Aa
spiculated mass
After a routine mmammogram I was called back for US and spot compression. The report says : Spot compression imaging better delineates the mass seen on the recent screening mammography. With displacement of normal breast tissue this can be seen as a relatively high density irregular and somewhat spiculated mass. There are no convincing calcifications associated with this. I am concerned about the overall appearance of this small nodule and biopsy is recommened. BIRADS 4. This cannot be postively identified on other images to permit needle localization, but may be amenable to stereotactic biopsy. My ultrasound report stated no cystic or soild masses are appreciated. there is no disttortion to breas parenchyma. My primary doctor called me and told me after these two test and stated everything was NORMAL. She never read the report from the spot compression which was taken 8-20-2009. its now Oct. and I've just found out one the 1st that I need a biopsy, however three days ago I found an enlarged lymph node under my right armpit same side of mass. I had a CBC drawn to rule out underline infection. Does my risk of this being something other than benign increase if I don't have an underline infection? What is a stereotactic biopsy?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear shicago: A BIRADS 4 rating of an ultrasound or mammogram describes a suspicious looking abnormality that is not characteristic but has a reasonable probability of malignancy, and a biopsy should be considered. In other words, based on the testing done they cannot rule out that something is cancer. So to be on the safe side a biopsy of the suspicious area is recommended. The enlarged lymph node could be due to many things. Ruling out infection does just that – rules out infection as a cause of the enlargement, but still leaves many other possible causes for enlargement including malignancy, but further evaluation would be needed.
A stereotactic biopsy refers to a procedure where a computer-assisted X-ray allow the biopsy needle to be precisely positioned, especially for smaller lumps or lumps that cannot be felt. Special mammogram films are taken of the site to be biopsied. The radiologist uses these films and, with the assistance of a computer, calculates the exact location for needle placement to obtain the biopsy.
A stereotactic biopsy refers to a procedure where a computer-assisted X-ray allow the biopsy needle to be precisely positioned, especially for smaller lumps or lumps that cannot be felt. Special mammogram films are taken of the site to be biopsied. The radiologist uses these films and, with the assistance of a computer, calculates the exact location for needle placement to obtain the biopsy.
Thanks for your help, the waiting is starting to drive me alittle crazy right now especially with the new swollen lymph node, just trying to hang on until Tuesday. Again thanks the more information I have the better I seem to feel.
Hi,
While you are waitng for an answer from a professional, I am going to paste below some information about stereotactic breast biopsy. It was posted yesterday by Zouzi, who has provided some other infromation for you recently, in the Breast Cancer Community Forum:
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Usually stereotactic breast biopsy takes about 45 minutes from set-up to finish.The actual biopsy takes about 15 minutes.
You will be awake during your biopsy and should have little or no discomfort. Most women report little or no pain and no scarring on the breast.
Some women find that the major discomfort of the procedure is from lying on their stomach for the length of the procedure, which can be reduced by strategically placed cushions(Make sure you tell the nurse if you are still uncomfortable)
When you receive the local anesthetic to numb the skin, you will feel a slight pin ***** from the needle. You may feel some pressure when the biopsy needle is inserted,but not real pain.
The area will become numb within a short time.
You must remain still while the biopsy is performed.
As tissue samples are taken, you may hear clicks from the sampling instrument.
If you experience swelling and bruising following your biopsy, you may be instructed to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and to use a cold pack. Temporary bruising is normal.
You should contact your physician if you experience excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, redness or heat in the breast.
If a marker is left inside the breast to mark the location of the biopsied lesion, it will cause no pain, disfigurement or harm.
You should avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after returning home, but then usually will be able to resume normal activities.
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Hope this helps.
While you are waitng for an answer from a professional, I am going to paste below some information about stereotactic breast biopsy. It was posted yesterday by Zouzi, who has provided some other infromation for you recently, in the Breast Cancer Community Forum:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usually stereotactic breast biopsy takes about 45 minutes from set-up to finish.The actual biopsy takes about 15 minutes.
You will be awake during your biopsy and should have little or no discomfort. Most women report little or no pain and no scarring on the breast.
Some women find that the major discomfort of the procedure is from lying on their stomach for the length of the procedure, which can be reduced by strategically placed cushions(Make sure you tell the nurse if you are still uncomfortable)
When you receive the local anesthetic to numb the skin, you will feel a slight pin ***** from the needle. You may feel some pressure when the biopsy needle is inserted,but not real pain.
The area will become numb within a short time.
You must remain still while the biopsy is performed.
As tissue samples are taken, you may hear clicks from the sampling instrument.
If you experience swelling and bruising following your biopsy, you may be instructed to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and to use a cold pack. Temporary bruising is normal.
You should contact your physician if you experience excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, redness or heat in the breast.
If a marker is left inside the breast to mark the location of the biopsied lesion, it will cause no pain, disfigurement or harm.
You should avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after returning home, but then usually will be able to resume normal activities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope this helps.
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