Tissue Markers

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Graceface
Graceface Member Posts: 10
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I recently had a stereotactic biopsy and a small titanium tissue marker was placed in my breast to identify the calcification area. Next, I had an excisional biopsy done with wire guided placement.  After the excisional bisopsy, the surgeon notified me that the tissue marker was not removed with the tissue that she had removed, confirmed upon x-ray. Apparently the tissue marker migrated so far that it was no where to be found. Is this common, to have this tissue marker just sitting in your breast, probably for the rest of your life?  I was informed that it's no big deal. Any harm?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2008

    Grace--they told me the marker could remain in place indefinitely without a problem.  Mine was removed during my lumpectomy.

    Anne

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited July 2008

    I think usually they put in titanium markers now.  Titanium is a non-ferrous metal, so is usually considered compatable with MRIs, if that is ever needed in the future.  Many people have titanium implants in their bones.

    Like Anne, I was told they would remain there.  If it posed some sort of problem, they could easily take it out.  They should show up on Xrays.

    I recently found out I have part of a sewing machine needle in my finger that has been there since a sewing machine accident about 40 years ago.  I've had an MRI since and it posed no problem. I'm sure the sewing machine needle was not titanium.

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  • snoopygirl
    snoopygirl Member Posts: 15
    edited July 2008

     The exact same thing happened to me Wednesday. My surgeon told me not to worry about it.

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  • snowyday
    snowyday Member Posts: 1,478
    edited July 2008

    Hi snoopygirl, so much for CSI shows where they show metal objects flying out of people who have MRI's or is it Cat Scan.  Wow makes you really wonder what your body can carry around for years without realizing it. 

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited July 2008

    I read one MRI safety article that said that many times if the metal object in in your trunk or extremities, you can often have an MRI if your surgery was more than 2 months or so ago.  Some places in your body never form scar tissue, like your eyes.

    Some people carry shrapnel in their body; some have metal rods in their bones and don't ever have them removed.  It probably depends on what and where it is.

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited July 2008

    I have a metal rod in my back to support my curvature of the spine. it was put in in 1971. I have not had any MRI's done but the doctors say that it won't be a problem if I need one. I can go through the metal dectors at the airports and it doesn't go off.

    Sheila

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  • motherofbride1
    motherofbride1 Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2008

    Hi All,

    I had an ultra sound guided core breast biopsy done yesterday...the radiologist put in a titanium marker....my fear is that he put it there because he could tell that something was "bad" and it would be a marker for my breast surgeon....I have talked with other people and they did NOT have a marker put in when they had biopsy's....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2008

    motherofthebride--it's pretty standard now to have a clip inserted during the biopsy---having one put in doesn't mean it's necessarily "bad" news---they put it there for future reference so they can find the area more easily on mammos.  If you have to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy, then it is removed, but otherwise it can remain indefintiely without a problem.

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  • motherofbride1
    motherofbride1 Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2008

    Thanks AWB.....I'm hoping/not hoping that I get my results tomorrow....what if it's bad and I can't do anything until next week (then I have to go all weekend worrying about what is going to happen.....at least now I have the luxury of thinking that it might not be anything (but if it's nothing then I'll ease my worries quicker if I find out tomorrow)....isn't that stupid....my emotions are jumping all over the place.....I sure am glad that you all are around so that I can vent...my husband has the theory that what will be will be....good way to be when it's not you......I'll report back tomorrow....maybe before then to let go of some of my tension.....thanks, Sarah

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