Stereotactic Biopsy yielded no Calcifications

[misawa47]

Hi,
I had an abnormal mammogram 17 Jul 08 which was classified as BIRAD 4 and the radiologist labeled it as "MAJOR ABNORMALITY-PHYSICIAN AWARE" and recommended an open biopsy with wire localization for microcalcifications (no lump identified). I am at a military base in northern Japan with one surgeon who was backed up so was advised to go to the states for the biopsy. After researching the internet, I decided to go to Atlanta Georgia where they recommended a stereotactic biopsy. My prior mammogram was in 2005. The Radiologist performing the biopsy obtained the first 10 samples with a great deal of pain; however, after examining them under an x-ray, she said unfortunately the x-ray did not show any calcifications and she would have to reposition the needle and go in for more. I was not numb as she proceeded to get 2 more samples and, due to the pain, she had to stop. I am terribly upset that I went all the way to Atlanta to have this done and the only thing she could say was "don't worry...it probably isn't malignant anyway and we will have you come back in 6 months for a mammogram to see if there are any changes". Is this normal procedure and do I just wait? I also have a swollen lymph node under my left arm pit and have rust colored discharge from my left nipple. Please advise.


This discussion is related to Calcifications & Surgical Biopsy.

[Katie2u]

Hello there.  I'm also sorry you are going through so much.  If you are having rust colored discharge from your nipple and a swollen lymph node under your left arm it is time to see another physician now.  This can be a serious sign that something is wrong but let's hope for the best.  Do not let this slip on by.  Do it now.   Good luck!   Keep us posted.  

[lmredstorm]

Fortunately, my biopsies cames back benign, however, I will have a follow up ultra sound in 6 months.  It has been exactly one week since the biopsies and I can still see soem bruising, but I am no longer swollen or have any discomfort!  Truthfully, most of my discomfort came from the pressure butterfly bandage they had me leave on for 24 hours afterward.

I hope your news is as good as mine!  Please let me know.  Take care
Linda

[misawa47]

Thanks for your input. Did your biopsy come back benign? How long were you bruised, swollen?

[lmredstorm]

I am so terribly sorry that you had such a horrendous experience with your biopsies.  I recently had core biopsies done in each breast with a bard (5 samples from each breast) and the only thing I felt was a slight ***** when they numbed me and some pressure..no pain!  As a mater of fact, the radiologist even numbed me more during the the second breast because he was afraid of hurting me since he needed to go in a bit deeper. In my opinion, and from what I have read and researched prior to having my own biopsies done is that there is NO need for pain during them.

I sincerely hope that all comes back clean for you, and remember 80% of them do.  Please don't let your bad experience at this facility keep you from following up with anything.  Take care.........

[japdip]

I'm sorry for your bad experience; especially after you travelled so far. I noticed that an open biopsy was recommended and evidently one should have been done. I wouldn't just let it drop and assume that it was "probably not malignant anyway" ... I'm sure you feel you've had enough of biopsies right now but I would persue this to a definite conclusion even if you have to get on the waiting list in Japan. Do keep in mind though that a good percentage of BIRAD 4 scores do come back benign ... and I don't agree completely with the alarming note you mentioned. It's probably routine though; just the way they state it where your Mammogram was done. Regards ....