Biopsy or second opinion?

[Google_Med_School_student]

I was recently told I have a 1.5 cm ill-defined hyperechoic lesion. This is a new finding, compared to my clear exam last year. During the sono, the radiologist asked if I'd had any breast trauma or surgery. She said it looks "indeterminate" so I need a biopsy.

The thing is.... I don't really want a biopsy. Why didn't she give me the option to follow up with another mammo or sonogram in a few months? Don't I have time or Is this usually aggressive?

From what I've read online, 99.5% of hyperechoic lesions are benign. Does that sound right?

Is there any harm in postponing the biopsy scheduled for this week so that I can see a breast surgeon for a second opinion? Will I even be able to get into one so soon?

Thanks for any feedback!

[japdip]

I am so pleased that your experience was a good one. It sounds as though you had an excellent Specialist and this is what should be the "norm" in circumstances such as yours. I did have to laugh at you wanting to see the reaction of your partner to the needle ...you have a little streak of evil in you ... like all of us women :) This all proves what I always tell patients; If you ask you will be answered but many women are so reluctant to ask, insist or even demand to be included in the procedure. Good for you ... please let us know the biopsy results when you get them. Now just relax and enjoy the "It's OVER" period, you've earned it.  Kindest regards ...

[Google_Med_School_student]

I saw the specialist and had the biopsy today. Everything went really well. The surgeon explained what made it look suspicious (irregular margins/perimeter) and what looked benign --- wider than the height, that it compressed during the sono.  She said there's a 95% chance it's benign.

The biopsy was completely painless.  I've had bleeding issues in the past, so they've wrapped up my chest very tightly --- that's really the "worst" of it, LOL.

I realize I was getting upset because I felt like I needed to understand everything.  I think it helped that I was prepared and could ask questions (re vascularity, for instance).

I didn't have anyone with me and I enjoyed the quiet. At the last minute my DH said he wanted to go but I preferred not to have any distractions. (Although it would've been fun to see his reaction to the 27 gauge needle which looked a bit menacing but was painless!)

I also asked them to show me every step of the way during the biopsy.  But hopefully I've learned to focus on each step, one at a time.  

Thank you for your support!

[japdip]

I'm glad you have that appointment ... I didn't think it should take "forever" to get in to see a Specialist.
I would like to advise you to STOP listening to what others have to say. This and all the time spent searching and reading will give you a lot of useless information. Rarely is it that anything you might find will apply to your specific issue. Most everything is very general and as far as what others tell you .... it's usually either 100% wrong OR it's what they think you want to hear. I'd say just relax, wait for the appointment and write all your questions and concerns down on paper to take with you. It's always good to take a close relative or even better a close friend with you ... it never hurts to have an extra pr. of ears to catch what you may miss. At times like this we are usually thinking so far ahead that we miss a lot of what is being said NOW. Inform the Dr. that when he/she is finished with the exam and explanation that you have some questions/concerns that you need to have answered. Don't wait until he/she is half-way out the door. As far as your husband is concerned; men don't usually handle things like this very well so just let him think what he thinks ... he'll come around if he's needed :) So now lets either put the iPad down OR play a few games of Solitaire and leave the research arena so your brain will be rested so that it can absorb the Dr.s wise words on Thursday.  Regards....

[Google_Med_School_student]

Thank you for your response.

I have an appt with a breast specialist scheduled for Thursday.  I've told a few people  what is going on and they ALL say "oh just about all biopsies are benign. You aren't worried are you??"

The truth is... Yes, a bit. And I know absolutely nothing about breat conditions (benign or malignant) so I'm doing as much research as I can. I want to understand the doctor as much as possible. I want to have an idea of what questions to ask so I don't leave there with regrets.

My husband is acting like I'm a making a big deal out of nothing. I haven't even discussed it much, just gave him a brief overview. He can tell I'm preoccupied and sees me glued to my iPad.

Anyway, I just want to say thank you for providing support and acknowledging that "waiting for a diagnosis" can be stressful.  Maybe I'm fueling my anxiety by reading up on it, but I can't think of another way to educate myself and get prepared for my appt.

[japdip]

I see no harm in seeing a Breast Specialist and I see no reason why there should be a lengthy delay. I don't however think I would care to wait several months for a re-check. I doubt the delay of a few months for a re-check would be terribly harmful BUT we don't know that and when you are dealing with breast issues the "unknown" is a place you don't want to be. I would set about getting that appointment with the Breast Specialist ASAP and go from there. Regards ....