Is A Biopsy Required When A Possible Subtle Architectural Change In My Left Breast Is Viewed In A Mammogram?
Question: Hi-
I'm a 49 year old woman in menopause, and I just had my annual mammogram last week which showed a possible subtle architectural change in my left breast from the previous one year ago. I was sent for follow up diagnostic mammo, which also showed the area and give a BiRads 4. The area does not show any mass, and a subsequent ultrasound did not correlate with this area (did not show anything), giving me a BiRads 3 rating. The radiologist is recommending an MRI scan next, then biopsy if the MR is positive. My mother had breast cancer in her late fifties. I had some sort of deep tissue injury to my chest back in March that was close to this area (from lifting, coughing for a month,...I care for a disabled child who weighs 80 lbs presently). I met with one surgeon who recommended a biopsy first. I am waiting for another opinion in a few weeks time. the location of the area in my left breast is between the chest wall and back of the breast (deep), and I'm concerned about the biopsy equipment piercing my chest wall. I have very small breasts and don't see how they can put such a large needle in or find the spot without it appearing on ultrasound.
What would you recommend?
I'm a 49 year old woman in menopause, and I just had my annual mammogram last week which showed a possible subtle architectural change in my left breast from the previous one year ago. I was sent for follow up diagnostic mammo, which also showed the area and give a BiRads 4. The area does not show any mass, and a subsequent ultrasound did not correlate with this area (did not show anything), giving me a BiRads 3 rating. The radiologist is recommending an MRI scan next, then biopsy if the MR is positive. My mother had breast cancer in her late fifties. I had some sort of deep tissue injury to my chest back in March that was close to this area (from lifting, coughing for a month,...I care for a disabled child who weighs 80 lbs presently). I met with one surgeon who recommended a biopsy first. I am waiting for another opinion in a few weeks time. the location of the area in my left breast is between the chest wall and back of the breast (deep), and I'm concerned about the biopsy equipment piercing my chest wall. I have very small breasts and don't see how they can put such a large needle in or find the spot without it appearing on ultrasound.
What would you recommend?
Brief Answer:
USG guided biopsy will be better
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
After going through your history I would advise you to ultrasonography-guided biopsy first from your left breast to rule out breast malignancy.
If biopsy comes out as positive then you have to go for surgery.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Dr. Monish De
Oncologist
USG guided biopsy will be better
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
After going through your history I would advise you to ultrasonography-guided biopsy first from your left breast to rule out breast malignancy.
If biopsy comes out as positive then you have to go for surgery.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Dr. Monish De
Oncologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for your reply. If the ultrasound I had doesn't correlate with or show the area of concern on the mammogram, then how would they be able to find it in an ultrasound guided biopsy?
Brief Answer:
Biopsy is a must
Detailed Answer:
Hi
If ultrasound of breast is not detecting any areas of concern then you have to go for CT guided biopsy.
Regards
Dr Monish De
Oncologist
Biopsy is a must
Detailed Answer:
Hi
If ultrasound of breast is not detecting any areas of concern then you have to go for CT guided biopsy.
Regards
Dr Monish De
Oncologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Yes, but is it helpful for the doctor to have an MRI prior to the biopsy? I am in a waiting mode to see the preferred surgeon in three weeks' time....
Brief Answer:
CT scan detects space occupying lesion more accurately
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
In order to do the biopsy the exact site of any space occupying lesion must be found out for which CT scan is required. It detects any malignant lesion and its exact position better than MRI
Regards
Dr Monish De
Oncologist
CT scan detects space occupying lesion more accurately
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
In order to do the biopsy the exact site of any space occupying lesion must be found out for which CT scan is required. It detects any malignant lesion and its exact position better than MRI
Regards
Dr Monish De
Oncologist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee