Excisional “biopsy” waiting on results: Mammo Question

Fitmomoftwo

Hello there, I'm new to this board. So thankful it is here

Two days ago I had an excisional biopsy for an area of concern presenting as a 1cm architectural distortion. It has been persistent on 2D and 3D views since Jan 2020, and is new. I've had several mammograms before to compare to which all were normal, BIRADS 1. My breasts are also heterogeneously dense

This area was stereotacticly biopsied six months ago, January 2020 and my 6 month follow up (present day) is what lead me to this surgery as the architectural distortion was “re-Identified" on follow up with biopsy marker just below the area of concern.

Im optimistic it will be benign because that's what my biopsy pathology results showed 6 months ago (fibrocystic changes such as Usual ductal hyperplasia, Microcysts and apocrine metaplasia) - except the results were not matching to the mammo findings. The wordage after my biopsy 6 months ago was, “the findings are benign and fibrocystic changes could be the reason for the architectural distortion however, technically it is nonspecific. Recommendation to surgeon for possible excision" I have had no previous trauma or surgeries to either breast, and my biopsy did not show a radial scar or adenosis. There's only so many reasons for architectural distortion, correct? There is also a cyst noted with “obscured" margins.

has anyone else had a similar experience? I'm two days post op and anxious.

Moderators

We welcome you warmly here. Yes, there are many reasons for this, and we're glad you are staying positive. Waiting is always very, very difficult. Please keep us posted.

The Mods

Fitmomoftwo

Thank you so much for the warm welcome and encouragement, and I appreciate the reply.

I can’t help but feel I’m the only one in the “architectural distortion boat.” I’m curious if anyone else has had this and if so what was your results?

I’m not one to jump to conclusions but research after research all I’m finding is a short list on what AD is caused from. I wish I could get a second opinion on here somehow. But hearing other ladies stories is extremely helpful!

quinnie

FIt mom: I know it is hard when you have this going on. The waiting is so hard but my advise is not to look too much into this-stay away from google if you can. I should practice what I preach as I googled everything. Yes I had archictural distortion, a very small amount and the radialogist felt it was probably benign but it wasn;t. Good news. Very small, low grade and is gone. Not all archictural distortion are malignant. My story is I had my annual 3D mammo. Came back with the area of archictural distortion. Had a diagnostic mammo which showed the area again. Ultra sound did not show it. Then had an MRI that agreed with the mammos. Thus a biopsy, followed by lumpectomy. Take one day and test at a time and hope for the best. Keep us posted.

Fitmomoftwo

Quinnie:

Thank you for sharing your story with me, it's very helpful. I'm glad you are alright! Your story sounds almost identical to mine minus the MRI. It is extremely hard not to google but to be honest I'm sure I've now read every article that ever existed. (Ridiculous I know)

I'll just try to be as patient as possible since I don't have any other option. Maybe my AD will be benign? I'm trying to stay optimistic because anything of the ladder is surreal to me. “Not me. No way. Impossible. What?" 😟

How common is AD on mammograms that do end up as malignant vs non? I do have a panic disorder and staying calm has been difficult.

Thank you again

momto3sons

I can completely relate to the stress of the unknown and waiting. I had an area of architectural distortion on a mammogram back in December 2017. After an MRI-guided biopsy and excisional biopsy, I ended up with a diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia. Luckily nothing else seemed to be lurking, and I've been on a six-month follow-up plan with my breast surgeon since then. I hope the results come back benign for you!

Fitmomoftwo

Update:

My pathology report is NEGATIVE for Atypia or malignancy! It was a “Complex Sclerosing Lesion with Stromal Fibrosis” there were also several hyperplasias. I think I’m going to cry. My anxiety has been insane. What do these breast conditions mean exactly? Are these high risk for malignancy? Or completely A-Okay?

thsnk you!

Salamandra

Great news!

quinnie

Fitmom: those are benign conditions. Do you have an appointment with your surgeon? They should explain all of this to you and what type of follow up that you may need. Let us know.