biopsy

[lm4060]

Hi, I've been reading the stories posted here and they have helped me calm myself some. i had a lump under my arm and went to the dr, he also found a lump above the one I found.. Scheduled me for a Mammo, they did the mammo and a ultrasound. The guy that performed the ultrasound said the radiologist needed to talk to me. He said there wasn't anything showing in the arm pit area but they did find a cluster of microcalcificaions and I needed a stereotactic biopsy. They say it's a Birad 4, I'm not sure what  this means. I have a strong history of BC and ovarian cancer. I myself had precancer cervical about 25 years ago. My Mom passed away at the age of 45, I'm now 51. I'm, scared to death. My biopsy is tomorrow. Please pray for me. Thanks for letting me vent.

[lm4060]

Thank you for being here for those of us that need the help you give us.....

[zouzi]

Hi again,
The terms used on your report has to be explained to you by your doctor.Many of these findings are of little concern.
The only thing that you should be really happy about,is that"no malignancy" meaning NO CANCER was found in your biopsy result .
I am really happy for you...Congratulations!
Don't worry,your doctor will explain everything to you in details about these other findings stated in your report..
In the meantime relax... You have nothing to worry about. :)
All the best...

[lm4060]

Hi, I picked up my pathology report today and I'm still not quite sure what it means.....it states
The following fibrocystic changes are observed in spec #1, sclerosing adenosis, blunt duct adenosis, duct ectasis, stromal fibrosis, intraductal calcifications, mild epithelial hyperplasia, chronic periductal mastitis, microglandular adenosis, and apocrine metaplasia. The other spec shows duct ectasia, stromal fibrosis, blunt duct adenosis and intraductal adenosis. Malignant neoplasm is not seen in either specimen. also in the sclerosing adenosis myoepithelial cells are present to support the above diagnosis for specimen #1. Can you help me....the nurse just said the dr would talk to me on the 21st, but to be happy that it says malignant. I'm happy about that but what is it saying I dooo have....thank you so much.

[zouzi]

Hi again,
Calcification have many different shapes and patterns.Clustered, linear, segmental, regional, diffuse etc.These terms are neutral and may be used to describe benign or malignant processes.There is no sure way to know what these calcifications represent.The pathologist will examine the tissue under the microscope and will let your doctor know about the results.
Hang in there and try not to worry too much ....Hoping that your results will state Benign findings!
Wishing you the best of luck...

[lm4060]

Hello, this is my  day after the stereotactic biopsy. I'm still a little sore and it has bled some. After the biopsy, I asked the dr how many there was and he said there was too many to count and he also said they were linear. Do you have any idea what this means? I will get the results on Tuesday or Wednesday. Thank you in advance.

[zouzi]

You welcome.
Well, usually biopsies results should be available within 4 to 7 days.So if you have your biopsy tomorrow,your results should be known around the 15th of March.Could be that the Surgeon cannot see you before the 21st depending on how busy he/she is.You could always call him/her or the radiologist around the 15th to ask about the results.In my opinion it's better to discuss your case, face to face with the Surgeon so that everything written on your report can be clearly explained and understood,especially if any treatment is recommended in you particular situation.
Again wishing you all the best! :)

[lm4060]

Thank you and yes I will let you know the results. Also when the nurse called this am, she says the surgeon has an appt. set up for me on the 21st of this month, I replied I wasn't waiting til then for my results and she said it's to probably discuss treatment. Is this common? Thanks.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Calcifications that grow in a cluster are suspicious because they sometimes cluster around a mass.
BI-RADS is a quality control system,used by radiologists after interpreting mammograms,ultrasound and MRIs.
This system allows radiologist to categorize the findings by numbers.The scores go from 0 to 5.The higher the number the more suspicious is the abnormality.Your BI-RADS being category 4,means that the calcification is suspicious,but nothing more than that.
So it is standard procedure in this case to biopsy the area because it's the only way to determine if cancer is present.
A family history of breast cancer doesn't mean that you will also have the same disease.Keep in mind that very often biopsies done on clustered calcifications return a benign finding, but if unfortunately it does not,then the cancer would be at a very early stage and highly curable.
I will certainly keep you in my prayers and hoping that your biopsy results will be favorable.Please let us know how things are proceeding.
Best wishes and good luck!...