Wait 6 months or schedule biopsy

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Aniseday
Aniseday Member Posts: 6
edited September 2019 in Waiting for Test Results

my diagnostic mammogram shows “very faint” calcifications that are probably benign. they are hard to see I guess. I was first given the option of biopsy if I was a person that would worry. then told waiting 6 months for a follow-up diagnostic mammogram was an alternative. I do have some factors that may increase my risk but no family history and the radiologist said if I was his sister he would be comfortable with a decision to wait. And if even if I chose a biopsy and it was negative I would need the 6 month follow-up anyway. I’ll be monitored for 2 years. given this I don’t think a biopsy is going to give me any peace of mind if it is negative. my impression was given the faintness a biopsy would be difficult to do one. I’m able to pickup my full reports tomorrow. is there anything I should look for to help decide? Is it too soon for a second opinion? my family is pushing for the biopsy... any advice would be a

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  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited September 2019

    When I had a diagnostic mammogram, they did an ultrasound immediately after. Only after that was a biopsy discussed with me, though I expect it was assumed by the radiologist that it would be needed. (My microcalcifications lit up like neon lights, and were patterned such that it was reasonable to expect there was a tumor or at least DCIS.) For you it sounds like there's the question of if biopsy is needed. Would it help if they did an ultrasound for more information? Do you have dense breasts that would make a mammogram less informative anyway? Those might be a couple of questions you could ask before deciding.

    Wishing you the best and peace with your decision.

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  • Aniseday
    Aniseday Member Posts: 6
    edited September 2019

    I do have “very dense” breasts. An ultrasound was done immediately after the diagnostic mammogram but was told calcifications don’t appear on an ultrasound and nothing additional was seen in it. I do worry the calcification was faint because of the density...but I’m not sure how it truly impacts things. there is just one little cluster of it though which seems to be why it is flagged for monitoring. thank you for your well wishes and your input on additional questions. I appreciate someone li

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

    Dear Aniseday,

    Welcome to the BCO community. We are glad that you reached out here. Check out this link to more links for those who have imaging questions. Let us know if we can be of help.

    The Mods

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited September 2019

    Was your mammo a 3D? 3D mammos are best for dense tissue. Maybe they could do an MRI...? You could always get another opinion. Ultimately, it's up to you. Best wishes!

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  • Aniseday
    Aniseday Member Posts: 6
    edited September 2019

    thank you for this - the links are super helpful. I see there are much more relevant places for my question. after I have the full report I’ll be able to compare the terminology used and decide what to do. this forum is so amazing. I’m grateful to have found it

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