can core biopsies be trusted

[olivialynne]

I had a core biop. sept.09. Path came back..Final dx..benign cyst, no evidence of malignancy.To come back in 6 mos. to assure stability. I did..April 1. They noticed that the original nodule was still there..5mm. so then I had an MRI which stated fat necrosis probably due to previous biopsy and 5mm. nodule does not demonstrate overtly suspicious enhancement kenetics. Now I am scheduled for a wire biop. May 4. You would think if the Dr. performing the initial biop. thought she had probably missed the tiny area, she would have said so in the path report which she signed.She did not put in a clip and mammo after initial biop. showed she got samples from "in the site of 5mm nodule. Can I trust ANYONE? I have been worried sick.....good thing is I have lost 10 lbs. from not eating.

[melody847]

Did you talk directly with your radiologist? They are the experts that the Dr's look to. They will usually give their best opinion about your case. Also, be sure the radiologist is experienced with BC.
My radiologist saved my life. My 18 core samples from a core biopsy came back all negative. Yet my radiologist told me that she had a feeling and recommended a surgical biopsy by a breast cancer surgeon. I switched hospitals because the one where I had the core biospy only had general surgeons. I thought it was interesting that she gave me that info knowing that the hospital she worked at did not have BC surgeons.
Well, my BC was found with the surgical biopsy and it was a small 3mm. That was 5 yrs ago. This past year when something again came up on the mammogram, I did not hesitate to go directly to a surgical biopsy. Again, another 3mm BC found in same breast.
BC was described to me by different doctors as being very sneaky.
If you do not get a direct answer from your radiologist, take your films to an experienced BC radiologist. Good Luck.

[SueYoung55]

Please try not to worry. Easier said than done, I know ....

To answer your question a core biopsy is a great tool to help women keep in touch with their breast health. The needle on this tool is a little larger and takes out little samples of tissue and I think when I had mine done they did 8 samples. The pathology will be as accurate as the technicians ability to get the core needle in the right spot usually with ultrasound guidance. I cannot imagine why your doctor did not insert a titanium clip into the spot and send you for immediate mammogram.

Can you trust anyone? Yes.... BUT.... Always ask questions, always get answers and never leave without them. Take notes with you so you don't forget to ask. YOU are your OWN best ADVOCATE in life. If you feel something is not right do not hesitate to confront the situation and be prepared to walk away and find another opinion. This is your body, your health and your life, take control but listen to the advice given to you by the experts. Then research EVERYTHING and make your own decisions.

Best wishes for a benign result.

[bluebutterfly2222]

A recent study  (Bruening W et al. Ann Intern Med 2010 Feb 16; 152:238) found that needle and open surgical biopsy have similar accuracy for breast lesions, and complication rates are lower after needle biopsy.  

On the other hand, there have been occasional posts here by people who got one dx after needle or core biopsy, and  different results after excison biopsy...

Some people feel more confident if the entire lesion is removed and examined completely by a pathologist, especially if it has suspicious features on imaging.

Ultimately, this is a decision the surgeon and patient have to make together, after reviewing the risks and benefits of each procedure.

Best wishes...