Results of breast biopsy

[JLBRN]

I am a 65 year old retired RN who had DCIS in 1999 which was treated with lumpectomy and radiation.  The following year I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma on my nose with involvement in one right neck node.  Had a right modified neck dissection after this and have been cancer free since then.  In December of 2008 had a suspicious left mammogram and ultrasound {previous BC was on the right}.  Had an ultrasound guided biopsy done last week and the results were benign wiht few fragments of predominantly fatty breast tissue with focal dense fibrosis and calcifications in begign lobules, nakugbabct bit seen.  There was comment by the pathologist which has me concerned-- definite evidence of a "mass" is not present in this biopsy, therefore clinical correlation and appropriate follow-up is suggested.  My surgeon recommended follow up with mammo and ultrasound in 6 months but I am worried because of my strong personal history of cancer.  Also being a RN has me more aware of possibility of biopsy missing some cancer cells.  Would like to know what other past BC patients feel.

[japdip]

In light of the finding on both mammogram & ultrasound I would push for surgical removal. I don't think the 6 month wait would be a detriment to the situation as a whole but it wouldn't be of much help to you.   Take care ....

[JLBRN]

I completely understand where you are coming from.  That was my feeling if my biopsy on 1/26 had shown a malignancy, but now I am not sure what to do.  My gut feeling is to have an open biospy and removal of lesion.  Dr.'s office is to call me back on Wednesday.  Thank you for your reply.

[JLBRN]

The mammogram showed a focal asymmetric 0.8 cm nodule and the ultrasound showed  a complex/solid lesion with intense acoustic shadowing accompanied by relatively superficial focal hypoechoid tissue, there are accompanying "shoulders" of this lesion.  thank you for your input.

[MagsFury]

I feel the need to tell you more about my history.  Nine years ago as I mentioned I had the biopsy and following that, about six to eight months I felt a lump in the left breast and was diagnosed with grade 2 tumour. I had a wide local excision and axillary node clearance followed by radiation therapy and Arimidex for 5 years.  

I was fine with a few concerns which came to nothing until November 2008 when a mammogram revealed unusual calcifications in the right breast.  The biopsy revealed high grade DCIS and I took the decision to undergo a bi-lateral mastectomy to prevent further worry. I also didn't want the radiotherapy which would inevitably have followed a lumpectomy.

My surgeon was very sympathetic saying that he understood why I came to the decision in view of my previous history. I had the operation on Jan 15th and there was no spread and the sentinal node biopsy also proved clear.

It might seem radical but I can now take comfort in the fact that I don't have to worry about what the next mammogram might reveal.  I'm doing OK, have to keep having seroma drained and I'm very sore, heavy and tight but I have no regrets.

[MagsFury]

I don't want to alarm you but nine years ago I had a biopsy which showed benign calcifications which later became cancerous so if I were you I'd ask for the area to be removed now before it has any chance to change.  That way you have nothing to be worrying about and I'm sure your surgeon would understand given your previous history.

All the very best ...

[japdip]

Was the "suspicious" part of the mammogram an actual nodule/lesion/mass or for microcalcifiations ???  The wording of the Path report could indicate a finding by mammogram ... unless it stated definitely that a specific mass was found. I can understand your anxiety in light of your past history but the 6 month follow-up seems reasonable. You could ask your prescribing Physician to cut the wait time shorter than the 6 mo. if you aren't comfortable with it.   Regards ....