Why have a consultation , why not biopsy ?

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Bostonmama
Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
edited May 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

All of these tests were performed at a stand alone radiology center.While still on ultrasound table the tech took the US to radiologist for review. She returned to tell me I was being referred for a biopsy. Later in the day my gyn office called and said they had made appt for steriostatic breast biopsy. I was given an appt. with a surgical breast oncologist 4/2@ 1pm. I received pre-appt paper work and confirmation of appt 4/2@ 8 am. and several pages printed on neon paper and bold print read, " YOU WILL NOT HAVE A BIOPSY ON THIS DAY ". I called the surgeons office and they said my appt was for 8am and I was not having a biopsy. The surgeons office called this past Thursday to say the surgeon may still be out of town and I would be seeing the NP. Why would I need a consult? Why not a biopsy to see if I then needed a consult to discuss findings . TIA.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited March 2019

    Maybe it's the type of facility. I went to a breast center affiliated with a hospital. Had my mammogram there, got the call-back for ultrasound with possible biopsy, and all I had to do after the ultrasound determined the biopsy was necessary, was sign a few forms, and the radiology surgeon came right in with her nurse and did it on the spot. The breast surgeon I saw after I got the results back is also in that complex.

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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2019

    Thank you for the response. I guess I just need to have patience and stay positive.

    I wish you all the luck! you are one tough cookie !!

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  • SuQu31
    SuQu31 Member Posts: 160
    edited March 2019

    Bostonmama,

    After my diagnostic mammogram, I was told by my regular ob/gyn's office that I needed a biopsy. A consultation with the breast surgeon was scheduled, at which time I met the surgeon, and she explained to my husband and me what they saw on the mammogram, what the procedure would be like, etc. The biopsy was done two days later. I actually appreciated meeting the surgeon and understanding the process ahead of time. I was able to do some reading and mentally prepare myself. I know how hard it is to wait, and it seemed to take forever to finally get the diagnosis and schedule surgery. Then I had to wait for the surgery! As everyone here says, the waiting is the hardest part, and you will feel better once you know what you're dealing with. I wish you the best.

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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2019

    SuQu31,

    Sorry you have had to go through all that you have. My husband calls me a "control freak" so yes ,waiting and not knowing what is happening next is so unnerving. Thank you for taking the time to help me

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  • Mymomsgirl
    Mymomsgirl Member Posts: 174
    edited April 2019

    Bostonmama I've had it go both ways. My first time my Ob/gyn called and said I needed a biopsy and I was scheduled to meet with a surgeon. The second time I had started going to a breast center and with my call back for the ultrasound they decided I needed a biopsy and it was done right then and there. Good luck to you and here is to negative results.

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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2019

    Thanks MyMomsgirl,

    I have heard so many scenarios. I am just anxious. I don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill but my mind just goes everywhere.

    Best wishes and thank you for taking the time to comment.


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  • pingpong1953
    pingpong1953 Member Posts: 362
    edited April 2019

    I had my biopsy done right after my mammogram. I was given the option of coming back the following week but I wanted to get it over with. I had a feeling that it was cancer. Not sure why, but it came out of nowhere and felt so huge (it was just below the surface - not sure how I missed it!)

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2019

    In general....

    If you are referred for a surgical consultation, and you have never been to this surgeon before there will likely be an initial office visit/consultation to register you as one of their patients which will at the least include a complete history and possibly a physical, but always medications/allergies/insurance all 3 of which will affect when and how the biopsy will be done. Also, surgeons don't do procedures on patients just on the word of a referring physician especially if its an open biopsy in an OR. There is also the issue of scheduling.

    When you have a "same day" biopsy with a radiologist, you have already been registered, they already have all your pertinent information meds/allergies/insurance, and it was the radiologist that made the recommendation to you or to your doctor so they already know everything they need to know about you and the target and whether the biopsy is indicated before they offer you the opportunity to get it done right away.

    Now if a doc sends us a request for a biopsy on a patient imaged at a different center, possibly from out of state, we always asked that all their imaging be sent to us ahead of time for review to make sure we agree it is something that needs to be biopsied. That's our version of a history and physical exam. We examine the images so you dont need to be there. If we feel it warrants a biopsy you make one trip. If we don't, we save you a trip and an office visit.

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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2019

    Thank you . Very informative.

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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2019

    Thank you . Very informative.

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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2019

    pingpong1953 thank you for sharing your experience.


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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2019

    I had my appt with the breast center and am scheduled for a stereostatic biopsy on the 16th. I will return on the 19th for results. Still anxious but very happy that the results will be revealed in such a quick time.

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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2019

    Diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia. Had incisional biopsy today.Won't get results till 5/21. UGH. The odds are still in my favor.

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