titanium clip - need more info

[trisha668]

I am schedule to do a stereotactic breast biopsy  due to a cluster microcalcifications, and I have been research over the internet about this procedure after I was explained briefly when I made the appointment for this friday(Aug15).
I am ok with the procedure,but I don't see any benefit for me to be with this clip, of course that I understand that the benefit is for the doctors and radiologist to find later, if is needded.
Is it possible to do a stereotatic breast biopsy without the mark? (titanic clip)
I would like to hear comments.
Thanks, Trisha

[madgeOwens]

If thats the way you feel then perhaps you should sit down and tallk to the surgeon about your misgivings and if he is a good doctor he will be able to put your mind at ease. I think you really need to have the biopsy honey and if you do not want the titanium he should respect that chooice. However it may mean another biopsy in the future where if the titanium is there it could help them understand whats going on in there without another biopsy. I am no expert but I think you should discuss this with the surgeon and not the nursing staff.

[trisha668]

Thanks again to clarify.
I understand why the need for marking the biopsy site.
Today I talked with the nurse supervisor and she told me that if I don't agree with the titanium clip the doctor probably would not do the biopsy, and I am willing not to do it.    I don't feel comfortable at all with this clip
and I still few like a cow being marked before going to the slaughterhouse ..
I am sorry but this is my true feelings.
So let's see what is going to happen on friday....
Thanks again,
Trisha

[madgeOwens]

Thats a really good explanation.  

[mamaboulet]

I just wanted to clarify the REASON for marking the biopsy site.

[mamaboulet]

When a biopsy is done, it can cause architectural distortion and other features that look suspicious on a mammogram. The chip isn't just to locate previous biopsy site, but to identify it as such so that the radiologist doesn't think the scarring/distortion is abnormal tissue. The first thing I was asked when my scary BIRADS 5 lesion appeared on the mammo was, "have you ever had a biopsy in this breast?"
Not a huge problem if you get yearly mammos with the same imaging center, but if you move and are not able to transfer those previous films, then your mammo people need to know you had a biopsy at that site.
Titanium is a very safe metal with a long history of safe medical use.

[madgeOwens]

Also I am not sure but I bet it is really very tiny as well.  I think that is the least thing I am worried about since my biopsy yesterday....the chip is in there and I am more worried about whats in there with it more than the chip itself.  I asked why it didn;t work its way out like a piece of shrapnel might,,,,but the doc didn;t know, and that was an answer I liked, since it was honest, and besides not all shrapnel works its way out. My mind is curious about things haha but it was not worried about the chip of titanium.

[japdip]

This has nothing to do with breast cancer but I will tell you that I have a considerable amount of titanium parts in my spine (plate, screws, lock nut, cages)  I wouldn't let a tiny chip bother me ... all my parts don't cause me one moments problem. As I stated previously it's as much for your benefit as the Drs. Certainly better to know where the area of concern is located than to be unsure if and when it needs to be located again. Being titanium you won't set off the alarms at the airport.    

[trisha668]

Thank you to share your comments, and I understand the importance of the chip for the doctors, and  I don't feel comfortable at all with the idea of something strange in my body.
Thanks again,
Trisha

[japdip]

The clip is necessary and it's as much for your benefit as the Physicians'. It is placed when it is felt that the tumor or area of concern will be difficult to visualize after the biopsy. It is essential if additional surgery is needed after the biopsy and also as a marker for future mammograms. It's just a tiny titanium chip and should cause you no problem in the future. It's pretty much routine in such cases. Good luck with your biopsy ...

[trisha668]

Thank you for answering.
Hope you are well, and you are in prayers..
Trisha

[madgeOwens]

I had my biopsy today.  I am hurting right now, but the procedure was not too terrible.  The table is uncomfortable and the needle injection with lidocain, but thats all.  The chip is put in there so gthey have it marked for future mammograms etc...unless of course more surgery is needed.  Good luck to you.