MRI shows suspected fibroadenoma. Biopsy now or wait?
Due to high breast cancer risk (history of a previous biopsy, and my mother had BC twice post menopause), I am on a schedule of annual mammogram and annual MRI, alternating. I am now 44 years old. I didn't have my first mammogram until I was 42, because I was still breastfeeding my last child. First mammogram resulted in a biopsy, second mammogram resulted in a call back and ultrasound (where they found literally nothing, apparently it was a shadow), and last week I did my first MRI. This is the result that is of issue:
"Oval, circumscribed 9 mm mass 10 o'clock, 3.3 cm from the nipple with suspected dark internal septations. Kinetic curve: slow initial phase; persistent delayed phase enhancement. Findings certainly raise suspicion for a fibroadenoma. Given that this is the first initial MR imaging, the most reasonable approach would be for short-term interval follow-up with targeted ultrasonography to the 10 o'clock position right breast. Alternatively, this could be evaluated with ultrasound-guided biopsy is seen. If not seen on a targeted right breast ultrasound, repeat assessment with contrast breast MRI for targeted MR guided biopsy would be additional considerations."
After clarification with my doctor, who further clarified with the radiologist who wrote the above, the recommendation is to wait three months and do an ultrasound, or if I can't manage my anxiety to get through the wait, do a biopsy now. I feel like with all of this surveillance, and the high false positive rate of MRI, I am going to need to learn to manage my anxiety. I don't want to get an unnecessary biopsy every year. I do feel like a biopsy right now is overkill. I feel like this is going to be a theme for the rest of my life, and that I am just going to go through this testing constantly and always just be waiting for breast cancer, and it is exhausting. I know we are establishing a baseline and maybe it will not always be like this, but I haven't yet had any kind of breast exam and had an all clear, and all of this just started two years ago. I have three kids and life is good! I hate that this has to be such a frightening cloud hanging over me.
My point in posting is to seek reassurance- it is ok to wait three months and do an ultrasound, right???
Comments
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Hi there, mlp123-
We understand your concerns! The wait and see approach is quite common, but it's not easy for a lot of people to manage. It seems as though your doctors are in agreement, but if you're not sure you can deal with the uncertainty or waiting, talk to your doctor! Establishing a baseline now is important, but so is your peace of mind. We know how difficult it can be!
The Mods
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Hi. I had a fibroademona and was suggested to do a 3-6 month wait. I consulted several specialists and they all agreed. I waited and at 3 months it was the same. At 6 months it was gone. I never needed a biopsy. Usually a fibroadenoma is pretty clear on ultrasound. There's also nothing wrong with doing a quick biopsy if you are un easy about the wait. Also you can seek a second opinion as well.
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