cancer diagnosed w/out biopsy ?

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mylifelisa
mylifelisa Member Posts: 15
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

I had breast cancer in 2009. Had left breast removed . 4 months chemo and then implants in both breast. Was having chest pain left breast, MRI came back abnormal, Had CT scan and Bone scan.My ong told me I have bc in my sternam and mulitpli nodes in my lungs. I asked if there is a chance it might not be cancerous, she told me it is 99.9% cancerous.... I am getting a biopsy on my lungs Tuesday but how can she tell me that w/ out a biopsy?? My blood work is fine and has been,, Has anyone  been told it's cancer and then after biopsy not??

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited November 2011

    mylifelisa, I am not qualified to answer your question but want you to know that I read your post and am thinking of you at this difficult time. 

    From what I have read on this site, I think the doctors can diagnose cancer from scans and the biopsy is to confirm the type. Hopefully someone with more experience can give you more information.

    I am very sorry you are having to deal with this.

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  • carcharm
    carcharm Member Posts: 486
    edited November 2011

    A friend of mine was told she had a lung nodule that was possible cancer. She had it bx and it turned out to be fibrosis from her radiation. Prayers and good thoughts sent your way.

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  • Naniam
    Naniam Member Posts: 1,766
    edited November 2011

     I had a CT scan with contrast for something else and Surprise - "multiple sclerotic lesions consistent with metastatic disease" appeared in thoracic spine, sternum, ribs, humeral heads.  We then did a CT of the abdomen and pelvis.  Same thing in my pelvis.  There is a 1 cm. area in my liver that the oncologist is concerned about. 

    My oncologist, I know, would never have told me if he wasn't sure what he was seening on the scans and backed up by the radiologist.  I had a bone biopsy last Monday.  I get my biopsy results and plan of action this coming Monday.

    I am not so sure they know 99.9% on lesions in organs - but with the bones, think they do know.  One of the area of my bone mets is the sternum. 

    My oncologist isn't focused on the area in my liver - he is wanting to focus on the bones.  From what others have "told me" sometimes even if it is the lung or liver, meds to control the bone cancer will control or make the other areas disappear. 

    I know how you are feeling - I've been handling all of his for a bit over 2 weeks now.  I have found great comfort in just reading here.  Lots of ladies here, with mets, for a very long time.  I plan on being around a long time too.   

    Wishing you all the best for the lung biopsy -  hang in there. If I can help you in any way, send me a PM or post here.  Patiently waiting is not easy. 

    Brenda

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited November 2011

    I was given Birads 4 on a routine ultrasound after my first BC.  Radiologist thought it was a recurrence.   Biopsy confirmed it was not.    Sorry can't help with the lung issue, but I don't know how they can be sure without a biopsy.

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  • Deep81
    Deep81 Member Posts: 51
    edited November 2011

    hi there, i have nodules in my lungs too (was diagnosed with mets to lungs in sept 2011). when i had rads to the chest area, the rad techs told me not to worry if small smots appear in my chest xray. when i got diagnosed i mentioned this to my oncologist who said that rad nodules/scars in lungs appear differently than cancer nodules- i guess the way they're appear. With my lung mets, they found fluid so they took a litre off my lungs and that confirmed the lung mets. However, your nodules may be due to a chest infection. My friend always has nodules in her lungs and the doctor treats them as pneumonia. Hang in until you get your results. hugs

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