Core Needle Biopsy Needed and worried

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spellmonster
spellmonster Member Posts: 3

29yr old family history of mother diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 and maternal grandmother at 50 years old. I found a lump in my right outer breast roughly two months ago, and didn't think anything of it. Then recently I coincidentally had an annual physical scheduled so I told my doctor about it. She ordered a breast ultrasound where it came back completely normal, but radiologist recommended a mammogram due to family history. They discouraged me to have it done at first since I am under 30, but insisted since that is what my doctor recommended. They immediately saw the lump, called in the radiologist and got additional views/ images. Then said I needed another ultrasound that was done immediately. After this the radiologist came in to take a look, and said that I need a core needle biopsy. Also that he didn't know what it was... When I got the radiology report it said that I am a BIRADS category 4, with heterogeneously dense tissue, have a hypoechoic lobular mass with posterior acoustic shadowing measuring 1.1cm x 0.4cm. Any thoughts? How long does it take to get results back?

Comments

  • Juliana1835
    Juliana1835 Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2016

    Hi Spellmonster! You're doing all the right things. The results of my core biopsies came back in 6 days, that included the weekend. It was a long 6 days! Remember the BIRADS is for the radiologists that the mass is suspicious, but the definitive diagnosis will be from your biopsy and there's a very good chance that you have a benign condition. I was BIRADS 4D and I turned out to have benign masses or fibroadenomas. Good luck with your appointment.

  • reflect
    reflect Member Posts: 576
    edited February 2016

    Hi Spellmonster, it's wise to get the biopsy because of your family history and because you have dense breasts--mammograms are not as good at catching potential problems. It is highly likely to be benign. I would recommend seeking on going care (follow ups and screening) at a breast clinic if you aren't already at one. Wishing you the best, please let us know how it goes.

  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited February 2016

    Spellmonster, definitely get the biopsy. It takes a very short time and they numb you quite well. You’ll be back at work the next day. 80% of core needle biopsies come back benign, so in that case it’d be good to set your mind at ease as soon as possible. Because you have such dense breasts, you should ask about having future screenings done via MRI, since mammograms can also miss lesions in dense breasts. If it comes back malignant, you are nipping it in the bud and the sooner you’re proactive about it, the better.

    In either event, I would strongly suggest asking your doctor about getting genetic counseling for possible gene mutation testing--due to your family history of breast cancer diagnosis (mom and grandmother) at a young age.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2016

    Hi Spellmonster,

    Welcome to the BCO Community! We're really glad that you found us.

    Sounds like you're getting some great responses here from the other members.

    Be sure to keep us updated on your results, we're hoping for a benign result for you!

    Sending our best wishes to you,

    The Moderators.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2016

    Hi Spellmonster,

    Welcome to the BCO Community! We're really glad that you found us.

    Sounds like you're getting some great responses here from the other members.

    Be sure to keep us updated on your results, we're hoping for a benign result!

    Sending our best wishes to you,

    The Moderators.

  • spellmonster
    spellmonster Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2016

    Thank you everyone for all of the information and encouraging words! I had my biopsy today. I was under the impression that the lump that was being biopsied was the one that was palpable and my initial reason for seeing my doctor... Turns out that one didn't show up on any of the imaging... The spot that was biopsied was on my outer axillary area. Suspicious lymph node, the radiologist that did the biopsy today said she doesn't think it's a lymph node and most likely benign! She also said that the tissue looked as though there were fibers in it. However still need to wait the 5-7 days for the pathology report. Fingers crossed

  • herb
    herb Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2016

    it took me 4 days. I know its hard not to worry, but if it is something sounds like it is very early. your in good shape. Treatment for my 1.2 cm tumor was lumpectomy 4 rounds of Chemo and rads. No lymph involved they removed one node. I also had an Onco DX test I was scored 25. any where in the grey area and I would ahve opted for Chemo. I was right in the middle. early stage they do 4 round of Chemo and its well worth doing verse worry over metastic breast cancer later on

  • herb
    herb Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2016

    why did they not biopsy the papalple mass

  • Juliana1835
    Juliana1835 Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2016
  • Captain1259
    Captain1259 Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2016

    Hang in there girl! The wait is almost over. It's the "not knowing" that is the worst. Don't let the doctors rush you. If you have questions, ask and ask until you get an answer that you understand. I take someone with me because 2 sets of ears is much better than 1 very nervous set. Keeping you in my thoughts.

  • spellmonster
    spellmonster Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2016

    @ herb I have no idea why they didn't biopsy the palpable mass, but when I see my doctor next I am going inquire about getting an MRI since it wasn't seen in both the mammogram or ultrasound. I should hopefully have results for my biopsy either tomorrow or Wednesday... Fingers crossed for benign mass. Also, I'm still in pain from the CNB, especially in my armpit and arm.

  • herb
    herb Member Posts: 51
    edited March 2016

    I was 29 when i was diagnosed with cystic fibro breasts. I have very large cysts, so I had them drained every year. I learned over the next 25 years to not worry unless they give you the bad news. I would have been a wreck by the time I really had breast cancer. Try not to worry until you really get bad news.

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