Regrets on titanium marker?

Natalie108

Hello!

I am 39 and had my first mammogram 2 weeks ago. I found out quite soon after that they spotted something. Later, during my ultrasound, they suggested I have a biopsy but said I had a low chance that it was malignant.

Today, I went for my biopsy and was very surprised and taken aback when they told me I would have a Titanium chip inserted. They again told me they thought it was benign but the chip was the standard procedure.

As I await the results, I am regretting the chip as I have now read it can be painful in the future. I guess my question is - should I be nervous about side effects of pain from the chip?

Why, did they chip me if they believed it would be benign?

Confused, worried and awaiting results!

edj3

The chip shouldn't hurt you. It marks where the spot of concern was going forward so that w/ future mammograms, they'll know it was already checked out and ruled out as anything nefarious.

exbrnxgrl

The marker is also tiny, about the size of a sesame seed. Additionally, titanium is commonly used in replacement for joints and the vast majority of folks have no reaction to it whatsoever. It is not a “chip" as in some type of tracker. While no one can guarantee that it won't bother you, the chances are very, very high that it won’t.Here is some info that should help all at your concerns. Take care.

Breast Biopsy Markers

What is a Breast Marker?

A breast marker is a tiny titanium or stainless steel marker, smaller than a sesame seed. Breast biopsy markers are placed during a breast biopsy procedure to identify the area where breast tissue was removed.

Will I be able to feel the Marker?

It is extremely uncommon to feel the breast marker once it is placed. The marker does not interfere with MRIs or other radiology exams. Also, it will not set off metal detectors or security checkpoints when traveling.

Are breast biopsy markers safe?

The marker has been tested and proven to be safe and effective. It has been used in biopsy procedures for over a decade. The marker is designed so that once placed in the breast, it is unlikely to move. If surgical removal of the area of concern is recommended, the marker is taken out with the breast tissue at the time of surgery. Allergic reactions to the marker are extremely rare. If you are allergic to metals, for example nickel, please inform your technologist.

If I have a Marker, does this mean I have cancer?

No, the marker is not placed because you have cancer. It is simply a helpful tool used to identify the biopsy site. The tiny marker can be seen on future mammograms, which is beneficial to the radiologist reading your exam.

Breast Biopsy Markers
Information Sheet

edj3

Also--I do have a nickel allergy. I had zero reaction to the marker. It's gone now, it got removed w/ the lumpectomy but if I were going to have an allergic reaction, it would have occurred before the lumpectomy.

Natalie108

thanks so much for your comments! I think I’m just a little anxious

AliceBastable

I have enough metal allergies that I have a non-metallic hip replacement. When I had my biopsy, I told the radiologist and she pinched the marker off. What I didn't know was that I'd get a few more placed during the lumpectomy. I didn't even know they were there until I had a mammogram months later. I can't feel them and they've never been a problem.

Beaverntx

I've had a marker in my left breast for over twenty years and have never had a problem with it ( note the cancer was on the right).

MsMonster

I thought clips were a new thing but my dad had them in the 80s too.

My biopsy clip was removed during my surgery and replaced with different clips. they need to know what has been biopsied before so they know what's going on and not to fuss with something that has already been investigated.

Mamainsmalltownusa

I understand! I was shocked by how big the marker was and the tools used to set it when I arrived at my biopsy. But it sounds like it’s good since it’ll markwhere the problem area was for future reference. Just popping in to say that you are not alone in being taking aback by the titanium thing!