Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

lostng half of breast in biopsy

I have a surgical biopsy scheduled soon.  My breasts are very small and the size of tissue the surgeon showed me that would need to be removed is about half of my total breast.  He said it would fill in in several months but I have an autoimmune disorder and am afraid it will take longer.  It seems like I will be losing a lot.  But there is no help that I can find unless I am having an actual masectomy.  But this will be nearly a masectomy.  Can anyone help?
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you for your comments.  I am going for a 2nd opinion today on whether the surgical biopsy is necessary.  The biopsy is scheduled for next Friday.  It was very good to hear from someone in a similar situation.  
Helpful - 0
1119363 tn?1330355440
I had a large surgical biopsy because I had a large area of DCIS (precancerous cells) and small breasts.  When my result came back that the margins were still not clear, I opted for a mastectomy.  After the mastectomy we found a small tumor (5mm) amongst the DCIS.  It had an aggressive gene and so I had chemo and opted for a second mastectomy (preventative) after I finished treatments a little over a year later.

To be frank, after the biopsy and even the first mastectomy, no one looking at me dressed could see that I had lost 1/2 my breast or even missed my whole breast.  We who have smaller breasts can hide it well.  

The main thing is to get diseased tissue out of your body.  Much can be done to help you achieve the look you want afterward.  I have chosen to not have reconstruction, nor to wear prosthetics.  I am enjoying going braless and so far, no one has remarked on my flat chest - because it looks almost the same as before.  Take care of your health first and then you can do any of several things to achieve the appearance you wish.  I am thinking of you.
Helpful - 0
739091 tn?1300666027
I would fight any insurance company that says I could not have reconstruction if the lumpectomy is disfiguring.

It sounds like you're having a lumpectomy instead of a biopsy. Get a clear description in writing what they are telling you.

My biopsy was done with a mere core needle. Best wishes
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Breast Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
From mammograms to personal hygiene, learn the truth about these deadly breast cancer rumors.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.