Breast Biopsy

oldbeauty
oldbeauty Member Posts: 379 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

Hello friends. I ususally post on the Uterine Cancer board; I am finishing chemo for my second recurrence of endometroid adenocarcinoma (nodules in the lung).  I had screening and diagnostic mammograms in the last several days and the result of yesterday's 3D imagining and ultrasound was a conclusion that I should have a non-surgical stereotactic-guided needle biopsy of tissue containing many more calcifications than last seen in 2015.  I haven't yet spoken to my gyne oncologist about his view; I will see him tomorrow before my final chemo treatment (which is going okay; the lung nodules have been shrinking or disappearing from CT view, but there is a new unknown--a small soft tissue lesion in my right groin area--that we were going to check out when I have a post-chemo PET/CT in late September).

My question is, what is your collected wisdom?  Is this something a breast surgeon should do?  My cancer hospital breast cancer has set me up with a board-certified diagnostic radiologist for the procedure.  I would not consent to anything more than a biopsy at this point until I know where I am with the endometrial cancer.  The radiologist yesterday told me there are no masses in the breasts and if this does turn out to be cancer, it is early stage and likely would be treated with lumpectomy and radiation.  So, based on your collective histories and experiences, how do you ladies recommend I proceed to obtain a reliable biopsy?  Thanks for any insight.  Best wishes, Oldbeauty

Comments

  • Elaine_wi
    Elaine_wi Member Posts: 124 Member
    #2
    biopsy

    I had a routine mammogram through the hospital that my primary care physician is associated with. I later switched all my cancer-related medical care to a cancer center that a relative recommended. I had another biopsy in the other breast and more imaging. When I got to the point of needing a surgeon I got more particular about who I chose.

    Remember you can always take the results of your biopsy to another team of medical professionals for a second, even third, opinion. I wish you the best Old Beauty!

  • oldbeauty
    oldbeauty Member Posts: 379 Member
    edited August 2017 #3
    Elaine_wi said:

    biopsy

    I had a routine mammogram through the hospital that my primary care physician is associated with. I later switched all my cancer-related medical care to a cancer center that a relative recommended. I had another biopsy in the other breast and more imaging. When I got to the point of needing a surgeon I got more particular about who I chose.

    Remember you can always take the results of your biopsy to another team of medical professionals for a second, even third, opinion. I wish you the best Old Beauty!

    Thanks

    Elaine, thanks for your input.  The breast cancer center folks called today and, in response to my question, said this is an appropriate procedure because the calcifications are not visible to the naked eye for a surgeon.  Well, I guess that's true as far as it goes.  If it comes to surgery, the surgeon also won't be able to see anything except for the titanium marker the radiologist will leave behind in the area from which the tissue was collected.  So, I guess I will just take this a step at a time like you suggested and go with the procedure suggested and take it from there.  Thanks again for your well-wishes.  Regards, Oldbeauty

  • Elaine_wi
    Elaine_wi Member Posts: 124 Member
    edited August 2017 #4
    Biopsy

    A biopsy is just a tiny sample taken with a needle. They numbed the area first so I didn't feel a thing. It is not visible to the eye. The radiologist uses either ultrasound or an MRI to guide him to the area. Really just a simple procedure. Don't worry.

  • Beepositive
    Beepositive Member Posts: 259 Member
    #5
    oldbeauty said:

    Thanks

    Elaine, thanks for your input.  The breast cancer center folks called today and, in response to my question, said this is an appropriate procedure because the calcifications are not visible to the naked eye for a surgeon.  Well, I guess that's true as far as it goes.  If it comes to surgery, the surgeon also won't be able to see anything except for the titanium marker the radiologist will leave behind in the area from which the tissue was collected.  So, I guess I will just take this a step at a time like you suggested and go with the procedure suggested and take it from there.  Thanks again for your well-wishes.  Regards, Oldbeauty

    PRAYERS AND MUCH SUCCESS FOR YOU!

    hello Oldbeauty, thinking if you..Good luck with everything..you will be fine !

    beepositiveSmile

  • oldbeauty
    oldbeauty Member Posts: 379 Member
    #6
    Thanks All

    Leaving soon for procedure.  I am going to ask what exactly the pathology involves.  I.e., is it just staining tissues and looking at slides with the microscope, or do they take the tissue for analysis like hormone receptor status or cancer marker analysis.  I suspect it is just microscope work.  Tissue analysis would probably be the product of a lumpectomy if I need one.  Thanks again for your encouragement.  I am really hoping this is a false flag.  I did not have my final chemo for the endometrial cancer recurrence bc my onc did not want to compromise my immune system with the chemo drugs for fear I'd get an infection from the biopsy that would not o/w occur.  I will do that chemo next week and then wait for these results and do a PET/CT in September.  Hope to enjoy a vacation in the meantime.  Your board is very informative.  Thank you for allowing me in. Best wishes, Oldbeauty

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