Possible excisional breast biopsy size!

Options
Abumponthebod
Abumponthebod Member Posts: 12
edited October 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

So the first hospital performed mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy (4c) and had conflicting pathology results,so it was recommended to do a full excisional breast biopsy. I am currently waiting for a second opinion at another hospital where another ultrasound was performed and another small mass (0.7 cm) was found 1 cm away from the original 1.5 x 0.8 x 1.3 cm mass. The radiologist didn't recommend putting in a marker since it was so close to the original mass (I'm beginning to think they also will tell me to take it out).

Here's the thing. I believe (and correct me if I'm wrong) when a full excisional biopsy is made they have a cm margin (not sure if it is the right word) around the mass. Here comes my calculations that scare me: 1 cm extra margin + 1.5 cm x 0.8 x 1.3 cm + 1 cm space between larger lump + 0.7cm new lump + 1cm margin seem like a lot of breast for my c cup boobs. I guess I should also mention that the masses are at the 6 and 5:30 mark.

This REALLY is making me nervous. Will a quarter of my boob be gone for a biospy?!?! Please help me understand this.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Fran68
    Fran68 Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2018

    hi Abumponthebod,

    I’m so sorry you are going through this nerve wrecking ordeal. I had a lumpectomy 25 years ago and another one 20 years ago same boob. 2 p’clock & 9 o’clock. Neither one really changed the shape of my boob. A little divit at the 2 o’clock - not noticeable to look at. I just had a core biopsy yesterday and I asked the bs the same type question - how many lumpectomies can you possible do before I have no boob left!! He assured me I have a long way to go.

    Hope you can get some reassurance soon!

    Best wishes

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Abumponthebod
    Abumponthebod Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2018

    Fran68 Thank you so much for this. I honestly thought my boob was going to drastically change from a biopsy that hasn't diagnosed me with anything yet. I was looking around for information and Dr. Google scared me with thoughts of concaved breasts. I did read however that having it on the bottom of the breast does make a difference. Is there anyone out there that has had an excisional biopsy at the 6 o'clock position? I have to wait until next Wednesday to see my surgeon and hear my new results— a week away! I saw my gp yesterday but nothing has come in yet. (Also, I think she wants the surgeon to discuss results with me since the surgeon is the breast specialist
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2018

    Mine was done on the bottom at about 5:00 position and they took about a golfball sized chunk out of my B cup breast. The only way you can see it at all is if my arm is raised straight over my head and then it is very subtle. I CAN feel the void if I press on it, but no big deal

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Abumponthebod
    Abumponthebod Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2018

    MelissaDallas

    Thank you for letting me know. Everyone on this board is so helpful and reassuring.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited October 2018

    Also, margins are in terms of mm, not cm. I believe 2mm negative margins are enough to not need a re-excision for lumpectomies.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Abumponthebod
    Abumponthebod Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2018

    Ingerp- Oh thank you, that makes me feel so much better. I had total nightmares of the surgeon taking a large chunk out when it was only for diagnostic purposes. I must admit, my new surgeon is amazing. She immediately wanted a second core biopsy rather than jumping into a surgical biopsy since my first biopsy results didn’t match the mammogram and ultrasound, but the pathology results stated that they didn’t have enough tissue of the area in question. I feel totally confident that unnecessary surgery won’t happen unless it warrants it. Wednesday is when I find out.

    Everyone on this forum is so helpful and reassuring unlike some of the things out there is Googleland. I am so relieved I found this site. (And even more when people clear things up for me

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherri000
    Sherri000 Member Posts: 47
    edited October 2018

    Abumponthebod

    I just had an excisional biopsy on Thursday Oct. 18th. I had an area of grouped amorphous slightly irregular microcalcifications and the cluster size was about .63 cm (just over 6mm). There wasn't a specific location listed anywhere but it basically at the 6 O'clock position. It's too soon for me to say what it's going to look like as I have swelling of course. I still have on my bandage coverings as well (two large bandaids basically). Right now my boob almost looks square. It's very strange. It definitely looks like a different shape at the moment. But I'm sure that is all because it has only been one day.

    There isn't a huge section missing or dented in. Like I said the bottom of the boob has sort of a squared off appearance. I'm not sure I'm explaining that very well. I don't expect there to be much of a difference once this heals. Just thought I would mention that it does look a little weird immediately after but I doubt it will be much different once healed. Good luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories