What type of doctor should do an ultrasound guided biopsy?

Options
Kel25
Kel25 Member Posts: 25
edited March 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hello everyone,

I have a strong family history of breast as well as other cancers. At 35 I had my first mammogram, was told I have very dense breasts. I had my annual mammogram 2 weeks ago and received a call back due to calcifications. I went in today for diagnostic mammogram. Technician took magnified views and I waited on radiologist to read. Technician came back and said more pictures were needed, again more pictures and I waited on radiologist to read.

Technician then came back again and said I needed an Ultrasound. I asked why do they need ultrasound, if they are looking at calcifications. I told her that I read that an ultrasound does not show much about calcifications. She said there is a new area of concern that was seen on today's mammogram as well as the calcifications.

Radiologist reviewed ultrasound and said I needed to have a ultrasound guided biopsy. I asked who would perform the procedure and was told the radiologist.

I asked is that normal procedure and was told yes.

Is a radiologist the best doctor to perform this type of biopsy?

Thanks for anyone that gives their input.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited March 2020

    Yes, a Radiologist is the right doctor to do an ultrasound guided biopsy. This is what they are trained to do and what they do every day. Some breast surgeons do them as well, but breast surgeons are trained in surgery and likely do many fewer needle biopsies than a radiologist,

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited March 2020

    there are different types of radiologists.

    Interventional radiology does things like this.

    Other radiologist specialize in interpreting scans (they're diagnostic radiologists) and others still plan out radiation treatments.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HeartShapedBox
    HeartShapedBox Member Posts: 172
    edited March 2020

    A radiologist is the norm, and there are ones highly skilled to do so. And to address "why was an ultrasound needed if I had a mammogram?" the answer is your dense breasts. A mammogram is good at showing calcifications, but is NOT good a differentiating abnormal dense tissue in already dense breasts, whereas an ultrasound is. An ultrasound shows more and also is able to assess axillary lymph nodes and vascular activity in the lump, but even though it's a better diagnostic tool, it costs quite a bit more, so insurance typically requires a mammogram to be done first.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited March 2020

    Kel25

    The US is to determine if the calcification are in a mass, in a duct, or in the fibroglandular tissue. This information helps in determining if they represent a malignant or a benign process.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited March 2020

    Definitely a radiologist, though some breast surgeons do that as well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kel25
    Kel25 Member Posts: 25
    edited March 2020

    Thank you to everyone that gave their input. I just want to make sure the correct Dr. is performing the biopsy.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories