Biopsy Question

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MyTwoSons
MyTwoSons Member Posts: 5
edited February 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

A little background, as this is my first post. I'm 41 with a family history of breast cancer. I had my first mammogram last month, as well as an ultrasound (right side only for the ultrasound as that was the side of concern). Both showed nothing except for extremely dense tissue, and was recommended to have 6 month follow-up going forward, alternating between mammo and MRI. At a follow-up appointment at a breast center, a lump was found in my right breast that they thought was a benign issue (something about a "drop off" where the tissue composition changes). She scheduled me for a MRI to confirm there was nothing nefarious going on there and nothing else hiding.

I have not seen the results yet, as they haven't posted to my online chart, but the nurse just called and said an "enhanced area" that they aren't sure what it is was seen in the left breast. I am now waiting on the nurse navigator to call me to set up an ultrasound guided biopsy. I hope to find out more info about that when she calls, and will read up on biopsy information on this site.

Sorry for the long post, but here's my main question for now. She said if they aren't able to find the area via ultrasound they will do a MRI guided biopsy instead. If that needs to be done, does it have to be done during days 7-14 of my cycle like the first MRI had to be, or is that not as important when using MRI for a biopsy?

Thank you in advance for any insight someone can share while I sit in this 'waiting experience.'

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  • momto3sons
    momto3sons Member Posts: 311
    edited February 2018

    Welcome!

    I just had an MRI-guided biopsy on 1/18/18. My doctor was very particular about when I had my initial MRI, but they didn't wait for another cycle for the biopsy.

    Good luck, and keep us posted!

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  • MyTwoSons
    MyTwoSons Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2018

    momto3sons, Thank you so much for that information! I was so worried that I would have to wait for my next cycle, thus delay things further, if I end up needing the MRI biopsy.

    Hopefully, they will be able to find it with the ultrasound guided biopsy though, and it will come back benign. Waiting around for appointments and answers is stressful. And, I was caught off guard with them finding something on the left side, since it was the right side that I've had issues with!

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  • momto3sons
    momto3sons Member Posts: 311
    edited February 2018

    I hope the ultrasound biopsy works! The MRI wasn’t bad, but it’s a longer process.

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  • MyTwoSons
    MyTwoSons Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2018

    I will be having the ultrasound biopsy tomorrow (nerves are starting to build up because I am a wimp when it comes to needles!!). Also, I have finally gotten a copy of the MRI report to read. I will post the pertinent part below in hopes that someone more educated in this than I am, can weigh in on what direction this may be going. It was rated Bi-rads 4, and I think by comparing wording used in my report against the post on this site that lists terms in good/bad categories that it is a favorable report for being benign, but there are a couple specific words I am confused about.

    ****

    Findings Left Breast: The breast is heterogeneously. There is mild background parenchymal enhancement. There is a 0.7 x 0.8 x 0.9 cm well-circumscribed, macrolobulated, intensely enhancing mass within the upper inner left breast. Scattered foci of enhancement is more prominent within the left breast when compared to the right. Scattered subcentimeter cysts. There is no left axillary lymphadenopathy.

    Impression: 0.9 cm intensely-enhancing T2 hyperintense mass suggestive of mucinous neoplasm versus atypical fibroadenoma.

    *****

    Okay, so I know that having it described as "circumscribed" is a good thing, but what about "macrolobulated?" Microlobulated was on the list as a possible indicator of cancer, but "macro" wasn't on either list. Is "macro" good, since "micro" is bad?

    And what do I make of it being suggestive of "mucinous neoplasm?" I am trying to stay off Google, so not digging too deep there, but when I search for that term almost everything automatically brings up 'mucinous carcinoma' instead. And a couple things came up about pre-cancerous stuff. Is it really a pre-cancerous thing that needs to be watched/dealt with, or is it something entirely different?


    If anyone has any insight to give, I would greatly appreciate it!

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  • MyTwoSons
    MyTwoSons Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2018

    For anyone else who may come across the word macrolobulated on their report, and not know where it lies in the scheme of descriptions, here is what djmammo said regarding that particular word when I messaged him the questions from my last post: "Smooth is better news than macrolobulated, which is better than microlobulated, which is better than spiculated."

    I did have an ultrasound biopsy today. Now more days of waiting 😞 and hoping the results come back as a fibroadenoma rather than mucinous carcinoma....

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  • momto3sons
    momto3sons Member Posts: 311
    edited February 2018

    I’m glad to hear you were able to to the ultrasound biopsy. And thanks for the info on the terminology - djmammo has been a Godsend!

    Keep up posted on your results

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  • MyTwoSons
    MyTwoSons Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2018

    Just to give an update, my biopsy result came back benign (something called sclerosing adenosis)!! I will now join the 6 month check group of alternating MRI/Mammo going forward due to increased family risk.

    I just want to thank everyone here! This site is a wealth of valuable information and support! I have so much respect for the women here who are dealing with cancer and taking the time to support, help and educate others!

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  • momto3sons
    momto3sons Member Posts: 311
    edited February 2018

    That's great news!! And I agree - this site has been a wonderful source of info and support!

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  • Silbar
    Silbar Member Posts: 163
    edited February 2018

    Great news on your biopsy results!!!

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