Have suspicious calcifications should I have the wire biopsy done. Already had the needle biopsy.

Kylez

LaurieMal said:

Thank you.
Its a surgical biopsy to take out more tissue. The stereotactic biopsy I had a week ago did not produce samples large enough to test. I guess my main concern is that because I am so small it will show. I know that sounds really bad and I should be more concerned with the results of the biopsy. You are right but can I ask if you can tell the difference after your lumpectomy and was it cancerous?

I agree with the other
I agree with the other posts, do it. You have to know.


Hugs, Kylez

swalters

Wire localization
Hi Laurie,
In 2007 I had a stereotactic biopsy for microcalcifications and they found DCIS. I then had a wire localization, ie lumpectomy or wide excision. The surgeon took out a 1" X 2" X 3" piece of tissue and left only a small dent even though I had quite small breasts to begin with.

You are correct that many women have unnecessary biopsies. At my annual mammogram last fall, they thought they saw new calcifications and after an ultrasound wanted to do 3 biopsies. I got a 2nd opinion from one of the top radiologists in the country after having a RODEO MRI which couldn't find any areas of concern. Because this dedicated breast MRI has less than a one percent false negative rate, the 2nd radiologist recommended having a followup MRI in 6 months instead of the biopsies. That MRI again was clean, so I was able to avoid 3 unnecessary biopsies.

There is not a one size fits all plan that is right for everyone. You must be comfortable with whatever you decide.

Please feel free to send me a PM if you want to talk about this more. It is very difficult making these hard decisions.

Hugs and good health,
Sandie

jk1952

swalters said:

Wire localization
Hi Laurie,
In 2007 I had a stereotactic biopsy for microcalcifications and they found DCIS. I then had a wire localization, ie lumpectomy or wide excision. The surgeon took out a 1" X 2" X 3" piece of tissue and left only a small dent even though I had quite small breasts to begin with.

You are correct that many women have unnecessary biopsies. At my annual mammogram last fall, they thought they saw new calcifications and after an ultrasound wanted to do 3 biopsies. I got a 2nd opinion from one of the top radiologists in the country after having a RODEO MRI which couldn't find any areas of concern. Because this dedicated breast MRI has less than a one percent false negative rate, the 2nd radiologist recommended having a followup MRI in 6 months instead of the biopsies. That MRI again was clean, so I was able to avoid 3 unnecessary biopsies.

There is not a one size fits all plan that is right for everyone. You must be comfortable with whatever you decide.

Please feel free to send me a PM if you want to talk about this more. It is very difficult making these hard decisions.

Hugs and good health,
Sandie

Laurie, I think that my case
Laurie, I think that my case was a lot like yours. In 2000, microcalcifications were found when I had my annual mammogram. I then had a stereotactic biopsy which was inconclusive, even after having four radiologists review the results. At that time, the surgeon felt that at worst that I may have DCIS. She recommended the wire-guided biopsy which showed DCIS but also a small amount of invasive cancer.

She recommended a second opinion from radiologists in Vanderbilt which specializes in early stage cancers. I'm telling you this to encourage you that second and third opinions can be very important in your diagnosis.

I had small breasts, and the wire-guided biopsy made only a small scar and indentation. I continued to wear a bra with no padding, and it wasn't noticable.

Of course, everyone is different, but when my doctors have recommended biopsies, I've had them done. Early detection is the key and I feel so fortunate that both of my cancers were detected so early. (I did have a recurrence last year, but I'm doing very well because it was caught so early).

Joyce

aisling8

jk1952 said:

Laurie, I think that my case
Laurie, I think that my case was a lot like yours. In 2000, microcalcifications were found when I had my annual mammogram. I then had a stereotactic biopsy which was inconclusive, even after having four radiologists review the results. At that time, the surgeon felt that at worst that I may have DCIS. She recommended the wire-guided biopsy which showed DCIS but also a small amount of invasive cancer.

She recommended a second opinion from radiologists in Vanderbilt which specializes in early stage cancers. I'm telling you this to encourage you that second and third opinions can be very important in your diagnosis.

I had small breasts, and the wire-guided biopsy made only a small scar and indentation. I continued to wear a bra with no padding, and it wasn't noticable.

Of course, everyone is different, but when my doctors have recommended biopsies, I've had them done. Early detection is the key and I feel so fortunate that both of my cancers were detected so early. (I did have a recurrence last year, but I'm doing very well because it was caught so early).

Joyce

I had this done
about 20 years ago. It was outpatient surgery, I went to the mammogram room and they fed a wire into me since the suspicious area was deep inside my breast. The surgeon cut around the nipple, a scar you can barely see today. He took out what he needed, enough to test. Turned out to be benign. Of course, 20 years later, I ended up with cancer in the same breast, but different area. That biopsy years ago was easy and I looked the same after.

