Moving onto an Excisional Biopsy, Frustrated!

MabelJo

I had a core biopsy 2 days ago, and the results came back today as "breast nuclear atypia" and the pathologist is strongly suggesting surgery to remove the 1-2 inch area of concern

While the biopsies did not show cancer, apparently it still could be there, hiding between the biopsy sites.

I am just more frustrated that nothing is confirmed or denied or what everything actually means. From the sounds of it from my radiologist, most likely it is, but early stage (DCIS).

Would love to hear thoughts on this!

Thanks.

mustlovepoodles

That IS frustrating. But I guess there's nothing to be done, but get with it. I also had re-excision, because they didn't get clear margins. It wasn't really a big deal, other than it took longer to heal than anticipated. So instead of being out of work a week, I was out of work for about 3 weeks. Foo!

I hope they can find what they're looking for and rule in or rule OUT breast cancer. Good luck!

MabelJo

Got the actual pathology results (versus my radiologist giving me a summary):

Site A: Hypersecretory hyperplasia with cyst formation and nuclear atypia, and detached calcifications present, likely derived from cyst contents are high risk

Site B: Hypersecretory hyperplasia with focal nuclear atypia are high risk

Diagnosis comments: Multiple additional levels through blocks A and B are examined. The "hypersecretory hyperplasia" have cytoplasmic features similar to lactational change. The significance of nuclear atypia as an isolated finding in such cases is uncertain, but these lesions can be complex and range up to SCIS.

BIRADS 4C

I have no idea what any of this means! I didn't see the report until after my radiologist called. I have a schedule consultation for surgery on Tuesday. Any light before then would be great.

Thanks!

mustlovepoodles

I'm not sure what that means, either. BIRADS 4 means it looks suspicious, but 80% of BIRADS 4 is benign. I'll be interested to hear how your doctor interprets this.

BethL

All of this is so difficult, I know. I had biopsy that was negative, and then ductogram after nipple discharge, also b9. Had excisional biopsy because of the discharge. It was thought scarring or fat necrosis was causing the discharge so to stop it, excisional biopsy/ductal excision was done. That's when the cancer was found. So I'm all for the excisional biopsy-get it out and find out for sure what it is. Hoping for good results! !

eggroll

This is sort of what happened to me. Surgical excision really drags this whole process out. It does stink. Hard to believe they could miss an area that large, though.

reflect

Hi MabelJo,

It does feel like it's never ending, and uncertainty is hard to live with. I also had a core biopsy (after several mammos and an ultrasound) and it showed ADH and was "suspicious" for DCIS . A breast MRI is next, followed by an excisional biopsy or other surgery, depending on what the MRI looks like. If it shows other suspicious areas, maybe ....what?....another core biopsy or big excisional biopsy or lumpectomy or ...take it OUT. I think I'll feel better when I know something, and have a plan.

But in the meantime, I'm going to breathe and take it a day at a time. Is your biopsy scheduled yet? My MRI is Friday. I hope you get good results, please keep us updated.

Margotts

I too had a stereotactic core biopsy on December 10, 2015 after 2 mammograms. The result was ADH and I was told to see a surgeon as this should not be ignored although it's not cancer. I met with one surgeon who said I should have a lumpectomy as soon as I could. I just met with a second surgeon on January 8. I scheduled my surgery for February 8. She said they would put in a radioactive seed for guidance. This is all new to me and although she told me there is an 80% chance I would have a non cancer result I am worried because they told me I had an even higher chance that the micro calcification was nothing and of course I was in the minority.

I am also very concerned about disfiguring results because I have large breasts. I am regretting now not having breast reduction surgery years ago. Anyway, how is the recovery from the lumpectomy and also how is the scar? And how painful is it? The biopsy hurt like a bitch and still hurt three weeks later. My boob was SO bruised. I would love to hear about others experiences. Thank you. (I am very nervous). Has anyone taken the wait and see approach?

LisaAlissa

Margotts, my lumpectomy ended up with a very pale/hard-to-find scar. But if your surgeon is not an oncoplastic surgeon, you may want to consider a second opinion from one! For a couple of reasons: (1) they are experts at surgery that doesn't disfigure, and (2) they can combine a lumpectomy with a breast reduction into a single surgery.

Just another idea...

LisaAlissa

etc: spelling

Margotts

Thank you! The surgeon said she sews you up the exact same way a plastic surgeon would so I am hoping for that result. I had also asked about getting a breast reduction at the same time but she said we should deal with this first and see what the results are.

MabelJo

Update:

Had my excisional biopsy done yesterday. I now feel like I drank the beer truck and then got run over by it. Hangover without the booze, not fair!

Of course my procedure wouldn't be MY procedure without something being not normal. Due to the location of my masses (6 o'clock position on the breast) it meant getting my wires in was a bit of a chore.

Normally, they would have you sit for it, but for me, again, because the wires had to be placed on the underside of my breast, I had to stand. For 30 minutes. Lovely. After getting the first, and the hardest to place wire almost in, the radiologist hit something that instantly made me nauseous. As I focused on trying not to barf, I realised, no, am not going to throw up, I am going to pass out!

I basically started saying to the tech and the radiologist "going down, going down!" And started sagging. With my boob still in the machine.

Let me tell you, nothing more attractive than winding up on your back, with a wire sticking out of your bare breast, your legs being held up by your male radiologist, all while wearing a very short hospital gown....and disposable undies.

Long story short, recovered, got the other wire in, off to surgery. Removed my 2 areas in one lump and now we wait. Follow up on the 12th with hopefully the FINAL results....one way or another.

MelissaDallas

Hope you feel better. I am really laughing at your description. I am a fainter and I always warn them.

I did fine through my stereotactic biopsy until they took me in for the "after" mammogram. My bare arm brushed the ice pack and my mind immediately jumped to "I'm bleeding to death" because it felt wet and clammy. Then when they compressed me in the mammogram a tiny trickle of blood did drip down my front onto the waistband of my pants. Down I went. They had to wheel me around the corner for my ultrasound because I was too woozy to stand up.