Biopsy Inter-departmental review?

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Oedgar
Oedgar Member Posts: 10
edited December 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

I was told while I was still on the table that the preliminary result is benign fibroadenoma. I called my dr's office today, and they had the same preliminary result, but said my sample had been sent for inter-departmental review. I asked if I should worry, or is this pretty standard? They said it was normal.

I would like to know if anyone here knows about sending biopsies for inter-departmental review?

I am so tired of waiting. My mammogram was Oct 12th and I STILL don't know for sure what is going on.


Comments

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

    I would think protocols differ from facility to facility, but it is common for more than one doctor to confirm pathology

  • Oedgar
    Oedgar Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2018

    A small update. The pathologist told my dr that they feel the samples removed in the core biopsy are benign fibroadenoma. But they aren't sure about the rest of the mass, so they want me to see a breast surgeon. Is the common for core biopsies not to provide enough info?

  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited December 2018

    One thing I've learned is that no matter what the result - positive or negative -- you need to have the pathology slides sent somewhere else for a second opinion. I'm in the middle of that right now.

  • wonderwoman101
    wonderwoman101 Member Posts: 55
    edited December 2018

    Oedgar,

    I think getting the second opinion is a great option. I don't know alot about Fibroadenomas but I thought they were the entire mass.

    I hope you get a confirmation soon!

  • Oedgar
    Oedgar Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2018

    OK I have a bit more info. I saw the breast surgeon and FINALLY got a copy of my pathology. It say it's a fibroepithelial lesion with increased stromal cellularity. There is also adenosis and the usual focal ductal hyperplasia present. Focally the border with adjacent adipose tissue is infiltrative. (this concerns me a bit). No significant stromal atypia, increased mitosis, or features of malignancy are seen. (this seems good). The differential diagnosis includes fibroadenoma with increased stromal cellularity, complex fibroadenoma, or benign phyllodes tumor. Final diagnosis is deferred to examination of entire specimen.

    I can see they also consulted Baylor College of Medicine for a 2nd opinion, so that was the inter departmental review.

    I go back and forth between feeling Ok about this, and feeling afraid they will find something more lurking when the whole thing is removed. I don't 'think' its a phyllodes because it does not seem to be growing in this months-long saga.

    My surgeon tried hard to get me in by year's end because I wanted to get it on this year's deductible. But of course that did not work out.


    I don't yet have a surgery date but am planning for January of course. She will do an excisional biopsy. I elected to have her take a larger margin of tissue in case it is a phyllodes. The mass is 1.4 cm so she will take 2.5 cm I supposed. She says my cosmetic result will be fine because I have large breasts. They are a C cup; never thought they were that large.


    She does them on fridays so ladies can be back at work on Monday. I am still not sure about that. I was wiped after the core biopsy and had to call in to work the next day. I kinda feel like surgery/general anesthesia might take more out of me. My job is a mixture of desk work, heavy on phone interaction/customer service, and lifting anything from 2 lbs to 30 lbs. Work has already been told that I will need help lifting for a couple of weeks.

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

    I could have gone to work the day after my excisional biopsy with no problem. I was told to take the day after off. I thought it was easier than the stereotactic

  • windingshores
    windingshores Member Posts: 704
    edited December 2018

    You might be able to have a regional paravertebral block for anesthesia. I had one for my mastectomies but don't know if they do them for your excisional biopsy.  You will get better answers after this procedure.

    I got to know the folks who worked in pathology at three different hospitals because they sent samples all over the place!!!

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