how accurate are stereotactic biopsy's?

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dolfin
dolfin Member Posts: 18
edited April 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi Everyone,

I found this forum over the last week while I waited on my stereotactic biopsy which was done this week and am waiting on the results. The radiology tech did confirm they got the calcification area as they re-did my mammogram and took an X-ray of the samples (5) to make sure that calcifications were in the dish.

The last 2 weeks have been the worst weeks of my life....filled with worry, panic, terror affecting sleep, work, eating and spending time with my 5 yr old who can sense something is wrong. Have been using Xanax to keep the panic at bay.

I am 47. I developed non-lactating mastitis 2 months ago that didn't exactly clear up right away with 2 antibiotics courses. I went for an Ultrasound which should lots of cysts, dilated ducts (query related to underlying mastitis), complex cysts x2. I had been getting ultrasounds done every 6 months over the last year watching for stability of these cysts. Suggested follow up was a repeat u/s in 3 mos or ductogram if bloody nipple discharge noted (which I have not had with this- initially had pus)

Out of concern that there is more going on, I went for a diagnostic mammogram- then called back for magnification views which revealed:

"1 cluster arranged in a linear, dot and dash pattern measuring 9 mm in length. These are not vascular. These are suspicious. They could be related to DCIS or LCIS. "

there were other microcalcs seen that indicated they were likely related to benign sclerosing adenosis but will require follow-up mag views at 6 months intervals to assess stability

Birads -4

I have convinced myself I have cancer. I wanted to know how much reassurance could I have with this stereotactic biopsy if the result turns out to be benign. Everything I have read on the internet about DCIS points to this patten of calcifications so I am and have been preparing myself for the news that I have cancer. I am worried that if it comes back benign it means the entire spot was missed and that a benign report will offer me no reassurance there isn't something there. There is no palpable mass. I do have a lot of fibrocystic tissue.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated? I'm so stressed.

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited April 2015

    I have had a stereostatic biopsy, for calcifications, that came back benign fibrocystic changes. That was 5 years ago, and in that time, I have never had reason to believe the biopsy got it wrong. Since they double checked to be sure they had gotten the area in question, I would be reassured by a benign result. Hugs, and prayers that everything turns out ok.

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  • Jeeper4
    Jeeper4 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    It is my understanding that if DCIS or LCIS is indicated on a needle biopsy that a surgeon will then proceed with an excisional biopsy to determine if any invasive cancer is present. Sometimes an MRI will be done prior to the excisional surgery. I too convinced myself I had cancer with a BIRADS-4, but to be honest I have seen many women with the same score or a 5 come back as b9 results. In my case it just happened to be cancer. Once diagnosed, I chided myself that I should have not let the anxiety overtaken me as they were my last days as a "non cancerous" person. But that was hard to do even with the Ativan. We all know what you are going through, keep reading here and reaching out, hoping for b9 results for you.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    I had a DCIC dx on stereotactic. No excisonal, sent for breast MRI to confirm.

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  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited April 2015

    I just went through this last month. Stereo wasn't conclusive so they sent me for excisional biopsy. That came back conclusively as Atypical ductal hyperplasia . Not cancer but well on the way. I see first Oncologist next week. May not be cancer and maybe not totally benign either. You could be left in ADH limbo like me... Not fun. Before last month I had never heard of this precancerous dx. I hope yours is truly benign. If not totally benign they will send you on to a Surgeon. Wishing you good luck

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2015

    I agree with Laura. If you get a benign result, you should feel confident in that finding, as they already confirmed that they got the area in question. Stereotactic biopsies are quite accurate. Many calcifications turn out benign, even if they are clustered or linear. If they do find something, they will send you to a surgeon for an excisional biopsy to make sure there is nothing more serious going on in there. Try to take this one step at a time and not get ahead of yourself. Praying for good results for you soon.


    Anne

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  • dolfin
    dolfin Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2015

    just received a call from my family doctor tonight. My stereotactic biopsy is benign!!! I have some sclerosis, dystrophic calcifications and it makes sense some inflammation from my recent mastitis. My doctor even said she was surprised by the benign result. She said the samples were really good.

    I can put away my Xanax now. I will be seeing my surgeon on Monday to discuss what to do now. I would like to talk to him about taking out some of this unhappy tissue. I am over the moon and I thank you all for your support.


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  • Jeeper4
    Jeeper4 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    Thank goodness! Go and enjoy your weekend!!

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