digital mammogram results concerning

[viddie]

Hi- New to this forum and finding it very helpful. Just had a digital mammogram and ultrasound 2 days ago. Radiologist told me I needed a fine needle biopsy asap. She literally squeezed me in at end of day. She told me she was "very concerned", and the digital mammogram saved my life. I was so nervous that I did not ask many questions. She saw a mass 2 cm and told me she was very certain that it was malignant and if it wasn't, she wanted me to have it removed. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I will not get the results until at least Monday. I am 56, post menopausal, have fibrocystic, lumpy breasts and have always had 6 month follow-ups b/c of past calcifications and had a sterio... 2 years ago that showed benign results, First mammography with a digital machine, and the radiologist said many times that this saved my life. I found her very dramatic, and wondering if she could be exaggerating her concern. I called the center today to ask for the bi-rad score that I learned about on this board. Guess I have a lot more to learn. Any other questions I should ask if they call back? I thought I could put this aside for the weekend, but I find myself getting more anxious.
    Thanks, viddie

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear viddie:  Results of a mammogram can look more or
less suspicious based on certain characteristics.
These characteristics help the radiologist to assign a
BIRAD score which then guides the recommendations.
The only way to know "for sure" if something is
malignant is with biospy.  The question to ask may be
"If the abnormality appears this concerning, would an
excisional biopsy (remove the lump) be appropriate as
a first step.  This would be best to discuss with the
surgeon who, after reviewing the mammogram and
ultrasound, can make a good recommendation.

[Montana girl 06]

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you get a great team that helps you understand your results and future treatment.

[who_is_this]

I'm so sorry to hear this.  (I'm who_dis above, new name).

My cancer was also intraductal carcinoma with microinvasion.  I was diagnosed 13 years ago, early like you.  I had no positive nodes and elected a mastectomy for various reasons.  I wish you all the best, and know our thoughts are with you.

[vermontgirlII]

I am so sorry to hear about the diagnosis.  I have an old friend who was diagnosed with brain cancer, and she wrote that after she got the news, she screamed and cried and took as much time as she needed to let those emotions out, and after she did, she felt she could get on with the process of getting better.  It sounds like good advice to me, but do whatever works for you.   I found a good website at www.imaginis.com or org ?? that has tons of information about bc.  It explains the terms and diagnosis that the doctors will tell you, which, I know for me, is like a foreign language.  Good luck with this.

[viddie]

Just found out---I have  IDC, grade 2- no other info- different radiologist- the original radiologist is at convention--very nice and caring- both were. I have an appt with a surgeon on Wednesday and an MRI scheduled for Thursday. He told me that I would get more information once I had the MRI and the sentinal lobe dissection. I feel numb. Now I have to call several friends and family. Not in the mood, but I promised I would let them know. Maybe they will cheer me up. Is there any other questions I can ask my primary care Doctor if he calls me back about the biopsy results.

[cyn17]

We are here for you with our thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted as to your treatment. I wish you all the best!