Odd (I think) Post Biopsy Questions- Help. :)

KillerBunny

I had an anechoic irregular mass on initial ultrasound. It was asymmetric density on the mammogram.

At the beginning of the biopsy, both the tech and the radiologist said they believe it's a cyst and it was irregular because there was one cyst in front of the other. The tech showed me that when you press on it, it looks round and you can see there are 2.

When the radiologist touched both with the vacuum and needle they completely disappeared (the tech actually said "whoa" because one of the cysts was big and it was impressive the way it burst.)

I was told the results of the biopsy would take 2-3 days. And that risk of cancer was less than 2%... the tech wasn't actually sure, but said it's really rare. She also said this doctor always does a biopsy, I guess the doctor is really cautious.

I was so relieved it acted like a cyst, I forgot to ask follow up questions. (Damn it!!)

So, if they find cancer, what the heck is it? There's no mass, it completely disappeared during the biopsy...meaning (I think) that it was totally liquid with maybe some cells in the liquid. The radiologist said there was debris. The radiologist also told me not to worry, which is hilarious.

On the ultrasound after it burst, there was absolutely nothing but grainy grey areas where the black blob had been. I noticed the tech moved the wand around...looking for a remaining mass? I think?

So, what are they testing? The fluid that was vacuumed up? And, if so, what is it possible they might find?

I can't seem to find an answer as this being cancer is so rare (Not complaining) but I'm freaking myself out with not totally knowing what they are still looking for.

If anyone can help, or even point me in the right direction, I'd be grateful. I like to know what I'm possibly getting into so I'm a little prepared.

cive

Like you, all we would know is that does not behave like a malignancy therefore it isn't cancer.  And if it isn't cancer, then it would be extremely difficult to predict what kind it would be if it were.  They are testing whatever sample they got when the thing burst and will be able to tell you more when they finish doing that.  Waiting sucks, but just assume cyst until you hear differently. 

Sourisou

Hi KillerBunny,

It's really good that your doctor is cautious and doesn't hesitate to biopsy. Although it's most likely a benign cyst, it's better to investigate whenever they see debris inside. They will most likely analyze the fluid that was vacuumed up and if anything atypical shows up from there, they might remove some more tissues in the area.

Cancer within a cyst is indeed very rare - I was diagnosed a few months ago with one type, called an encapsulated papillary carcinoma. Since it was encysted, it's considered in situ and of very good prognosis. My US showed an enlarged duct with debris inside and the core biopsy came back at first as atypical cells. My doctors were surprised with the final EPC result after the excisional biopsy as it is so rare to find.

Let us know when you have results.