Confused about core-needle biopsy results

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abbeexo
abbeexo Member Posts: 1
edited November 2014 in Benign Breast Conditions

Hello all!

I just joined this community in hopes of gaining a little insight. You all seem so supportive of each other :) Thank you in advance!

I am a 25 year old, healthy and active female. No history of breast cancer in my family.

My husband found a lump in my left breast about a year ago (4 o'clock ish- outer-side of breast). During my women's wellness exam, my PCP also discovered the lump and told me to keep an eye on it for a while to see if it changes. I am currently on a military base in Japan. I visited my PCP here to have the lump re-evaluated. The medical facilities here are limited in resources, so I was referred to an an off-base Japanese facility (equipped with a translator).

I had (2) mammograms and (2) ultrasounds performed. During the first mammo and ultrasound, the doctor was very rushed and did not mention the palpable lump. He said that he found a non-palpable small area of concern and advised me to come back in 3-6 months. But no mention of the palpable lump. 6 months later, mammo/ultrasounds were repeated and the palpable lump was clearly noticed. The doctor seemed shocked and concerned (because he completely missed it the first time) and a core-needle biopsy was performed the same day. I just had my results appointment and am a little confused.

The small area of concern was too small to biopsy. The palpable lump was biopsied. When I sat down with him to discuss my results, this is a rough translation of what was said:

(The translator was having a difficult time translating the medical terminology into English for me)

"The mass is not malignant, but not completely benign. I advise you to come back every 3 months for repeat core-biopsies."

I asked if removal of the lump was necessary and was advised that it is not.

The hospital that I visited has a breast center, but the breast specialist only visits on Thursdays. It is walk-in only- so there are people lined up to see him. Wait time can be 3+hours. So it was a very rushed appointment. I know I should have asked more questions- but I was just so confused and disoriented at the time. I heard benign and my brain latched on to that word. It wasn't until after the appointment that the appropriate questions popped into my head.

Lost in translation!

Anyway- I'm assuming everything is fine, but I am curious to see if anyone would know why a doctor would order repeat biopsies? Does this mean the results are inconclusive, or is this just standard procedure? I was thinking this could be a fibroadenoma considering my age- but is it protocol to keep biopsying fibroadenomas?

I am requesting that the military facilities call the hospital to request my records. However, I know this process takes a while. I wanted to see if anyone had any insight while I'm waiting.

Thank you so much!!


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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2014

    Abbeexo-

    First of all, we want to welcome you to our community here at Breastcancer.org. We're sorry for the worries and concerns that bring you, but we're glad you've found us and hope you find some answers.

    It sounds like a lot may have been lost or misunderstood in translation. It could be that the lump is benign, but they want to be sure to keep an eye on it and make sure it stays that way. Perhaps he suggested you come back in 3 months for a follow-up to check the size of the mass, not necessarily a biopsy, and the intent of his statement got jumbled? It was definitely a good idea to request your records and biopsy results, so you can look over those yourself. Also, when you return in 3 months, is it possible for you to bring someone you trust to help translate? Someone you can go over questions with beforehand so they know what you want asked, and nothing gets missed? Just a thought!

    Please keep us posted on how you're doing, we'll be thinking of you!

    The Mods

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited November 2014

    Hi - just wanted to add a couple pieces of advice to the Moderators excellent suggestions.

    1) Can you record conversations on your smart phone? If so, it's REALLY helpful to do so during appointments of this type. There's a lot of detail that gets lost otherwise.

    2) Can you ask for a written report?

    3) I find it helps to make a written list of questions before hand. My husband and I go over them together and he adds to my list generally.

    4) One nurse navigator gave me a great piece of advice: "Don't EVER let your doctor fail to address your question/s to YOUR satisfaction. If they brush aside the issue, fail to answer the question, sort of slide right past it, just STOP them and INSIST on addressing the issue. It's ok to ask 'Did you hear what I just asked/said' " If your doctor won't answer your questions, keep going back to it until they do. Long term, don't stick with a doctor who doesn't answer and value your questions.

    Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend and go on taking good care of your health!

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