Vague, but cryptic Radiologist

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SiobhanThemyscira
SiobhanThemyscira Member Posts: 3
edited January 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

After my mammogram, I got called right back in for more images Friday on right breast, which led to sonogram on outer edge of right breast, and then in comes the Radiologist. From there it’s kind of hazy. He said things like, want to do a biopsy right away” “we like to move quickly” “it’s small” “if it hasn’t spread it’s curable” “I’m hoping the biopsy will prove me wrong” I’m having the biopsy tomorrow. Ultrasound guided core biopsy. But he never used the term BIRAD. Why didn’t he say that? I didn’t get to see any results or a write up or images or anything. I feel like I’ve been pushed out on a lake in a row boat with no oars.

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited January 2018

    Don't worry about any of this, until the results come back from your biopsy. After the biopsy, the Birad is irrelevant.

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  • sweetp6217
    sweetp6217 Member Posts: 365
    edited January 2018

    In my opinion (patient to patient), the biopsy gets up close, sample is sent in and produces results that should reveal whether it's C or not. With mine, there were numbers, terms, etc. which gave a clear answer, not one that images provide. I certainly hope that your's are negative. Birad, as I see it provides probability but the biopsy provides certainty.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited January 2018

    They don't usuaaly say that. Bi-Rads scores are used in the written report from your imaging in the assessment of what they are looking at. Since you are scheduled for a biopsy, it was rated a 4 or 5. you have to request copies of your written reports and imaging just like you request copies of any of your other medical records. You should always request and keep these for future reference and for if you should need to go to a different facility some day.

    Until the biopsy results are in, they really don't know either. At this point it would just be an educated guess. I hope your biopsy is benign.

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  • SiobhanThemyscira
    SiobhanThemyscira Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2018

    Thank you for your responses. I wasn’t sure because it seemed like other people did hear about BIRAD at that time. Part of tomorrow’s procedure includes an educational video and a consult

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited January 2018

    Hi!

    My radiologist never told me a BIRADs score when I had my diagnostic mammo. He was pretty sure I had cancer, though, and told me that my scans were "consistent" with cancer. He was right. However, lots of biopsies end up being benign, despite the radiologist's initial suspicions. You never know. Good luck tomorrow!

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  • radgal
    radgal Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2018

    Your radiologist reminds me of my radiologist, however, I would describe my radiologist as excellent, thorough and detailed. I, too, had to come back for additional images, then the rad came in and said he wanted to do the ultrasound and biopsy right then and there. What he saw on the mammogram was confirmed on the ultrasound and was biopsy-proven cancer. I am grateful he did not waste any time on this. From what you've written, he is in the rowboat with you piloting you away from dangerous waters and making sure you've got your life jacket securely fastened. You are not alone -- he has you in his care.

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  • SiobhanThemyscira
    SiobhanThemyscira Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2018

    I’m hoping it’s scar tissue. In 2004 I had a head-on crash. The airbag deployed and exploded (instead of deflating). I was ok, but my hands and chest were bruised. Fast forward 8 years: Last year I had a little rolling lump between my thumb and forefinger (where you’d grab the steering wheel) it grew and had to be removed. Possible

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited January 2018

    Siobhan, it's certainly possible it is scar tissue. Best of luck to you, and in any event I agree you should ask for a copy of the reports for your files.

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  • jo6359
    jo6359 Member Posts: 2,279
    edited January 2018

    Siobhan-my BIRADS was in my written report. It was never given to me verbally. Its all about the biopsy. Best of luck.

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