I learned an important lesson with this scare

madalaine

I originally posted about a report with a BI-RAD score of 4B and architectural distortion. I had a standard mammogram, then was called back to my dr's office for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound. The finding was supposedly confirmed by the mammogram, but not the ultrasound. The radiologist came in after the technician tried, and performed the ultrasound himself. He took a particularly long time. He then said "well - we can't let this go" and told me I needed a biopsy. I could not get in for a biopsy at my drs office for 3 weeks - which I thought was unacceptable, plus I was terrified. After requesting to get any time before the 13th even on short notice, I finally asked if there was some place affiliated that I could get the biopsy done. They referred me to a breast center not that far away that was affiliated. I got an appt the next morning. As I was sitting in a waiting room before the test, the radiologist came in. She told me she wasn't sure, after reviewing my images, why I was there. She wanted to do her own diagnostic mammogram before the biopsy. She took several images - she was very thorough - and she cancelled the biopsy. She saw nothing suspicious. I was in a women's breast center, and this radiologist had years of experience and specialized in women's breast imaging. I found out from her that the radiologist who did my ultrasound and recommended the biopsy at my drs office was on a fellowship there and didn't even specialize in breast imaging! He was young, inexperienced, and normally reviewed musculoskeletal images. I have learned a few valuable lessons. First, I will only go to a breast center for my imaging. Second, with all types of imaging, I will make sure the radiologist is experienced in the particular imaging they are reading for me. I just wanted to share my story. I wish everyone here peace and good health.

Jelson

so sorry you had this experience, but happy for the outcome and lessons learned. Also grateful that you shared it. Have you considered informing your original doctor of the mistake made by this radiologist practicing outside of his field of expertise?

Rizz

Yes u r right same thing happened to me but in eye center for eyes that a junior gave me horrible diagnosis but very senior eye surgeon refused all that and say iam totally fine but the time junior inexperienced dr gave me the diagnosis I went in to deep depression and anxiety which gave me horrible migranes. the lesson we learned iis same but through different departments and it is applied in all the departments of health care

WC3

That fellow would have caught my cancer that the radiologist at the breast imaging center misdiagnosed.

marijen

That’s what I was thinking WC3 - but what if it was the Fellow that was right with his fresh education? My worrying mind would have wanted the biopsy anyways.

madalaine

I forgot to add one thing. The first radiologist did not compare my result to a test done years prior that clearly showed that what he was looking at had not changed. It was my normal tissue.

mustlovepoodles

Great save, madalaine!

madalaine

Thank you. I’m sorry I posted this at all. Will never come on this site again. Several responses were downright rude. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

CindyNY

Am I missing something? No one appeared rude to me. Seemed most were happy for you.

Jadedjo

Cindyny 

I was wondering the same thing. I didn't see a rude remark anywhere, mostly people who had similar experiences. I'm thinking private messages,maybe?

CindyNY

Jadedjo- that could be.