Birad4

Kathryn1894

I had an abnormal mammogram with a follow up ultrasound. Know I am scheduled for a biopsy next week. Not sure what to expect but am worried. My lump is 9mm is that large. I have follow up to get results a week after biops

Rrobin0200

if my math is correct, .9mm equates to less than 1cm... small. Try not to panic. Let us know if you have any further questions. We're here for you. This site is incredible!! Prayers for B9 results.

marie5890

No, that is not large. A bit less than a cm. Most BIRAD4 come back B9. 80%

Try not to worry. Most women in their life time if they have been faithful at getting mammograms will have at least 1 biopsy done. It's more of a prudent measure.

Kathryn1894

thank you Marie589

Kathryn1894

What does B9 mea

Georgia1

Hi Kathryn. We use b9 for "benign" or "not cancer."

EllaC

I also had an abnormal mammogram (architectural distortion about 2 cm), very vague on ultrasound and I'll have a biopsy on the 17^th (BIRAD 4). My question is….how many sample will they take? I was reading the internet and some people say 1 sample, others are saying 4 samples. Would you please share your own experience with the biopsy?

marie5890

I had a vacuum assisted stereotactic biopsy so it rapidly took about 12 samples. The tissue samples are quite small.

EllaC

Thank you, Marie! I will also have stereotactic breast biopsy, but unfortunately, I forgot to ask if is core needle or vacuum-assisted. I will call for sure in the morning.

marie5890

They are the same

Kathryn1894

I will gladly share mine is on the 17th also. Sending prayers your way

suzydthatisme

My screening mammogram and subsequent tomosynthesis also showed architectural distortion and they took 5 samples from the area during the biopsy.  They freeze you with the same stuff that they use at the dentist and honestly the biopsy was easier than a dental procedure.  I felt no pain at the sight during or after.   My biopsy showed abnormal cells so they did a diagnostic lumpectomy (which wasn't bad, either) and in the end they found DCIS (stage 0 breast cancer).  I didn't need any further treatment.....just yearly mammograms and 6 month follow-ups with an oncologist.  My experience with the biopsy and lumpectomy was painless - it's just the fear that gets the best of us.  

djmammo

EllaC

All stereotactic units employ a vacuum assisted biopsy device, that is the way they were designed. Hand held US guided core biopsies can be vacuum assisted but there are spring loaded devices (they make a snapping noise) and are lighter easier and faster to use (my personal preference).

With an 18g spring loaded device I would routinely take 5 samples which would take under 2 minutes. With stereo I would initially take 6 samples with an 11g needle then x-ray them. If I retrieved enough of the target I would stop there, if not i would take another 6. In my experience surgeons who do stereo bx use bigger needles and take more samples than radiologists.

momto3sons

suzy - did you have an u/s after the mammogram?

I was recommended for a biopsy after AD showed up on my 3D diagnostic mammogram, but the u/s didn't show the AD. The dr also didn't feel a lump, so she wouldn't do the biopsy yet. We're waiting to see if insurance approves a breast MRI.

EllaC

Thank you, guys, for your responses. I was under the impression that each needle insertion will take one sample, so 5 sample, 5 holes ☹. I eventually called the hospital and they were nice enough to transfer me to a technician and she told me that I will have a core needle biopsy that is vacuum assisted, meaning only one insertion but multiple samples will be taken. I got to stay off the internet/Google, there is too much info and some is conflicting. Thank you again!

EllaC

@momto3sons:

I had an US after the diagnostic mammogram. My US did not show the AD, or any other mass, ductal inflammation, no lump to be felt, etc. So, the radiologist said I must have the biopsy to rule out/confirm cancer. He did not mention MRI to me, but I would have probably refuse it due to too much radiation, plus for dense heterogeneous breasts it does not give that great of results.

momto3sons

@EllaC - my doctor was the one pushing for the MRI (which I'm shocked did get approved!), as she didn't want to biopsy without having a better picture of what we might be dealing with.

Good luck with your biopsy!

djmammo

EllaC

No matter what device is used there always only one hole in the skin.

Kathryn1894

sorry for such a late reply. I had a core biopsy performed. It was really quite simple, they numbed the site on the Breast took 3 samples, put steri strips on a compression like dressing and I was off. The only thing was I went back to work instead of home and within two hours I had quite a bit of swelling and pain. I defiantly recommend going home and applying ice

EllaC

They took 12 vacuum assisted core biopsies for me. It was fast, but I had a little too much bleeding. I needed to dress the wound and change the strips the next day. After about 5-6 hours I had a terrible shoulder pain, but I decided to go to sleep and forget about it. In the meantime, I received my results. It is "non-proliferative fibrocystic change showing focally prominent stromal fibrosis". They said that is benign and I should not worry, go back in 1 year for regular 3D mammogram. I hope you all get good results!

momto3sons

That's great news Ella! Although sorry to hear about the pain and bleeding - that's rough!