Best of luck to you,
Victoria

Rague

We are all so different and only you can make your choice!
Personally - I would not be thinking abut the posibility of minor scaring - IT's your LIFE! My cancer is IBC (Inflammatory BC) and it's very aggressive so the fastest, most aggressive route was always my choice. I do realize that our 2 DX's are very different but as with everything in my life that has potential for less than good - I hit 'it' with everything possible - no what "if I'd done more" for me. If you choose not to have the biospies done and 3 mths/6 mths/3 yrs/6 mths/X yrs you develope camcer in the area - can you (and your family/loved ones) handle the "What if?"

I certainly don't know what is right for you - I can only say that for me there will be no stone left unturned in my fight with IBC. I was DX'd Aug 8 2009 and had Chemo (4 A/C), mod. rad. mast., Chemo (12 Taxol), rads and am on Femara for 5 years (10 mths done), At this time I'm riding NED (No Evidence of Disease).

Prayers for you to make the choice that is appropriate for you and yours.

Susan

disneyfan2008

LaurieMal said:

Thanks. The Wire biopsy is
Thanks. The Wire biopsy is because the calcifications are so small they put a wire through your breast and attach it the metal clip (already inserted from the needle biopsy) and tie it to that. Its the only way they can locate the calcifications to remove that tissue since they are so small they can not be seen. Thanks.

I had the metal clip-didnt' know that is what it is called
and pre surgery they did the wire locator -which I hated...I begged them to drug me up..and was told can't..like mammo and put wires in brest-just prior to surgery

Megan M

missrenee said:

Laurie--I can only give you my story
I had microcalcifications in my left breast at 5 O'clock right up against the chest wall. They could not do the stereotactic biopsy because of the location. They did a biopsy under MRI and then I had the localization wires placed right before my lumpectomy. Had to have two surgeries--for clear margins. Turned out to be Stage 3, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma with 10 positive lymph nodes. I never felt a lump or anything. In fact, a routine mammo only 3 months before was read as "normal." I am not trying to frighten you in any way, but I'd say--better safe than sorry.

Good luck to you.

Hugs, Renee

I didn't know about a wire
I didn't know about a wire biopsy. If I were you, I would have the procedure. But, you have to do what you want only.


Good luck,

Megan

joannstar

LaurieMal said:

Thanks so much. I have
Thanks so much. I have Microcalcifications too but they are small just one centimeter they say. So, what I hear you saying is that it is probably worth it to have the wire biopsy. They did a stereotactic and could not determine if they were cancerous because the samples were not large enough. Just they they are suspicious. Does the lumpectomy leave an indent? Would it require plastic surgery? I want to know from someone who has been through it rather than from a doctor's point of view. I can't find anything on line about how it may change you physically or to what degree after. Glad you made it through. Best Wishes to you.
Laurie

2 Scars but no indent
After the 2 surgeries (which were wire guided) I have 2 scars (1 from the node removal and 1 from the "lumpectomy")but no "indent". It was on my larger breast (are any of us even?) so I wasn't worried about losing a little. I was a bit worried about the scarring...my breast surgeon said that she'd make sure I could dance at the Pinky **** Cat--well, not quite, but the scar is hidden under my bra. This was my first surgery experience and I was petrified, but it all happened so fast, I just put one foot in front of the other.
My tumor size was just 1.2cm which made it Stage 1 Grade B. Originally they told me it was Stage 0 DCIS, but after the surgeries, I was reclassed as IDC (invasive).
My feeling (having just gotten married for the first time at 57) is that I will do what will give me the best chance to stay around...I'm just starting to have fun!!
Good luck to you in making your decision and don't let a little vanity get in the way of being sure you are ok.
Hugs,
JoAnn

chriskaput

yes I would
I would have the wire biopsy. If it's the only way you can be sure if it is cancerous or not, I wouldn't play around...especially when you say that they mentioned it looked "suspicious" with the needle biopsy. What doctor says it looks suspicious, is he a surgeon/breast specialist? I had the wire biopsy done before my lumpectomy. I cannot tell you if it leaves a scar because I still have the bandages on...had my second lumpectomy yesterday (for clear margins).

savvysma

Laurie Mal,
When they found
Laurie Mal,
When they found more calcifications on this mammogram than last they wanted me to come back in 6 months and I pushed to have it looked at. They also told me that since I was only 38 and microcalcifications are usually benign I didnt have much to worry about. However, I did have atleast 3xs the calcifications I had had the year before. The surgeon said a needle biopsy was not effective for microcalcifications so we did an excisional biopsy with wire localization which is the same thing I believe you are talking about. She compared it almost to a lumpectomy. It was towards the top left of my left breast and although she took out a significant size (i think it was like 4cm after it was sewed up all I could see was a little scar, the shape itself did not change for me. Mine did happen to be DCIS.
That's too bad you have had such bad experiences with your drs. I hope this will be a better. Good luck making your decision. Please keep us informed!

