Scheduled for biopsy for 1 mass

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Robyn78
Robyn78 Member Posts: 9
edited February 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

Hello everyone, I had my diagnostic mammogram (I'm 41), and unfortunately, they found one small (12mm) mass in my left breast that is not a cyst because it is solid. They can't feel it, though I'm pretty busty. While the doctor said she's not overly concerned, they do want to biopsy it next Thursday and see what it is. I don't have any other info yet besides the dimensions.

My question as I get ready for 10 days of stress, is what will the biopsy show if it is cancer? Would the next steps be more biopsies around the area and/or lymph nodes to see if it has spread? Or does that require an MRI? They can tell at that point what type of cancer it is?

I know the odds are it's benign, but I already failed the statistics that said the odds of needing a biopsy after a diagnostic mammogram were small, so I'm trying to prepare for the worst.

(And for some reason, they added a letter to my patient portal that said congrats, the results of my recent mammogram were normal and benign, ha. I'll have to correct them on that.)

Thanks for any info!

ETA: I know we all get this news when life is crazy, but I almost have to laugh. I have a midterm in class next week, and a potential job interview tomorrow. I'm not sure how I'll concentrate on either one! UGH.

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  • Bethelysa
    Bethelysa Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2018

    Hey Robyn — right there with you! I have a biopsy on 2/13 — also of a spot found on my first Mammo. My doctor didn’t seem super concerned either and thinks it’s ‘probably’ a lymph node. But. Still. I’m a bundle of nerves.

    Will keep my fingers crossed for you next Thursday!!

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

    Hi there Robyn. I am hoping it is benign, of course, and odds are that you will be just fine. But IF the finding is breast cancer, you will want to request a copy of the mammogram and biopsy reports, and make an appointment with an experienced breast cancer surgeon - or ideally, the director of an accredited breast cancer center. She will be able to explain next steps, which would be some kind of surgery (lumpectomy or masectomy) and related treatment (radiation or chemo to start).

    The biopsy report should tell you what kind of cancer it is.

    Most doctors can kinda tell by physical exam whether lymph nodes are involved, but many want an MRI and it's never for sure until after surgery, when they would test one of your lymph nodes.

    I know it's hard, but try to put it out of your mind for now, and good luck on the interview and school!



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  • Robyn78
    Robyn78 Member Posts: 9
    edited February 2018

    Thank you both for your replies! Bethelysa, I'm crossing my fingers we both get good news! Thank you, Georgia1 - I haven't seen a copy of my ultrasound report, and maybe that's a good thing so I don't obsess over any terminology. I'm assuming the BiRads score would be a 4a or 4b, only based on what I was told so far, which wasn't much. The radiologist just said (when I asked her if she was leaning one way or another) that it was indeterminate. They didn't do any kind of an additional physical yet, and I'm not sure if I'd even know if a lymph node was swollen myself.

    I'll try to take a deep breath (many of them!) over the next 10 days or so, and I'm very appreciative that the results are within 2-3 days of the biopsy, but just unfortunate scheduling timing has me waiting out a weekend before I'll get the report. ACK.

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  • dventi
    dventi Member Posts: 171
    edited February 2018

    6 yr survivor here! Daughter  just had an ultrasound and radiologist reports says "Most likely fibroidenoma but with strong family history suggest ultrasound guided fine needle biopsy should be considered.  

    She had ultrasound 6 months ago and in 6 months it  grew 2mm - 2mm??? in my mind that is verryyyyyyyyyyyyyy small.  Then at the end of the report it says " Consider ultrasound guided fine needle biopsy based upon strong family history.

    She also had her period when she had this ultrasound - but no one ever asked that!!

    Listed as Birads 4a -   PS I am also Braca 1, 2 negative. 

    Thinking this is a bit of overkill but I am assuming the fine needle biopsy suggested based upon MY history.  

    She wants to have the needle biopsy.

    PS My breast surgeon suggested she have the fine needle biopsy - again I think this is based upon my history.

    What are your thoughts?




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