Bi-Rad 3 Biopsy and/or surgery?????? - Cancer: Breast Message Board

gingertea · 11-20-2005, 12:10 AM

I had my diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound last week. The lump I found on the right breast is a solid mass and the radiologist classified it as probably benign. The ultrasound detected it and found it to be solid. It measured 7 x 4 x 5 mm, and could be felt by all the techs. Strangely enough it didn't show on the mammogram. Probably because I have dense breasts to begin with. They found a small cluster of 3 microcalcifications on my left breast, and took several pictures of those. The radiologist also classified those as probably benign, so both abnormalities are classified as Bi-Rad 3's. The radiologist wants a re-check in 6 months. My regular doctor wants me to keep the appointment to see the surgeon, and let her make the final determination. Is it usual to follow-up with a surgeon after getting a probably benign diagnosis? Has anybody on this board had to have a biopsy or surgery with a probably benign diagnosis? My mammogram less than a year ago was clear, so these are new abnormalities. My Mother had breast cancer at age 58, so I wonder if they are just being cautious? I am a big wimp when it comes to needles, so the thought of a biopsy gives me the creeps. Any input would be appreciated!

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 11-20-2005, 10:12 PM

Hi Gingertea,

If I were you, I would keep the appt. with the surgeon. And, I would want a biopsy, just to make me feel better about the lump and to make sure it is benign. I have heard that some go away by themselves. But, I am a big scaredy cat and would have to make for sure that it was not cancer!!! But, that is just my opinion.

And you used the word "probably" a lot. Probably - leaves something to the imagination and is not a for sure "not". Because your lump is large, I would not wait 6 months to go back. If you wait any time at all, only wait 3 mo. Do not take any chances - in case it does grow!

Take care of you. Hopefully someone that has had this before will reply.

Wannabe

gingertea · 11-21-2005, 08:20 AM

Thanks To Be Free,

I plan on keeping the appointment. "Probably" was the term used by the radiologist,
but I think all classifications of BiRad 3 are termed "probably" benign. I'll leave it to the surgeon to decide what to do. She specializes in that area, so I would guess she could tell me more after she examines everything. I just wondered if anyone with a Bi-Rad 3 rating ended up with a biopsy. The lump appeared so quickly, it took me by surprise. Then for the mammogram to find something abnormal in the other breast too, just took me by surprise.

BioAdoptMom3 · 11-21-2005, 08:42 PM

I agree that if for no other reason than for peace of mind, I would at least ask about the biopsy. I am not sure what my reading was, but a year and a half ago I had something suspicious turn up on my mammogram. The ultrasound did not resolve the issue. Even though the radiologist said my chances of cancer were less than 1 in 10, they recommended a biopsy as did my gyn. I went ahead and had it and it was not nearly as bad as I had feared it would be. I also had the results (negative as expected thank God) in two days, which was sooner than I expected. I had what is called a stereotactic core biopsy.

Let us know what you decide to do.

Nancy

dazedandconfused1 · 11-21-2005, 09:28 PM

gingertea i am kinda going through the same thing have been having mamograms and ultra sounds because of abnormal mam which said benign but seeing a breast specilest ultra sound showed solid mass in both breast the radaolgest cocerned about left breast spec concerned about right had a biopsy schelduled now im having a breast mri done in am before biopsy everthing soposed to be binign so why breast mri at a special womans place im confused also