DianeBC

LaurieMal said:

Thanks. The Wire biopsy is
Thanks. The Wire biopsy is because the calcifications are so small they put a wire through your breast and attach it the metal clip (already inserted from the needle biopsy) and tie it to that. Its the only way they can locate the calcifications to remove that tissue since they are so small they can not be seen. Thanks.

Ok, thanks for the
Ok, thanks for the explanation Laurie. I didn't know about this. I always thought a core biopsy could be used. Good luck Laurie!

Angie2U

joannstar said:

2 Scars but no indent
After the 2 surgeries (which were wire guided) I have 2 scars (1 from the node removal and 1 from the "lumpectomy")but no "indent". It was on my larger breast (are any of us even?) so I wasn't worried about losing a little. I was a bit worried about the scarring...my breast surgeon said that she'd make sure I could dance at the Pinky **** Cat--well, not quite, but the scar is hidden under my bra. This was my first surgery experience and I was petrified, but it all happened so fast, I just put one foot in front of the other.
My tumor size was just 1.2cm which made it Stage 1 Grade B. Originally they told me it was Stage 0 DCIS, but after the surgeries, I was reclassed as IDC (invasive).
My feeling (having just gotten married for the first time at 57) is that I will do what will give me the best chance to stay around...I'm just starting to have fun!!
Good luck to you in making your decision and don't let a little vanity get in the way of being sure you are ok.
Hugs,
JoAnn

Don't you want to know if it
Don't you want to know if it is cancer or isn't? If you just ignore this, who knows what might happen.



You will make the right decision. You probably just need some time to think and research all of your options.


Sending you good luck!


Hugs, Angie

Angie2U

LaurieMal said:

Thanks Sally. That seems to
Thanks Sally. That seems to be the consistent message I am getting to have it done. Kudos to you for surviving it and fighting it. It's comforting to hear other people's points of view as opposed to just the point of view from the doctors.
Laurie

You can fight it too Laurie,
You can fight it too Laurie, but, you need to find out first if you have bc. Please think about having the test to know.

Hugs, Angie

susie09

chriskaput said:

yes I would
I would have the wire biopsy. If it's the only way you can be sure if it is cancerous or not, I wouldn't play around...especially when you say that they mentioned it looked "suspicious" with the needle biopsy. What doctor says it looks suspicious, is he a surgeon/breast specialist? I had the wire biopsy done before my lumpectomy. I cannot tell you if it leaves a scar because I still have the bandages on...had my second lumpectomy yesterday (for clear margins).

I'd have the wire biopsy
I'd have the wire biopsy done too. I would have to know if it was bc or not. I hope you think long and hard about this and make the right decision and choice for you.


Let us know.

DianeBC

Rague said:

We are all so different and only you can make your choice!
Personally - I would not be thinking abut the posibility of minor scaring - IT's your LIFE! My cancer is IBC (Inflammatory BC) and it's very aggressive so the fastest, most aggressive route was always my choice. I do realize that our 2 DX's are very different but as with everything in my life that has potential for less than good - I hit 'it' with everything possible - no what "if I'd done more" for me. If you choose not to have the biospies done and 3 mths/6 mths/3 yrs/6 mths/X yrs you develope camcer in the area - can you (and your family/loved ones) handle the "What if?"

I certainly don't know what is right for you - I can only say that for me there will be no stone left unturned in my fight with IBC. I was DX'd Aug 8 2009 and had Chemo (4 A/C), mod. rad. mast., Chemo (12 Taxol), rads and am on Femara for 5 years (10 mths done), At this time I'm riding NED (No Evidence of Disease).

Prayers for you to make the choice that is appropriate for you and yours.

Susan

Laurie, have you come to a
Laurie, have you come to a decision? Praying for you!

filimu

savvysma said:

Laurie Mal,
When they found
Laurie Mal,
When they found more calcifications on this mammogram than last they wanted me to come back in 6 months and I pushed to have it looked at. They also told me that since I was only 38 and microcalcifications are usually benign I didnt have much to worry about. However, I did have atleast 3xs the calcifications I had had the year before. The surgeon said a needle biopsy was not effective for microcalcifications so we did an excisional biopsy with wire localization which is the same thing I believe you are talking about. She compared it almost to a lumpectomy. It was towards the top left of my left breast and although she took out a significant size (i think it was like 4cm after it was sewed up all I could see was a little scar, the shape itself did not change for me. Mine did happen to be DCIS.
That's too bad you have had such bad experiences with your drs. I hope this will be a better. Good luck making your decision. Please keep us informed!

