Understanding Biopsy results and what next

shecker

I am 39. I recently had a routine mammogram which came back negative. But the technician urged me to get an MRI, however, because I have always had extremely dense and large breasts.  So, I took her advice, and this resulted in a follow-up ultrasound, which then resulted in two biopsies - one from what they think is a fibroadenoma and the other for super tiny microcalcifications that incidentally showed up from the magnified mammo capturing the implanted steel marker for the other biopsy done.  The good news is that both came back benign today - cannot wait to sleep tonight! - but the radiologist who did all this assured me that benign microcalcifications will not become malignant, so not to worry about these spots anymore.  That said, follow-up MRI recommended in 6 months.  In the meantime, for better or worse, I have sleeplessly spent the last nights surfing the web and it seems I am at high risk because of breast density and because of microcalcifications. Considering that, my worry is around these things - should I be following up with a breast doctor of some sort now (what is the name of a breast doctor??), just to talk about preventative options because I somehow feel doomed to get BC now, and two, is it true that once an identified lump or calcification area is benign, it remains that way?  I see the worrying does not stop with good news...  thank you for reading this rambling, anxious post.  

Lindy323

I'm 41 and had very dense breasts. About 6 years ago I had a lump biopsied and it was benign. This lump did not show on the mammo, but they caught it on ultrasound. I had a 3 month follow up and it had doubled in size and although still benign, I had it removed.

About 3 months ago I found another lump and figured, ok this is the same thing again and I would just have it removed. I went for a mammo which again, did not show the lump due to density, it did however, show on the ultrasound. I also had micro calcifications in the other breast and another small lump which were benign. I had my big lump biopsied and to my horror, this time it was IDC 2 cm. I could have had a lumpectomy, but chose a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction because, due to my breast density, it would be difficult to detect any future lumps and I had already had one six years ago and now I had cancer and two other areas of concern. I couldn't see myself just waiting for the next lump to show up.

Personally, I would ask for a 3 month re-check to see if it's grown in size ( I would want it out of me benign or not) and always have ultrasounds or MRI's. Also be sure to do your self exams. I always thought I would never be able to feel any lumps because to me, my breasts always felt lumpy. I found my lump as I was putting lotion on after a shower.

I'm actually not sure if a lump or calcifications will always be benign, but I'm sure someone here will know the answer.

dlb823

shecker ~ Congratulations on the B9 results!  I'm sure you will sleep well tonight!

It sounds like a breast surgeon/specialist would be best qualified to evaluate where you go from here.  I think you got great advice to get an MRI due to your dense breasts, but another one in 6 mos. might be overly aggressive.  I would definitely seek the advice of someone who only deals in conditions of the breast (a breast surgeon/specialist) re. their recommended followup now.

As far as lumps remaining benign, I don't believe that's always true, but again, a breast surgeon is best qualified to explain your specific risks based on your biopsy results.

You're wise to want to look into preventive measures.  In addition to having very qualified breast surgeons/specialists at them, many of the comprehensive cancer centers on this list offer high risk screening programs that incorporate the latest prevention information, such as the importance of exercise and getting sufficient Vitamin D.   

http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/map-cancer-centers.html   

Good luck!  Hopefully, we'll never see you back here with a bc diagnosis!   Deanna