QuestionQUESTION: I recently underwent a 8-gauge sterotactic core biopsy due to my abnormal mammogram, with extra views to confirm. Birads4- Findings, loosely grouped cluster of microcalcifications seen in the lower quadrant of the mid left breast. These pleomorphic calcifications appear to be associated with an ill-defined focal area of asymmetrical density. Pleomorphic calcifications were see on the prior sc. mamm performed Apr 07, however they have increeased in number realative to prior exam. Impression: interval increase in number of loosely grouped pleomorphic microcalcifications seen in the mid to posterior lower inner quadrant of the left breast with possible associated soft tissue density. Now with saying that.... I can't find anything that stated both issues or the suspected area. What in normal everyday language does this exactly mean, as to risk of having cancer or risk of having cancer sometime later in life. My paternal grandmother had left breast cancer(unknown type), at 58yrs. old , Mastectomy and eventually it spread into her bones and died at 68. I wasn't born yet, so medicine has changed greatly since then. And why did they use a larger gauge needle than the typical 11 or 14? Thank you for your time and dedication of awareness and early detection.
ANSWER: This type of calcifications MAY (NO certainty) indicate that there is a cancer there or something that is developing into a cancer. The risk of that was big enough to warrant the BIRAD 4 evaluation (high risk). What did the pathology report of this biopsy state? I need to know that in order to evaluate this further since the mammography is not enough - that is the reason why a biopsy was done! The larger needle was used in order to get as big a biopsy specimen as possible in order to secure as good a pathology evaluation as possible!
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QUESTION: I am still waiting for the results. Biopsy done 18 March. Also waiting scheduled 26 March to have a transvaginal ultrasound to rule out any endometriosis, ovarian abnormalities due to abnormal vaginal bleeding. The ultrasound and vaginal bleeding issue was scheduled prior to my annual mammogram. What are the chances that these two problems coexist as far as ovarian cancer traveling to my breasts? It just seems weird that all of a sudden I am having so many "suspicious" problems all at once.
ANSWER: Coincidences do happen and a metastase from an ovary to a breast while not impossible is not very likely. We will have to wait for your biopsy result. That is all! Please keep me posted!
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QUESTION: I just got my "pathology" report. It states: Final Diagnosis: Left breast, core biopsy. Benign Breast tissue with fibrocystic changes, microcalcifications are present in fibrotic stroma and within benign ducts.
Clinical Diagnosis and history: 43 year old female with few pleomorphic calcifications inner lower left breast s/p stereotatic core bx. Pre-Operative Diagnosis: saa Post operative diagnosis: Operative findings: saa Post operative Diagnosis; saa Gross Description: This specimen is received in formalin and labeled with the patients name , ID number and " Left Breast Core Biopsy" and consists of multiple 0.3 cm diameter core biopsies of soft yellow tissue(3.0x2.7x0.3 cm in aggregate.) The tissue has been previously divided into two parts, one unlabeled, the other labeled "Calcs" The tissue marked as "Calcs" is submitted in cassette A1, the remaining tissue is submitted in cassette A2. That's it? Not understanding why this is report seems incomplete. Do I need to get further in depth report, second opinion? I had my blood tested today per my request, Doc was reluctant because of costs, CA-125. Doc also stated to get second opinion based on my request for CA-125. Why would a doc say, benign, then turn around and say get second opinion. Thank you for your time and professional opinion.
AnswerBased on your biopsy results this was a BENIGN lesion! It has NOTHING to do with cancer! The report is not incomplete, it is a standard answer for a benign finding. No, no second opinion is necessary with such a clear cut answer. He only changed his mind due to your request. To be honest, I would have refused any CA-125 demand as unnecessary. Sorry for being so blunt and frank, no doubt it is due to my military & police background!
Again SORRY! However, as I explained to you a BIRAD 4 is NOT a certainty it is just an evaluation based on what something looks like on mammography (x-ray pictures) (or on ultrasound or MRI scans). Blood tests are of no help here! ONLY a biopsy can confirm or exclude the possibility of a cancer! So your biopsy was in this situation a necessity!
