Sterotactic Biopsy for Microcalcs with silicone Implants

TheresaNJ08

Hi all, 52 year old post-menopausal woman, not new to call backs on my mammos due to dense breast tissue and 2 prior implant surgeries. But this time I am scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy on the right breast on 2/28/19 for a fairly big area of microcalcifications that were described to me as pleomorphic. This area of calcs has shown up since 2010 but apparently either due to evolving changes in the area or the advancements in 3D mammos, the radiologist and breast surgeon think it warrants the biopsy now.

My question is, has anyone had the prone position stereotactic biopsy done with subpecoralsilicone implants? I did go for a "table check" yesterday to make sure that the area could be viewed and targeted properly. I was told it was fine. I'm just really worried about puncture and healing issues. I am also worried about the pain involved in the procedure. I have read everything from "it was not bad" to "it was torture" so any input would be appreciated. I am contemplating using an anti anxiety medication prior to help settle my nerves.

Thank you in advance for any input.

Moderators

Dear TheresaNJ08,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that these breast changes have brought you here but glad that you reached out. You might consider doing a search of "stereotactic biopsy". It might yield some results of other posts that you can track down. You also might consider visiting the thread called Interpreting your report. There is a link to other resources that might prove to be of help called common imaging questions. Keep us posted on how this goes for you. Let us know if you need more help navigating the site. The mods

leftduetostupidmods

That's a hard one. But I'm sure they know what they're doing.

Anyway, on the pain thing, what hurts is the numbing shot they give you in the breast. It feels like your boob is on fire. But it only lasts 3-4 seconds. Yes, you might feel what they're doing but once that shot is given there's no more pain.

Make sure you have enough ice cold compresses to stop the bleeding. Also, get a pillow to put between your chest and the seat belt for the ride home.

TheresaNJ08

Seachain Thank you so much for your reply. This is all overwhelming and searching the web can scare the pants off ya! I appreciate your advice

TheresaNJ08

Thank you very much. I am thankful for all of the information available on this site.

leftduetostupidmods

I know, it's terrifying. We've all been there. Let's hope it's a false alarm. What Bi-Rads did you get on the mammo?

djmammo

TheresaNJ08

When you say "puncture" are you referring to the skin being punctured by the needle or your implant being punctured by the needle?

TheresaNJ08

Seachain, Thanks for the encouragement , it was BiRads4.

TheresaNJ08

Djmammo I'm worried about a puncture to.the implant.

djmammo

TheresaNJ08

The imaging portion of the stereo unit is very similar to a mammogram machine. You are placed in the compression plates in the same manner as when the "implant displacement" or "push-back" views are taken therefore they are completely out of the field of view.

As yours are behind the muscle this should be no problem to keep them back and out of the way. The needle in most stereo units is set up parallel to the chest wall so when the implant is pushed out of the way, the needle cannot contact the implant.

TheresaNJ08

Thanks djmammo! That makes sense and eases my mind about the puncture issue.

TheresaNJ08

Just got home from my biopsy and it wasn't that bad. The staff at the breast center was amazing. Also the fact that I had gone in for a "table check" really helped since I was familiar with the pre-procedure activities. I did take a .25mg xanax prior to take the edge off. I'm now icing as directed and starting to feel the lidocaine wearing off. Hopefully in 3-5 days the results will be benign. 👍🤞🙏

bridge2faith

 

I had my follow up with my Breast Specialist on Monday as I had stated, she had me complete a Diagnostic Mammo that was completed yesterday, the Radiologist came in and stated that I would need a Biopsy and that there was a 10 to 20% chance that it could be benign, that I was a strong advocate by continuing to get my annual Mammo's and if anything at least it is a early detection, they have scheduled my Stereotactic Biopsy for next weds, anxious, but I know that with early detection it will be alright either way, yet of course nervous and anxious. thank you all for being here during this, it greatly helps. 

TheresaNJ08

Hang in there bridge2faith, think positive thoughts. The stereotactic biopsy was not bad at all, I had no pain. I'm still quite bruised a full week later and a bit sore. My result was atypical ductal hyperplasia. I am now being scheduled for a surgical biopsy to retrieve a larger sample to rule out DCIS definitively. My surgeon was very encouraging that the chance of being "upstaged" is only about 10%, so I feel pretty good about that.👍

Best wishes! ❤