BIopsy in a rural hospital vs cancer center.

beepbeepmew

Hi—thanks for reading—just wondering if anyone has any experience or recommendations to share. I'm 44 and eight months postpartum. I had a recent 3D mammogram that showed microcalcifications; a follow up mammogram and ultrasound showed a small solid mass with the microcalcifications. The radiologist advised that I have extremely dense breasts, and I received a letter advising me that I may want to seek high risk breast care through the hospital.

I am booked for a needle biopsy next week. Here's my question—we live in a very rural area, about 35 minutes from our community hospital. We live about 1.5 hours from a nationally-rankeduniversity cancer center. Is it advisable to seek a second opinion and biopsy at the cancer center instead? Or is the biopsy stage of things essentially the same everywhere?

Thanks for any thoughts you can share!

SimoneRC

Hi beepbeepmeow!

I would see if I could have the biopsy done at the nationally ranked university cancer center. In fact, that is exactly what I did! They should have better equipment and physicians. Best case scenario, everything is benign and you spent a couple extra hours of your long and healthy life in the car! If it does turn out to be something that needs to be investigated and treated, you are already in the right place and they will get the ball rolling ASAP. People with cancer have better outcomes at NCI vs. local community hospitals.

Good luck and keep us posted! Remember, most biopsies have benign results!

Moderators

In general, we second that as well! Nicely worded SimoneRC!

beepbeepmew

Thanks Simone and thanks to the mods too! This is such helpful advice. Now to see if insurance will cooperate—fingers crossed—