Already had a benign biopsy, now after MRI want to do another

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Nic815
Nic815 Member Posts: 6
edited December 2017 in Benign Breast Conditions

In August I had my first mammogram, and was called back in for a 2nd mammogram, and an ultrasound. Because 2 suspicious masses were found in left breast, had a very long needle biopsy (took 3 hours because they were in tricky areas and had to change to stereostatic one). After all that, both masses were found to be benign.

However, doctor recommended an MRI which I had last week. Was told today another mass was found which very well could be due to my breast density like the other two.

I really don't want to go through another stereostatic biopsy since the other one was so difficult.

Could I just wait for my next mammogram or should I just do the biopsy?

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited October 2017

    you could wait, but MRI is pretty sensitive. Everyone is different, but I personally would rather do the biopsy and know an answer now than wait and wonder for 6 months, especially if it turns out to be something

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  • Nic815
    Nic815 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2017

    Thank you. I am just so tired of how long this is being dragged out. I am going to go ahead and schedule it.

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited October 2017

    I always tell my sister's story - her Stage 3C cancer did not show on 3D mammogram or ultrasound. Radiologist did a biopsy only because myself and my mom are survivors. He did a really extensive biopsy because of it. Several areas of biopsy were clear, but only one showed positive. Thank God they did that biopsy.

    Glad you are going to withstand this yet again.


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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited October 2017

    Nic, I would get a copy of your imaging report (from the latest mri) and pay attention to the impression and recommendation section as well as the BIRADS score. That will give way more helpful information than that you have a recent history of 2 b9 biopsies and dense breast tissue. If you were a BIRADS 3 (for example) and they were offering biopsy just because, then I'd say 6 months would work. If it was a BIRADS 4c, for example, I'd say go ahead and get it done now.

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  • Nic815
    Nic815 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2017

    Thank you. Before they were rated Birads 4, didn't have a, b, or c on the report. And they were both benign. I had a very difficult needle biopsy, had to switch after an hour or so to the stereotactic biopsy, and the doctor kept saying how difficult the masses were to get to. It all lasted 3 hours and was told the biopsy would be 45 minutes. I am a good patient and just let them do their thing. Was in pain when I got home and took a couple days before I wanted to do anything at all. Thankfully they were found both benign after all of that. However, the doctor still ordered an MRI with the reasoning given that I had a difficult biopsy.

    The MRI report hasn't been put onto the website. My others have been posted within a couple days. I just got a call from my provider I needed another biopsy as another small mass was found.

    I do have an appointment in a couple weeks to discuss another matter (pelvic fibroids and managing those) and I will also be asking for more details of why I need another biopsy and if I could wait a few months and see if it shows up on a mammogram.

    Thank you so much for responding.



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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited October 2017

    okay, look at the mri report and see if they think that the new area is similar to the other 2 (that turned out to be b9) with the same characteristics. That might give you a better idea about how quickly you want to move on that biopsy, in addition to it's BIRADS score. BIRADS 4 (without a letter specifier) has a positive predictive value of about 30% - meaning about 30% of BIRADS 4 findings turn out to be bc. Read more about that scoring system here: http://breast-cancer.ca/bi-rads/


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  • Nic815
    Nic815 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2017

    I just received the report. It is again a BIRADS 4. It seems similar to the other 2. I am pretty sure I will have the biopsy but am consulting with the doctor first. Thank you so much for your help.

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  • Nic815
    Nic815 Member Posts: 6
    edited December 2017

    I just wanted to post an update. I had the needle biopsy Monday and just got the results about 20 minutes ago from my primary care doctor.

    The area was found benign and found to be a radial scar. However, it is recommended that I have the scar surgically removed because it could be masking cancer cells, and could increase my risk for breast cancer.

    So good news, bad news? The word benign was good news, but surgery does not sound fun.

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  • marie5890
    marie5890 Member Posts: 3,594
    edited December 2017

    Nic, YAY! It is good news.

    Yes, removing it is a good thing, to be on the safe side. I think it's about 10-12% of radial scars may mask cancer cells? Not sure about the stats, but keep that positive thought. :)

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  • Nic815
    Nic815 Member Posts: 6
    edited December 2017

    I was really worried after I had done more research about architectural distortions. Now I can relax for the holidays and talk to the surgeon after that for the next steps.

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