluster of pleomorphic malignant-appearing microcalcifications."  I am scheduled for stereotactic biopsy next week.  

However, my doctor said that benign pathology on this biopsy would be an "unexpected result".  He said if the pathology on this shows benign, he wants to do a more invasive biopsy (needle guided, i suppose?)  

Question:  is this typical procedure?

[jb1959]

Thank you for your reply.  I was not overly concerned when told I needed a biopsy; however my concern was certainly increased when my doctor said benign pathology would be an unexpected result.

Sounds to me like we are doing the biopsy to confirm malignancy rather than rule out malignancy.  

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear jb1959, The goal of biopsy is to obtain a specimen that would be representative of the area of concern enough to provide a diagnosis of reasonable certainty.  Decisions about the type of biopsy done to accomplish this goal are based on the findings of the films, physical exam etc.  If the results of a biopsy were not as expected there could still be a degree of concern that the tissue obtained was not representative of the whole, so proceeding to remove more tissue at the area of concern would likely be recommended.