Waiting for Biopsy, weird mammo and ultrasound results

Punky99

Hi,

I am new here, full of anxiety and thought this could help with my anxiety level by kind of putting my experience "on paper".

I found a lump in my right nipple a few weeks ago (7/24) on a Saturday. I saw my doctor that following Wednesday. She was able to feel the mass and estimated it at 1cm of size. My lumphnodes were very tender and a enlarged when she did the exam. She sent me for an ultrasound and mammogram set for the next week on friday (8/6).

I got the results of those on 8/11. On both the ultrasound and mammogram there was nothing found. It was noted that because the mass is palpable it should be biopsied. Which is odd, as I do have cystic breasts, but that was not noted. I only know that because I had issues with the same breast in January when it started to leak.

Because this mass is very hard and unmovable my dr sent a referral over to a surgeon to get it biopsied.

Since finding the mass on 7/24 it has grown significantly. It's no longer just in my nipple, but has extended deep into my breast so I cant feel the "end" anymore. It feels like a weird shape and I have some other symptoms occurring as well.

I got the call today to set up an appointment. The surgeon I was referred to was out of office this week and scheduling to mid November. I let the person know its grown at least 3x its size. She put me on hold and called the other surgeon to see what he wanted to do. So now I have an appointment with him this Wednesday. I think that's when I am getting biopsied? But not entirely sure if that is the plan.

Has anyone else been scheduled with a surgeon for a biopsy? I'm not sure what to expect. I also cant find a whole lot about a mass that is not visible on mammo or ultrasound.

With all the symptoms and rapid growth I am concerned. Especially as I have a heavy family history of breast cancer. I am typing this up while snuggling my sleeping kiddo. I have no idea how all you are so strong. Especially those with cancer, I am seriously in awe.

AliceBastable

Where are you located? I'm asking because most biopsies (in the U.S.) are done by an interventional radiologist, although I've seen a few postings where a surgeon has done it. The initial wait until November (WTH?!) also doesn't sound normal by U.S. standards. I just want you to get advice from people who are most familiar with whatever system you're dealing with, and also offer you moral support.

Punky99

Thanks for the replies.

I live in a rural community in the California mountains. It usually takes quite a while to get seen for anything up here due to lack of doctors. My appointment is in the next town over (an hour drive). Our area is unfortunately not in the 21st century lol.

JO-5 , thanks for sharing your experience.

I ended up calling to see what to expect from this appointment and it turns out it is simply a consult. So there will be more waiting after tomorrow, yay.

LivinLife

Radiologists have always done my biopsies. With the very first one they couldn't get or find the area needing biopsy. It was quite the mess. They were going to refer me for excisional biopsy that I believe would've been done by the local general surgeon - we have no breast surgeons here. Thankfully (???? it was a lot to go through) they tried again and were able to get a sample.... I wish you well going through the biopsy - Please let us know how things go and once you get results!

PamEP

A radiologist with a tech did my first biopsy, an ultrasound guided core needle biopsy. The radiologist uses the US to locate the mass and takes samples. The breast is locally anesthetized and the incision is very small. The procedure for me was painless and recovery quick. Because the radiologist did not think she had gotten a sufficient sample, BIRADS 4 suspicious, I then had an excisional biopsy which was performed by a surgeon. This is done under general anesthetic and is similar to a lumpectomy. The incision is larger and the recovery longer. We are fortunate to have an excellent breast surgeon in my smallish town. The wait between the diagnostic mammo/US and the US biopsy was just one week, and then a month to the excisional biopsy surgery. My lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy was performed three weeks later once we received the pathology report showing IDC.

Good luck to you.