Laurie
Of course, your decision is up to you, but I believe you need to have the biopsy to determine WHAT it is...so it can be treated if necessary. Don't worry about if it leaves a dip or scar. That's what plastic surgeons are for. We've all dealt with lots of doctors, some great, some not so great, and a few that were downright not good at all...but most really care about us and have our best interests at heart. We wish you the very best and will stand with you through this process, as you make your decision and beyond...

candacemc

I just had this done!!!
I just had the wire guided biopsy perfomed after calcification crystals showed up on my first mammogram. On the film, it looked like sea salt sprinkles. Anyway, the first step was the surgical wire biopsy, it was a piece of cake. I had two microscopic tumors developing within the crystals, they were both removed and sent off to a lab. I did not even have stitches, they were so small, in the center of my breast and surgical tape was sufficient. I was healed in 4 or 5 days. The mental stress was the most difficult part, the fear! The result was Stage 0 bc and due to the amount of crystals I had, the recommendation was immediate mastectomy. I took an aggressive approach and had a double mastecomy. My lymph nodes (9 taken) were all clear and I'm now in the reconstruction phase. Late May 2010 this journey began.

PLEASE do not wait, time is not on your side. Whatever the outcome, the less time you have to manage cancer, the less options you have available- Elizabeth Edwards. (not a direct quote, but I just read this and it really stuck with me) You have to have a doctor/team that you trust. Ask for referrals, recommendations, do online research, whatever it takes to get yourself mentally in a comfortable (well, comfortable is a stretch) position to take on whatever your future holds. Knowledge is power! Also, call the American Cancer Society in your community, they have been incredible as I try to navigate my way through this confusing time.

hoop77

candacemc said:

I just had this done!!!
I just had the wire guided biopsy perfomed after calcification crystals showed up on my first mammogram. On the film, it looked like sea salt sprinkles. Anyway, the first step was the surgical wire biopsy, it was a piece of cake. I had two microscopic tumors developing within the crystals, they were both removed and sent off to a lab. I did not even have stitches, they were so small, in the center of my breast and surgical tape was sufficient. I was healed in 4 or 5 days. The mental stress was the most difficult part, the fear! The result was Stage 0 bc and due to the amount of crystals I had, the recommendation was immediate mastectomy. I took an aggressive approach and had a double mastecomy. My lymph nodes (9 taken) were all clear and I'm now in the reconstruction phase. Late May 2010 this journey began.

PLEASE do not wait, time is not on your side. Whatever the outcome, the less time you have to manage cancer, the less options you have available- Elizabeth Edwards. (not a direct quote, but I just read this and it really stuck with me) You have to have a doctor/team that you trust. Ask for referrals, recommendations, do online research, whatever it takes to get yourself mentally in a comfortable (well, comfortable is a stretch) position to take on whatever your future holds. Knowledge is power! Also, call the American Cancer Society in your community, they have been incredible as I try to navigate my way through this confusing time.

Same story here!
I had almost the same experience. Microcalcifications, stereotactic biopsy. One calcification was cancerous, Invasive Lobular. I had dense breasts so doctor ordered an MRI to get a better idea what they were dealing with. This too was inconclusive so the doc asked me what I wanted to do. Since lobular tends to migrate to the other breast, I opted for double mastectomy and he thought that was the best choice too. My tumor was tiny, only 5 mm. The surgeon said they had a hard time even finding it in the tissue! My mastectomy was May 4th and I finished reconstruction Aug 26. The whole process has been a whirlwind really. It's totally doable and frankly to not have to worry about cancer, chemo or radiation is a Godsend. I would make the same choice all over again!

Please do your research and find doctors you like. Don't let the radical options scare you. It's really not that bad and your life is more important than a couple of lumps on your chest! Best of luck in your journey!
Love,
Laura

Angie2U

savvysma said:

Laurie Mal,
When they found
Laurie Mal,
When they found more calcifications on this mammogram than last they wanted me to come back in 6 months and I pushed to have it looked at. They also told me that since I was only 38 and microcalcifications are usually benign I didnt have much to worry about. However, I did have atleast 3xs the calcifications I had had the year before. The surgeon said a needle biopsy was not effective for microcalcifications so we did an excisional biopsy with wire localization which is the same thing I believe you are talking about. She compared it almost to a lumpectomy. It was towards the top left of my left breast and although she took out a significant size (i think it was like 4cm after it was sewed up all I could see was a little scar, the shape itself did not change for me. Mine did happen to be DCIS.
That's too bad you have had such bad experiences with your drs. I hope this will be a better. Good luck making your decision. Please keep us informed!

Just wondering Laurie Mal if
Just wondering Laurie Mal if you had decided yet? I haven't seen anything else posted.


Hugs, Angie