BIRADS 5; going for biopsy on Monday

GrammaSue

Well, this is my first post here. In October I discovered a lump quite by accident and saw my doctor in December. Of course then the holidays came around but I had my appointment for a diagnostic mammogram (3D) and an ultrasound, if the reading radiologist felt it was warranted. My mammo's were always negative; even had a false alarm back in 2010 (long story for another time). My results showed a spiculated mass, 1.8x1.8x1.5 and graded as a BI-RAD 5 by the radiologist (who has a very good reputation and record so I don't doubt his findings). My doctor called me in the evening and explained what was going on and I am scheduled for a biopsy on Monday afternoon. Any idea on what I might be facing? I have no idea what kind of biopsy it will be and I'm nervous as a cat. Is this going to be painful?  My doctor led me to believe that a BI-RAD 5 classification is pretty much always a cancer and I've read that it's about 95%. I have no idea what is coming up next. 

MelissaDallas

Hi GrammaaSue. I'm sorry you find yourself here. I'm guessing you will be having a stereotactic biopsy, which uses a core needle guided by mammography. The biopsy itself is not painful. Usually you lie on your stomach on a table with your breasts hanging through openings in the table. I have seen a couple of women who had them in a seated position. They will inject numbing. The first stick stings a little and then you will not feel anything but pressure. Lying still on the table was the most uncomfortable part for me. Make sure you are as comfortable as you can get before they start.

I hope you are in the 5%.

Lovinggrouches

my biopsy was lying on my back on the table and they numbed me well and barely had any pain. Mine was guided by ultrasound. Mine was also a spiculated mass and ultrasound showed black, irregular bordered area with boards five. Mine turned out to be idc. Prayers for good results!!

keepthefaith

GS, I had a core BX. Lying on my back, Ultra-sound guided, I think with vacuum. My tumor was close to my chest wall. Not what I would call fun, but they numbed me good and really wasn't painful. More pressure than anything. They placed a chip and did a mammo after. Ice, tylenol, no heavy lifting for a few days. When I got home I actually forgot about it and was throwing a ball for my dog and caused it to bleed...:(. Hoping you get B9 results!

Mominator

GrammaSue: mine was an MRI guided biopsy, lying on my stomach with my breasts hanging through openings in the table. It's easier to lie still if you're comfortable. I had them adjust the pads a few times until I felt comfortable enough to stay in that position. It's worth the time you take to get comfortable as you may be there 30-60 minutes on the table.

The numbing was just a little pinch and it didn't sting. After that was just weird pressure when they got the sample. Then they put in a marker and took another MRI.

Your biopsy will probably be by mammo rather than MRI, since they usually use the same imaging technique as found the mass. However, the rest will probably be similar to what we've all described.

Many prayers for benign results.

GrammaSue

Thank you all for your well wishes, and for your encouraging words. Tomorrow is the day. I am hoping against hope that the results come soon. My doc is working on a surgical appointment. Will keep everyone up to date.

ml143333

Mine was ultrasound guided. I laid on my back and they numbed the area with an injection. I felt pressure, but no pain. After the procedure, you will go for another mammogram to see if they can find the marker they place in there. I was still numb, so didn't feel anything. After the numbing wore off, I didn't have any real pain, discomfort and bruising.

I hope you won't be joining our group.