5 biopsies in Left Breast

Mimi2122

Family Hx: mother triple negative stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma.

Screening Mammogram showed a 12 mm at it's widest, focal asymmetry. Followed up with dx mammogram and ultra sound. Scheduled for biopsy. Another ultra sound was performed before biopsy, they now found with in one month that the "main" tumor is now 21 mm and they found 4 "smaller masses" and have to get the referall changed to 5 biopsies. could you have more than one cancer tumor in one breast? I am so confused, worried and just looking for information, or lead to somewhere I can find information on this subject. Due to the holidays it may be 2 weeks before I can get in for biospy now

jessie123

Mimi -- yes, you can have more than one tumor in the breast -- I don't think it's rare. It's called multi-focal or multi-centric. You might want to type those terms into the search area on this site to learn more. I'm not sure, but I think multi-focal means more than one tumor in one quarter of the breast and multi-centric means tumors in other quarters of the breast. Someone else on the board will probably be able to explain this in more detail for you.

Mimi2122

Thank you Jessie, Everytime I go in for test they find more that needs.to be looked at before I can get the test to tell me what it is. It's so confusing .

Moderators

Mimi2122, we're glad to see that you found us and decided to reach out here for support while you wait for your tests to be done, welcome!

This is what we have in our main site about multicentric and multifocal cancer: "If there is more than one tumor in the breast, the breast cancer is described as either multifocal or multicentric. In multifocal breast cancer, all of the tumors arise from the original tumor, and they are usually in the same section of the breast. If the cancer is multicentric, it means that all of the tumors formed separately, and they are often in different areas of the breast."

We'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best. Please keep us posted when you learn more.

The Mods

Mamags

Mimi2122 -- My situation is a little different, but I have to have 2 biopsy's in each breast, 4 total. The first available appointment is December 30. The waiting is tough, especially being over the holidays. Hopefully they can do them soon for you!

OnTarget

Waiting is the absolute worst! Good luck to both of you!

I had multi focal in my left breast, but that wasn't discovered until the pathology after my BMX.

Mimi2122

Thank you all for.your kind words and information. I have decided to wait until after the first of the year to continue with the testing. It's just too little information at this point, and too overwhelming. I want to enjoy my holidays with my family. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!!