I need advice...

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nvrshtsup
nvrshtsup Member Posts: 9

I just had a MRI that showed a 6-mm enhancing mass on the left breast.  The mass demonstrates rapid uptake plateau perfusion kinetics. BI-RADS category 4. What does all this mean? I'm having a biopsy next Thursday.

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  • flopsy
    flopsy Member Posts: 365
    edited May 2011

    MRI's typically show a lot of false positives.  Did you have a suspicious reason for the MRI?   Cat 4 is not highly suspicious for BC but means they just don't know.  The biopsy is done under MRI guidance and takes about 1-2 hrs usually.  Your breast will be sore afterwards but should not be really painful.   It would be a good idea to have some ativan or something similar to take before this procedure just because it will relax you better in the machine.  This will probably be B9  and I am sending good thoughts and wishes to you.   I hope this answers some of your questions.   Feel free to PM or ask more questions/ I will answer what I can.   Ginny

  • beacon800
    beacon800 Member Posts: 922
    edited May 2011

    I had 5 areas of enhancement, none turned out to be cancer.  The kinetics that are "benign" are when there is a fast uptake of the contrast and then a slower more gradual release.  The not so good kind are where the contrast washes out very fast.  They print these washouts like a chart.  All of mine had the slower washout kinetics, we went into biopsy at birads 4 and luckily, the mri was correct, the areas were not cancer.

    I think if the washout characteristics were in the "bad" catagory you might have been assigned birad5.  Good luck and hoping for good results for you!

  • nvrshtsup
    nvrshtsup Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2011

    My mother had breast cancer in her early 30's. Complete mastectomy, lymph nodes and all.  2 years ago, my mammogram showed something, and the MRI didn't. Last year both were ok.

  • nvrshtsup
    nvrshtsup Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2011

    The letter I received from the Breast Imaging Center stated " Abnormality suspicious for cancer". They have really scared me!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    Of course  you are scared.  I think we all are every time we have to go have something looked at (again) or have the next level of testing, or receive a letter like you describe.  I used to feel guilty Surprised about being scared/anxious.  Not anymore.  I once told my BS, early on, he should have a candy dish filled with xanax in his waiting room (and I was really only half kidding).  I don't do needle biopsies anymore without 0.5mg xanax.  It's not alot, but it makes me more comfortable.  Same with MRI's.   Since I don't normally take it, that's enough for me.  And, not everyone needs it, but I'm sort of an anxious type.

      I've been going through this for 6 years, and have finally made a decision to have a BMX, but you are just beginning the journey, and I think there are a MYRIAD of options (from, it's fine, it was a false positive, to careful monitoring, to lumpectomies....) the list goes on and on.

      For now, sounds like you will be having a biopsy.  I am sending you positive thoughts and energy.  If you want information, I have recieved more than I can believe from women here who have been through what I have and have gone through what I am facing.  The support is here-and I find it very helpful and comforting!

  • nvrshtsup
    nvrshtsup Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2011

    Thanks for all the comments. I will just have to have patience until Thursday @ 8am., then wait until I get the results back. I have no patience...,,.guess this journey is going to teach me patience.

  • nvrshtsup
    nvrshtsup Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2011

    I am having my biopsy tomorrow at 8a.  :(

  • Plils
    Plils Member Posts: 146
    edited May 2011

    Hi guys, I need suggestions I am so confused..  I hate having to make this kind of a discussion I  had lumpectomy and SND on 4/7 now time for discussion.  Help

    Well I had my oncology appt to day and just thought that because my Oncotype came back at 17 and my BRCA was (-) she was just going to say radiation and tamoxifen which I was ready for. Well that is not what happen, because of my age (46) and family history and with my score being 17 she said still in the "gray area" that chemo would give me 2-4% more than without chemo so now I have to make a discussion chemo or not chemo, I am so confused as to what to do. My cancer is in my left breast but, for the past 3 years they have always had me come back for more pictures and ultrasound in my right breast (go figure) so next Wed I am having a MRI top both and then appointment with radiation Dr's. I will also have my right ovary and tube removed after all treatment is finished because I had my right removed in the 90's which I am great with this discussion but,chemo I am scared if I don/t do chemo then I might wish I did. Help

  • tinalouise
    tinalouise Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2011

    Hi, A difficult decision that only you can choose what is right for you.  I had a double mastectomy, removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes in 2008, then I had reconstruction, chemo, radio and am taking arimadex, the treatment has been horrible but I am willing to try anything that is thrown at me, chemo is not nice and I did lose my hair and felt like poo everytime, but I got through it and if (please God it wont) it should come back I would have chemo again, my drs and surgeons etc have been fantastic and I take whatever they offer me.  Good luck with your choice.

  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited May 2011

    Pills, ask your onc to also weigh the possible long-term side effects of the proposed chemo regimen. Some chemos actually can cause cancer if you've been exposed to other carcinogens; adriamycin can cause heart damage; and there is the possibility of permanent nerve damage in your extremities (neuropathy).

    I know this is a hard decision to make, so get as much info from your onc and come back here with your chemo protocol. There will be many other women who have information to share based on their own experience. Yes, it will be annecdotal, but there will be many to support you in whatever decision you make and give you suggestions for countering the side effects that can't be avoided.

  • dansbetta
    dansbetta Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2011
    Hello dear nvrshtsup. Your symptoms similar to fibroadenoma. What is fibroadenoma?

    In her breast women are more likely to discover it is not cancerous tumors and neither areas hub of mastopathy and fibroadenoma. This benign tumours arising from the tissues of the breast.

    Their causes are not entirely clear. It is known that these tumors arise most often in adolescence on the background of "violence" hormones. A fibroadenoma, as a rule, without any participation of the doctor. One or more of the "ball" with a smooth surface roll in the chest. Unlike cancer these tumors do not destroy the near located tissue and does not spread throughout the entire body.

    Diagnostics


    Fibroadenomas are diagnosed according to the ULTRASOUND, mammography, cytology and certainly clinically (specialist's examination).

    The more dangerous fibroadenoma?

    Rarely fibroadenomas are rapidly increasing in size and reach of impressive size. The tumor can not just take the chest, but to turn the breast in a large bowl, making the breast is not symmetric. This is the so-called giant fibroadenoma. Among them there are leafy fibroadenoma. In addition to their actual size, they have one unpleasant feature - can regenerate in ewing.

    Treatment

    Most oncologists recommend to delete fibroadenoma. Indication for removal of fibroadenoma is suspected breast cancer, an intensive increase of the education, the large size of the tumor (for cosmetic reasons).

    Removal of fibroadenomas does not represent special complexity. Is a small incision (sectoral resection), in the tissues of the surgeon finds fibroadenoma and gently deletes it. With regard to joints, then in most cases to agree on that, that they should be cosmetic - it is quite possible. In any case, put a diagnosis alone is not necessary.
    Positive necessary.Our opinion certainly useful for you. But the most important opinion - diagnosis your doctor.
    You be healthy.

  • sarah08
    sarah08 Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2011

    i think u all should check this website,,,i found it n it contains so many usefull information about BC... http://www.livewithyourself.com/

    i hope it will help u..:)

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