Confused re biopsy

[Noomar]

Hi,

I had a mammogram a couple of weeks ago, I'm 44. As it showed a small shadow on the left breast that hadn't been present on the one from 4 years ago I was re xrayed, scanned and had a core biopsy.

The biopsy came back as completely normal breast tissue but as the mammogram showed this new area my consultant wants to know if I want it removed or monitored. I asked him what I should do as he is the expert and he is going to take my case to a multi disciplinary meeting to get further advice as he doesn't know whether to remove or monitor.

I am confused, if it's normal tissue on biopsy ( he said it wasn't high risk to change) why should it possibly be removed

Thank you

[zouzi]

Hi again,
Since your core needle biopsy resulted in benign findings,the odds are highly in your favor that it will be the same when the abnormality is completely removed. As your Radiologist indicated,there is no rush going through surgery straight away.So please don't be alarmed since he also assured you that "it wasn't high risk to change"
Talk to your Radiologist or Surgeon to find out when the surgery can be scheduled and
I hope that everything will turn out just fine for you.
Take care...

[Noomar]

The multidisciplinary meeting decided as the mammogram was suspicious but the biopsy was benign its best to remove the whole area, but there is no urgent rush.

This confuses me further, if the mammogram and biopsy don't match surely it should be removed as soon as possible.

Does anyone know what the incidence of a biopsy being benign and then further excision showing a different result?
Would appreciate anyone with any experience as going out of my mind with worry.

Thank you

[zouzi]

Hi again,
I wish I could alleviate your anxiety about this...I really don't know the cause why your Radiologist prefers to remove the entire lesion.But I am sure that after consultation with other doctors,he will be able to recommend what is best for you in your particular situation.
Please let us know how things are proceeding.
Best of wishes to you....

[Noomar]

Hi, I did question the consultant was he worried that perhaps they had missed the required area, but he said no as the radiologist placed a titanium clip there as the area was so small and re xrayed to make sure she took the right bit.

Thus is why it confuses me that he is considering removing whole steam if it's benign and is not high risk for change.

It's really stressing me.

[zouzi]

Hi,
A core needle biopsy may be between 97 and 100% accurate in giving a diagnosis.But sometimes a core needle may not be able to take a good tissue sample.Sometimes radiologists could also miss the proper area to be sampled.
Since your mammogram showed something that looked suspicious,the radiologist is being cautious and prefers to have the entire tissue examined by a pathologist,to be absolutely sure that no abnormal cells are present. The odds are in your favor that removing the entire lesion will also result in benign findings.
Having the lesion surgically removed permanently,would certainly stop the anxiety that we all feel with repeated tests to check for any changes.
Of course it's your choice not to have the surgery,but see what your doctor advises you after the consultation.
Best wishes...