Need a biopsy, and not sure where to go (NYC)

midnightcookie

Hi everyone -

New to this forum, and I need to get a biopsy for a cyst from a recent mammogram and ultrasound. I am sick with worry about this, since I know there would be no need for a biopsy if there wasn't something suspicious-looking. I really have no idea where to go. I am also incredibly anxious about the procedure, and this whole situation. The gynocologist who referred me said I should find a "breast center" but I'm really at a loss, and would rather not go to an actual hospital for this, especially with COVID rates spiking recently. I already contacted one place, but they said they don't offer any type of sedation for the procedure, and I think I would really need something, as I am very afraid of needles, and medical procedures, in general. They also want me to contact the radiology place, and have them mail a CD of the images to them, which will likely take at least a week, assuming the radiology place actually does it in a timely manner. Is this normal practice?

I also had a very rough experience at the radiology clinic where I had the testing done, and I am still in pain from the mammogram and ultrasound days later - not sure whether or not that is normal, but I'm worried that the testing may have actually worsened the issue, and I don't feel comfortable returning to that clinic, even though they offer biopsies at another location. The exam took a really long time, and the ultrasound tech was coming back several times over to repeat the exam on the breast in question, to the point where I was actually in tears from the pain. At no point did they even acknowledge this, or offer me so much as a tissue or reassuring word.

On top of this, I don't even have a regular PCP to guide me (I have been looking for a new one for the past few years, but have yet to find one I like.) I'm really worried about the pain, since I am already having pain in that area, and if the biopsy will leave a scar or aggravate the cyst. I had never had a mammogram before, and I'm surprised that the doctor who referred me did not mention how painful it would be, so I'm even more worried about places downplaying how painful the biopsy might be. My worry over this is also impacting my appetite and sleep.

Any advice and leads would be appreciated, or resources about how to find a place that would be best suited to my needs, in this situation. Thank you!

emeli13

Go to Sloan Memorial Kettering. They are the best and most thorough.

emeli13

Sloan will manage everything and make it easy. they will also let you know what you "Do Not" need to do. See yourself as blessed to be in NYC with the very best available to you. They will never turn anyone away and they know their stuff.

Many people have gone to Sloan to find out they do not have cancer and do not need further tests or scans. Keep the faith.

It might be just a cyst. Best for the "best" to tell you.

abigailj

Hi midnightcookie - Sorry to hear how painful things have been. What borough are you in? I’ve been treated at Weil Cornell. However since I live on Staten Island I was having mammograms and then the biopsy locally- if you’re also on SI regional radiology on the south shore is quite good. I do not recommend the breast center at Staten Island hospital. When the results of my last mammogram, sonogram and the biopsies came in bad I choose to be treated at Weil Cornell in Manhattan because my primary doctor is affiliated and knows who’s good at their breast center which includes dedicated breast surgeons and plastic surgeons who specialize in DIEP breast recon which I needed. Hope everything turns out benign for you

Abigail

marinochka

Sloan Memorial

RatherBeSailing

Not certain MSK lives up to its reputation - look at recent patient reviews. Might also consider Mt. Sinai Dubin Breast Center.

ohgoodness

I had a biopsy at Presbyterian Lower Manhattan and it was great. Very professional, kind doctors with good bedside manner, they accept all kinds of insurance, and gave very quick results. Hope you're feeling better soon!

midnightcookie

Thank you for you all the responses - I'm considering Sloan Kettering, although I am a little hesitant to go to a hospital. Does anyone happen to know if they will be able to treat me, if the results indicate something that is not cancerous? Thank you again.

midnightcookie

Ohgoodness, is that the same as Weill Cornell? I'm also considering them, although they said on the phone that they don't offer sedation for the procedure, which I think would be my preference, because of my anxiety and needle fear.

midnightcookie

Thank you Abigail - I am in Brooklyn, and was hoping to find a local place, but it's not looking too likely. Most of the specialty centers seem to be in Manhattan.

RatherBeSailing

Midnightcookie -

MSK will give you a good read on the biopsy but, no, they won't treat you if it's not cancer (and we all hope it's not!)

If not cancer you may not need any further treatment. I know you said you hadn't yet found an internist you like. If you went to Presbyterian/Weill Cornell or Mt. Sinai, and you do need followup they likely can refer you to one of their internal medicine physicians or ob/gyns - perhaps you could find someone who is a good fit for you.

And if it does turn out to be cancerous, or you want a second opinion, there's no reason you couldn't still go to MSK. That option is always there for you.

Salamandra

I went to MSK and was and continue to be very happy with it. Their breast cancer does not feel to hospital-is. I really appreciate their mental health care unit, that they apparently require insurances to cover whether insurances like it or not. But they'll only keep you as a patient if it's cancer. I originally had my scans at a local Lenox Hill Radiology and got them transferred to MSK when they were malignant.

But for an initial biopsy I think it makes sense to go somewhere that could follow up with you either way, and maybe local is more important. If you definitely want something in Brooklyn I would look at the NYU hospital system, or I believe Mt Sinai may have some Brooklyn locations. Or just go to Lenox Hill Radiology like I did, and spend the time looking for medical care while you're waiting for results. It's maybe not ideal, but if the decision is feeling paralyzing it might be worth it.

In Manhattan I have a friend who was treated at Mt Sinai on the UES and she had a very good experience. I have also heard good things about NYU.