BIRADS 4

Mm217

hi everyone,

I’ve had a swollen arm pit lymph node in left armpit for 5 weeks and some odd left breast pain. My GP ordered an ultrasound of my left breast. I went Wednesday and the tech brought in the radiologist and they found a 5x4x4 mass with indistinct margins. The radiologist told me she feels a follow up in 6 months is appropriate. (I’m 27) on my way home the radiologist called me and she said she is sorry to call and tell me over the phone but she was looking at it more and would feel better if it was biopsied. My GP then called me an hour later and said she wants me to see a breast surgeon and my GPS medical assistant called and set everything up for me. My appointment is this Thursday. My BI-RADS was a 4. Idk what to think or feel. I’m was relieved the radiologist called me and said I should get further testing bc I didn’t feel ok leaving there with them finding something and then telling me not to worry about it, basically bc of my age. Cancer of all sorts runs in my family. There is actually a genetic study being done with my mother and her siblings because they all have / had the same kind of cancer(s). Thanks for listening.

suzy2618

Hi, sorry you are going through this. Good thing that the radiologist called you back and wants a biopsy. I was told that in order for the insurance to pay for the biopsy you need a BIRAD 4 or above. My BIRAD on the MRI was 4a, they found an abnormality and had a biopsy done last Wednesday. Now waiting for results. I am 31. The waiting game is no fun. Please keep us updated. Praying for benign results

Mm217

waiting is the worst part! I’m just nervous that the breast surgeon isn’t going to biopsy. Bc the radiologist said we will call you to set it up etc but then my primary found out and called me and said she would want me to see a breast surgeon first. I’m not sure what sub category mine is in. I’m sorry you are going through this too and I hope it’s benign for you as well. Was your biopsy the needle aspiration?

djmammo

Mm217

What cancers run in her family?

Mm217

The main cancers that seem to be genetic are Non small cell lung cancer and MFH, type of sarcoma and skin cancer. But 4 of my aunts and uncles have had those and other types and my mother has had all of those plus brain tumor and breast cancer caught early.

Salamandra

Hi mm217,

You're in a strange waiting time and I think it's normal to feel ambivalent and not know what to feel.

With Birads 4, my understanding is that a biopsy is indicated. But a breast surgeon might be better placed to decide exactly what kind of biopsy to perform. Also remember that you can always get second opinions, and you're not tied to the breast surgeon that your doctor set you up with if you don't want to be.

I hope that in the end this will be what it seems like from the story. Your radiologist saw something she was pretty sure wasn't cancer, but decided that with whatever factors she knew, it's better to be safe than sorry, and called you to 'upgrade' to a biopsy. Then your family doctor, who probably knows a lot more about your family history, decided to set you up with a specialist she knows she trusts. That sounds like some excellent healthcare team work to me, and like you are in good hands however things turned out with the biopsy.

Hang in there. This part is so hard!

Mm217

just updating. I went to my appt with the breast surgeon she said she agrees with the recommendation of a biopsy. Today I went for the u/s guided needle aspiration / biopsy. I was really nervous but it honestly didn’t hurt at all. They first just did the aspiration to, to see if it was a complicated cyst but the radiologist said that barely any fluid came out so it’s def a solid nodule. He then went and did the biopsy. He said Friday I should know the results, latest monday. Now is when i really start to freak out, waiting for the resu

Salamandra

The not knowing time is so hard. Hang in there.

etnasgrl

Waiting is absolutely the hardest part! I do NOT miss the waiting game at all. 

So sorry that you have to go through this, but I do think that a biopsy was the right move. It's the only way to know for sure what you are dealing with. I know that waiting can be stressful, scary, and overwhelming.....but try to keep yourself busy and distracted. It can help some. 
Whatever the results say, you've got this! ((((Hugs))))

Mm217

it’s been a week since my biopsy. I called the radiology place she called me back and left a message saying my breast surgeon should call me with the results, they were sent over to her office. I suggest you give them a call” I call the drs office was put on hold for 2 mins, the receptionist comes back and says “yes we do have them but the dr needs to sign off on them and then she will give you a call” okay I know I’m reading into this too muc but now I’m starting to freak out

cecyc

Mn217,

My results were benign and they told me the same thing.  Receptionist was not authorized to give results, only the doctor.  Try to remain positive.  Think that the results are negative until you are told otherwise. 

Daring_Bravely

Mn217,

Did you receive your results? Hope everything is ok