Is Excisional breast biopsy necessary?

PollyS

Hello! I’m Polly.. During my recent visit to BS, she said she wants to perform excisions breast biopsy on my 2:00 lump since it’s growing.. But what I don’t understand is that it grew only a little in last 6 months so why not monitor again for next 6 months and then decide? Am I missing something?

(P.S. I was on my periods when I went for ultrasound. Not sure if this information is of any use.)

Rah2464

Polly I think you should have another discussion with your BS to pose your question. She is obviously being very careful with you and you should clearly understand her thinking. Ultimately it is your decision whether or not to pursue a biopsy at this time, based upon the information your surgeon provides. I had an excisional biopsy way back when - it isn't bad at all although you will have a small scar. From my view, I wanted to be absolutely sure there was nothing I had to deal with. Best to you as you decide on this.

Monarchandthemilkweed

I also had an excisional biopsy and it was very easy procedure and recovery and I was in my second trimester with my second baby. I would have it done if I were hk

PollyS

She said once it starts growing, it's likely that it will keep getting bigger so better to take out early. Plus, BIRADS 4A is something she doesn't like although we had done biopsy 2 years ago and it said it's Fibroadenoma. So I'm totally confused now..

PollyS

That is one of my concerns.. I'm planning for a baby so it's better to take it out beforehand because if and when I get pregnant, I don't want to get into all this...

B-A-P

Polly,

I had an excisional biopsy to see if my nipple discharge and bleeding was a papilloma. It indeed was, but they also discovered DCIS and that finally got the ball rolling on my diagnosis. It was a very easy procedure. I had twilight sedation and I was super relaxed and happy as a clam. I only wish my specialist had believed me sooner when I had problems. Your doctor is being careful and I really admire that.

In the end, it is up to you.

good luck!

SummerAngel

If it's growing and already determined to be a fibroadenoma it's pretty standard to take it out, because some fibroadenomas can get very large.

BrooklynWoodpecker

I've had fibroadenomas over the past 10 years, and I've learned that there are less invasive options for masses less than 2 cm, such as cryoablation --- I wish that I knew this earlier, because I would have looked for those. The research on this started 20 years ago and the results in the published papers look good. You can also find a trial for them. Search clinical trials dot gov for fibroadenoma. I wanted to join one of these trials, but my current fibroadenoma is too large.