Unsuccessful Sterotactic-need advice

Sodo7712

Hello Everyone-

I have been lurking around for the last few weeks since my initial abnormal mammogram and finally decided to make an account, introduce myself, and ask for advice. Back story I am 31 years old with a strong family history of breast cancer. Due to the history in my family I have been getting mammograms for the last three years. I had my first 3D scan this year which came back abnormal. The report said abnormal distortion, micro calicifications, need Further testing. Also noted that I had really dense breast's and recommend an ABUS after we figure out the left breast issue. Had the US done on Monday and they were not able to locate the spot so the doctor called me into the office and said there were "too many characteristics to it (that he didn't like) to just let it sit for 6 months" so he recommended a stereotactic biopsy which I went in for today. Well they couldn't locate it today either and he told me that he wants me to just come back in 6 months for another 3D Mammogram. Has this ever happened to anyone else? I'm worried because two days ago another doctor told me this distortion had too many characteristics that he didn't just want to leave it and now I'm being told to just leave it?? Am I over reacting? I have scheduled a second opinion with a breast specialist for next week but any recommendations or advice?

Sodo7712

Also, just wanted to add it was scored (if that’s the right term) as a BIRADS 4

Mucki1991

I would continue to pursue more testing to rule anything sinister out.. I realise that being younger makes your chances higher of it being nothing .. However from all that I've read in the last year ..being younger also means if something was there that your treatment would need to be aggressive and not delayed. This is just my opinion I would argue for mri if traditional imaging is not sufficient and your doctor is concerned, some cancers are harder to see than others especially in young dense breast tissue. This is not meant to scare you just encouraging you to make educated choices.

Sodo7712

@mucki I really appreciate the response. I am thinking I will ask for an MRI when I see the specialist. While a lot of the family members were older, my aunt was diagnosed in her 30s and passed away at 49 so I just Want to be smart!

Lula73

Sodo-MRI was exactly what I was going to suggest you ask for. MRI can often see things that can’t be picked up on mammo and/or US. My IDC didn’t show up on any scans til the MRI-thank Hod i had one. MRI is often recommended for younger women with dense breasts because it is so hard to detect abnormalities with mammo and/or US in those cases. It’s possible the 2nd radiologist didn’t pay as much attention to your family history as he should have. They are human and sometimes overlook something. Have any of the women in your family had genetic testing done? If you don’t know, Call them up and ask. It’s amazing to me how often family members had it done but never thought to say something to other family members about positive results. Especially if they didn’t, and even if they did and it was negative, I’d ask the BS or your GYN/PCP to order one. Good luck!🍀

Shellshell69

hi I just got my mammo and US report and it was rated a BIRADS4 too...I am trying to figure out what that means..

Lula73

BI-RADS Assessment Categories are:^[2]

• 0: Incomplete
• 1: Negative
• 2: Benign
• 3: Probably benign
• 4: Suspicious
• 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy
• 6: Known biopsy – proven malignancy

An incomplete (BI-RADS 0) classification warrants either an effort to ascertain prior imaging for comparison or to call the patient back for additional views and/or higher quality films. A BI-RADS classification of 4 or 5 warrants biopsy to further evaluate the offending lesion.^[3]

Sodo7712

@lula73 thank you for your response...my family has done the BRAC test and we are negative however our family blood is still under investigation Bc it is very apparent that it is genetic in our family. From my understanding 20% of genetic breast cancer doesn’t test positive for the Brac testing. My dads entire immediately family’s was diagnosed...mom, dad, and sister all had breast cancer! In addition my dad has 3 cousins, an aunt and uncle who had it also Which is a huge reason why I am slightly concerned.

Sodo7712

@lula73 also thank you for the info about the MRI I will definitely mention that at my appointment next week!

Lula73

Sodo- there are a lot of docs out there who are not up to date on genetic testing for BC. There are about 9 different genes identified now as putting someone at high risk of BC. So not just the BRCAs anymore. Additionally there are about 40 genetic mutations that have been identified for increased risk of cancer overall. If the genetic testing was a awhile ago or only focused on the BRCAs, doing another round testing for at least the current full BC panel and/or expanded panel (includes all 40) might be a good idea. I tested neg for BRCAs but positive for another called BRIP1. It definitely affected my treatment plan to include ovary removal.

Sodo7712

@lula73 thank you so much that is really good information to have. Once I get my situation resolved I’ll be able to get more info from my family...right now I don’t want to alarm anyone so I am keeping this to myself until I get further clarification.