Waiting for results, anyone had titanium marker after biopsy?

Tonia05

I'm 27 years old with no family history. A few months ago I discovered a lump. First the hospital where I had the ultrasound stated nothing was wrong. Breast specialist said she saw something that was not a cyst and had me do a core breast biopsy. I'm a little uneasy about the titanium marker used to mark the spot in addition to waiting for the results

MelissaDallas

It's the same inert metal that hip replacements, etc. are made of. It is tiny-like a grain of rice. They are important so that the exact spot can be found again should they have to do an excisional biopsy, plus even if they do not, on future mammograms they can see the marker and know that that spot has already been checked out and is okay. It would keep you from having the same area biopsied over and over.

Tonia05

Thank you. I was unsure if that was left only when they already know it's problematic. The surgeon said they couldn't confirm anything until the return of the tests.

art15

My wife has had several titanium markers put in when biopsies were conducted on suspicious areas(since 2007), and recently in a tumor before they are trying chemo to shrink it. It is NOT a problem, in our (unfortunately) experience.

CAMommy

I have one. They put it in after my core biopsy. It will help locate the area since they took most the micro calcs with the biopsy.

LRM216

I have 24 left in my breast after my large "batwing" lumpectomy. Am out 6 1/2 years since diagnose and surgery and have had no problems with them. Just look real gross on my mammograms though, lol - like a bunch of tiny little pennants all in a row.

Neurotic

The marker is the very least of concern. I asked if it would set off metal security detectors and was advised that it won't

CBurt

Yes, they leave a clip in, so that if you need surgery they can find the exact spot where they took the biopsy from. I hope you've gotten your results and are working on a plan.

CAMommy

no it won't set off any metal detectors at airports or something. I have a bunch of "nails" in my foot from foot surgery and they don't either. You should even be able to have an MRI without a problem. Just be sure to tell the MRI people if you ever need one for anything that you have it just in case.

Ddw79

I had one and they then removed it one week later during the excisional

Tonia05

thanks makes me feel better knowing others have had it and nothing went wrong. I had previously googled and the first things I saw were cases of bad reactions to the clip and got scared. As far as my results go I'm still waiting. I'm not sure if the holiday may have delayed anything. I hadmy biopsy wed June 24th. They told me the wait is up to 10 business days.

CindiVF

I've had six biopsies (all benign) I'm posting because in a BC site, you see the posts from people who have been DX. They are amazing women who are very supportive and have great advice. But until you know you have BC, this is a scary place to hang out. I have four markers in my right breast alone. (1 from a fibroadenoma biopsy, and three for biopsies for microcalcifications). I've had no issues with these clips. I can't feel them at all.

Moderators

Thank you for your contribution, CindiVF, and your very true words. It's always refreshing to hear from the other camp; those who were worried and continue to be well. Thank you for inspiring our worried friends that all could really just be okay.

--The Mods

Tonia05

I received my results. They told me it's a benign cyst. I still have a large bump but they said it should be going away. If it doesn't they said I will need an additional ultrasound. I have such profound respect for everyone on here. It was such a scary moment in my life and my prayers will always remain with all those waiting and those diagnosed. Stay strong

jk2468

Glad to hear it!

I had my biopsy last week. My post-biopsy mammogram report notes the placement of a "bar-shaped metallic marker." I went through an airport metal detector yesterday with no problems :-)

Now if only my results would come!

Ddw79

yeah we all had that. That's what they do to mark the place for the next intervention.

Mine is out now after excisional biopsy aka lumpectimy

NATSGSG

My 6 titanium markers were put in ONLY after the cancer tumor was removed and during breast conserving reconstructive surgery, all of which were done simultaneously one after the other. Subsequently I had 10 weeks weekly concurrent herceptin/paclitaxel chemotherapy, completed on June 30th, 2015. Now in 5 weeks post chemo recovery b4 radiotherapy starts on Aug 12 (after markings on July 29 and simulation on Aug 11) in a supine position.

My Radiation Oncologist said the titanium is to help accurately pinpoint previous tumor location on the last week,3rd week, of radiation (5 daily booster dose of 10 mins localized radiation towards the end). I'm getting plus 2 weeks of whole breast radiation.

Markers are generally not put in after biopsy if the malignant tumor is still inside and not taken out yet. It is also not put in if one has mastectomy because no radiation are generally needed (except under unique circumstances) per my RO.

You may wish to seek a 2nd opinion? Different hospitals may have different procedures. And if you read current literature, that seems to be the case too.

Sending good wishes your way...

P.S. Below is a pic of one of the titanium clips that are in my right breast. It is the size of about 3 grains of sand.