Radiologist couldn’t find mass at biopsy appointment

Mother3Candy

Went to biopsy appointment at a different clinic due to new insurance. Radiologist couldn't find the mass that was recommended for biopsy. Was a horrible experience and was told I should be happy they couldn't find it. Told to follow up in 6 months. My PCP is not happy with recommendation and wants to refer me to a breast surgeon. What can I expect from the surgeon? Should I request an MRI? Already waited 3 months for this biopsy appointment and am sick with worry. A part of me wants to take what they said and move on with life. But I can't help but worry.

Beesie

Sorry that you are in this difficult situation.

At the first facility, was your mass found during an ultrasound or a mammogram? Did this second facility have the imaging from the first place? Did they do thorough imaging looking specifically at the location indicated from the first imaging and report?

Do you have a copy of the imaging reports from the first place? And from the second place?

I'm not sure what the surgeon will do... some surgeons do needle biopsies but usually they are done by Radiologists. The surgeon will need copies of everything, and may send you for more imaging. I would hold off on requesting an MRI until you hear what the surgeon recommends as the next step.

Mother3Candy

Thanks for the reply. Was not seen on mammogram due to density. Only on ultrasound. New clinic has all images and reports. I don’t feel they did a thorough search. Even her pressure of US felt different then the first. I only Have report from the first US. My doctor has the new report. She has called me in to discuss everything and what my next step will be for tomorrow. She (PCP) wasn’t happy with their recommendations. I’m just not sure what the surgeon can do that the radiologist can’t.

MikaMika

Hello,

I'm sorry for your experience.

As a person who had dense breast tissue and lobular cancer, I would strongly recommend getting MRI.

Also, from my experience, some radiologists do not pay attention to details. Mine even was not able to target MRI findings with US. Another radiologist saw everything and did biopsies. Maybe an appointment with your surgeon is necessary for ordering MRI? Anyway, please, please advocate for yourself! Just get all scans and confirm that everything is Ok.

I hope you will never join our club!

wallycat

Also a lobular cancer diagnosis and mammogram and ultrasound did not pick mine up. I had the MRI, something lit up and so they knew where they were to look for the biopsy. Went back to ultrasound so they could biopsy it but after 45 minutes of looking, they found nothing. I had to have a needle guided biopsy while in the MRI since that was the only machine that picked it up.

Most masses and bumps and lumps are NOT cancer, but since they've put you on this merry-go-round and you sound worried, I also suggest an MRI. I was told it was "the gold standard" for uncertain scans. If the MRI is clear, consider yourself fortunate and do a follow up in a year. If something lights up, ask them if they can be prepared to do the biopsy while you are already laying there and have the dye, so you don't need to go through it again.

Best to you.