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streotactic biopsy and beyond??
hello,I am very new to this but have been overwhelmed by a series of events last Wednesday.I found a nickel sized lump on my right breast so I scheduled a mammogram at our "breast center" with the specialists.However,they took quite a few and made me sit and took magnified images also. then they asked me to wait because they penciled me in for an ultrasound which I did not have an appt for. The radiologist explained they found microcalcifications and wouls like to do a stereotactic biopsy the following Wednesday because they "highly"" believe it may be an early sign of cancer. I am only 37 years old. from what I have gathered on this site,it more than likely might be benign. should I be worried??
Well,
guess what? the stereotactic findings turned out to be benign. However,I have been referred to get an excsional biopsy done now because they are still concerned about the spiculated mass.I guess I am not over the hill yet. Has anyone had this? One biopsy after another? If one biopsy turned out benign,what are my chances for the excsional being malignant?
guess what? the stereotactic findings turned out to be benign. However,I have been referred to get an excsional biopsy done now because they are still concerned about the spiculated mass.I guess I am not over the hill yet. Has anyone had this? One biopsy after another? If one biopsy turned out benign,what are my chances for the excsional being malignant?
Good luck with your biopsy. About two months ago, I went in for a routine mammogram and got the scary call back that microcalcificatiosn were present and very suspicious. I needed to see a breast surgeon and schedule a biopsy right away. My personal physician called me because the radiologist called her as he was so concerned. My family doctor told me to take the very first appointment I could get---- I was shocked, to be honest. No history of cancer in my family and no idea anything was wrong with my breast. Within 3 days of getting that phone call, I was at a breast surgeons scheduling my biopsy. I too felt like the urgency of it all was terrifying. I have little children that count on me for everything----- I just couldn't imagine not being there for them.
My findings were benign. I lost lots of sleep and a couple pounds (that part wasn't so bad!) with anxiety and worry. What came out of that was posative in that I have a heightened sense about my own health now. Cancer doesn't discriminate and I could be one of its victems. So it helped kick me into gear to take better care of myself and be proactive on those physicals and routine health checks. I'm on the 6 month plan with the breast surgeon as we still don't know why at 43 I have a large cluster of calcifications.
So, try not to worry. The statistics ARE on your side. But either way, it is better to find out and treat if necessary. The actual biopsy really isn't that bad---- and afterwards, remember to use the ice pack. Be kind to yourself and do nice things for you while you wait for the biopsy results. Good luck and I wish you peace of mind.
My findings were benign. I lost lots of sleep and a couple pounds (that part wasn't so bad!) with anxiety and worry. What came out of that was posative in that I have a heightened sense about my own health now. Cancer doesn't discriminate and I could be one of its victems. So it helped kick me into gear to take better care of myself and be proactive on those physicals and routine health checks. I'm on the 6 month plan with the breast surgeon as we still don't know why at 43 I have a large cluster of calcifications.
So, try not to worry. The statistics ARE on your side. But either way, it is better to find out and treat if necessary. The actual biopsy really isn't that bad---- and afterwards, remember to use the ice pack. Be kind to yourself and do nice things for you while you wait for the biopsy results. Good luck and I wish you peace of mind.
Thank you to both of you for your input!! As overwhelmed as I am,I realize what the doctors are doing is correct. Just soo much info I had to research and educate myself on! I can tell you all about lungs( I am an R.T) however,I have been completely ignorant to my own health especially when it came to breast cancer. (considering I have no history of it,so never gave it much thought. The doctors emphasized this lump is coming out regardless if it is benign or not,so I shall be prepared to ask all the right questions this time. Tomorrow is the big day!
When I found my lump, things moved very quickly. This is a good thing. I would much rather my Doctors show that they are concerned and want to help than to sit back as some do, and let things go. I was not aware that the surgeon was going to do a biopsy the day that I went to see him, I thought we were going to consult with him regarding a lumpectomy. The lump was coming out one way or the other, whether or not it was malignant. He started the ball rolling right there with the biopsy and within a week I had my insitial results that I had cancer, then the lumpectomy and ready to go on to the following week with my port insertion. It really didn't give me much time to think. Looking back, it is hard to believe that was in May. I am thankful it was handled quickly and efficiently. Good luck!
The same thing happened with me when my mammogram first showed calcifications.
The medical staff made everything seem so imperative... and urgent. But, that's not a bad thing. I'd rather have the overly cautious, alarmist approach than neutrality and indifference.
Anyway, they may be looking at your age as a point of concern. I was 49 when my calcifications were first noted. And, my breast surgeon seemed very bothered by that because he felt that I was too young to be developing calcifications. But, I also have extensive family history of Cancer, including Breast Cancer; so, maybe they were thinking the worse case scenario. I still say, keep an optimistic thought on all of this. Good luck on Wednesday.
The medical staff made everything seem so imperative... and urgent. But, that's not a bad thing. I'd rather have the overly cautious, alarmist approach than neutrality and indifference.
Anyway, they may be looking at your age as a point of concern. I was 49 when my calcifications were first noted. And, my breast surgeon seemed very bothered by that because he felt that I was too young to be developing calcifications. But, I also have extensive family history of Cancer, including Breast Cancer; so, maybe they were thinking the worse case scenario. I still say, keep an optimistic thought on all of this. Good luck on Wednesday.
Funny thing is,they took soo many mammogram pics(magnified as well) of the lump.They wanted to do biopsy same day but when I went in for the mammogram,but insurance needed prior approval so they scheduled it six days later(which is this Wednesday) Having a rush on everything is what is concerning me. I have no history of BC in the family.
I've gone through the biopsy process twice within a 4 year period because of calcifications (with benign findings both times). So, I know that unsettling feeling all to well; and I can totally relate to your understandable concerns.
Statistically, microcalcifications are rarely found to be cancerous in nature.
However, the manner in which they appear, such as in clusters, would be worisome
for a doctor because that might suggest that something abnormal within the surrounding breast tissue is triggering these calcifications to form. And, when that happens, doctors will often term these growths as being "suspicious" and recommend some form of investigation... such as a biopsy.
I'm thinking that when it was mentioned that "... they highly believe it may be an early sign of cancer." may have been their way of saying "suspicious" in reaction to the way the calcifications appeared in the mammogram.
But, now... what about that lump? Is that being biopsied as well?
Anyway, I would tell you not to worry; but, in reality one can't help but worry about these things... that's only natural. I recommend that you maintain positive thoughts... and, bring a close friend or relative with you to the procedure. The strength and support of others always helps. Good luck and I hope that your biopsy returns with favorable results.
Statistically, microcalcifications are rarely found to be cancerous in nature.
However, the manner in which they appear, such as in clusters, would be worisome
for a doctor because that might suggest that something abnormal within the surrounding breast tissue is triggering these calcifications to form. And, when that happens, doctors will often term these growths as being "suspicious" and recommend some form of investigation... such as a biopsy.
I'm thinking that when it was mentioned that "... they highly believe it may be an early sign of cancer." may have been their way of saying "suspicious" in reaction to the way the calcifications appeared in the mammogram.
But, now... what about that lump? Is that being biopsied as well?
Anyway, I would tell you not to worry; but, in reality one can't help but worry about these things... that's only natural. I recommend that you maintain positive thoughts... and, bring a close friend or relative with you to the procedure. The strength and support of others always helps. Good luck and I hope that your biopsy returns with favorable results.
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