Biopsy and waiting

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NitaB
NitaB Member Posts: 8
edited September 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

My diagnostic mammogram indicated BI-RADS 4 Suspicious with a biopsy recommended. During the stereotactic biopsy, I fainted and the sample was not obtained. Since I fainted, the recommendation is that I now self-exam frequently and communicate any changes or concerns to my dr. with another mammogram to be completed in 6 months. I am concerned about whether it is okay to wait 6 months.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2019

    Welcome, NitaB! We certainly understand your concerns. Have you been able to determine whether or not your fainting was a result of the biopsy procedure, or possibly related to something else (not enough to eat that day, illness, etc)? If you have trouble during the procedure, some doctors will prescribe a medication to help relax you beforehand, and others may even offer different approaches for anesthesia during the procedure. A BI-RADS score of 4 still suggests a low possibility of malignancy, but we definitely understand not being comfortable with a wait-and-see approach. We would suggest talking to your doctor about the different options available to you for the biopsy, to see if they can make it a bit easier to handle for you!

    The Mods

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  • NitaB
    NitaB Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2019

    Thank you for the reply and information. I actually have a history of fainting with medical procedures. I got through all of the numbing which was not really bad at all so I was surprised that I actually fainted, but I did before the sample was taken. I think all the worry and anticipation certainly didn't help. Again, I appreciate your response.

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

    NitaB

    Did you tell the staff about your history of fainting during medical procedures or was it a surprise to them when it happened during the biopsy?

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  • NitaB
    NitaB Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2019

    I told them.

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

    NitaB

    If you have the report that triggered the biopsy and the report of the procedure also, you can post them here to see whether 6 months makes sense.

    ===

    We were doing a wire localization in an outpatient setting when a patient lost consciousness and fell from the chair on to the floor, out cold. Since we were not in a hospital a tech called 911. Just before the ambulance arrived she woke up and said "I hate when that happens" and then explained this happened every time she even sees a needle. We recommended she mention this earlier next time.

    For your biopsy were you sitting or lying face down on a biopsy table?

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  • NitaB
    NitaB Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2019

    I was sitting. I emailed my dr's office inquiring whether I could be referred to a center that utilizes a table with patients laying down for the procedure but havent heard back, yet. I am realizing that had I not fainted then I would be getting results anyday now. Very frustrated with myself that it has delayed me knowing whether there is anything to be concerned about or not.

    Here is part the report:

    FINDINGS: Spot magnification views show multiple regions of grouped to loosely grouped calci6catlons in the central to outer left breast. Best seen on the CC image is a fairly tightly grouped area of calciflcations that is slightly indeterminate. lts correlate is difficult to appreciate on the ML images but appears to be central.

    IMPRESSION: 1. There is a group of calcificallons in the central mid to posterior third of the left breast that is fairly tightly grouped and somewhat Indeterminate in appearance. I would recommend this site for targeted biopsy A marker was placed on the CC image in this region, 2. There are additional moderate, loosely grouped calcifications in the central to outer aspect of the left breast. No additional tightly grouped indeterminate calcifications are definitely seen. BI-RADs 4, suspicious

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

    NitaB

    This is why I like the table version of this device, if someone faints and their vitals are stable (i.e. not a stroke or hear attack) they are already lying down which can facilitate completing the biopsy.

    If you can find a facility that uses the table version that would be great. Was an US ever done to see if there was an associated mass? Sometimes you can find the area of calcs on US as it can look different than the surrounding tissue. An MRI would help if someone explains to the ins company a biopsy could not be done. The report uses terms like "slightly indeterminate" instead of "highly suspicious" so I'm guessing this is why they didn't mind recommending a 6 month follow up. Keep us in the loop,

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  • NitaB
    NitaB Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2019

    Thank you for the information. I only had a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram. My fainting is a simple faint so maybe laying down would help.

    I appreciate the information you have shared!

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  • NitaB
    NitaB Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2019

    I had my images and reports (including the spot magnification completed when the biopsy was attempted) reread by another radiologist with the following findings:

    There are grouped pleomorphic calcifications in the mid outer left breast, which may reflect sclerosing adenosis, however DCIS would have to be exclusded. Sterotactic biopsy is recommended.

    BI-RAD: 4c, Suspicious abnormality of moderate clinical suspicion.


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  • NitaB
    NitaB Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2019

    I had my images and reports (including the spot magnification completed when the biopsy was attempted) reread by another radiologist with the following findings:

    There are grouped pleomorphic calcifications in the mid outer left breast, which may reflect sclerosing adenosis, however DCIS would have to be exclusded. Sterotactic biopsy is recommended.

    BI-RAD: 4c, Suspicious abnormality of moderate clinical suspicion.

    I have another stereotactic biopsy scheduled and the facility uses a table.

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

    NitaB

    Good luck. Hope it goes better this time.

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  • NitaB
    NitaB Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2019

    I was able to get the biopsy completed yesterday. I went to a different radiologist and the facility utilizes a table. I was also given pre meds which must have also made a difference. The staff were very patient with me and we got through without me fainting. They really handled me well! Now just waiting for results.

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