How do I make sense of my biopsy results?

Hi @casa, I love and don't love getting test results as soon as they are uploaded to my patient record. I'm a fan of having access to my medical records. But that said, it can be anxiety producing to see results before being able to discuss them with my doctor. They are the ones who can put together the information of multiple tests and determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. Often, it takes multiple test reports (for example, biopsy along with imaging studies and blood tests) to arrive at a qualified diagnosis.

Have you had an appointment to review the results of your pathology report with your oncologist?

Thank you for this response. I have an appointment with the surgeon next week. But yes I read the results and do research I probably shouldn’t be doing and my imagination runs wild. It’s been a long ordeal I’ve been dealing with this since September many test biopsies appointment to get drug out. Just been very frustrating. I am voice texting and really unable to proofread I hope it comes out OK

@casa

Colleen is right about everyone wanting to have results fast, but then not knowing what results means causes anxiety. GOOGLE is your friend and enemy. Do not get ahead of yourself.

My suggestion:
- write down your questions
- bring someone with you to appointment if possible. I went by myself, but when my sister met with breast specialist, I went with her for support and to make sure she got her questions answered.
- I let the provider go through results and what will happens next
- Then, before appointment is done, I looked through my questions to make sure all my questions were answered.

Laurie

I honestly have never been able to just/only rely on a doctor for information and advice. For me, my kids or my elderly mother. When I was diagnosed I got 4 opinions. We cannot be passive in this process unfortunately. I suggest a good, basic book like the Mayo Clinic's own book on breast cancer. If you google, only google what you already know you have, not what you might have, and don't google possibilities in advance. But your own research will be invaluable.

I always look at my reports on line prior to doctors appointment that way I can be prepared and ask questions. The one question I have been asking lately is whether my doctor goes by the report or if he actually looks at the scan. One doctor told me they just read the report and one said they always check the scan just to make sure nothing was missed, I am much happier with that response since one of my cancers was overlooked.

Greetings @casa. As others have said,
(1) your doctor should go over your results in detail with you and answer all your questions.
(2) a second opinion is always a good idea.
(3) In addition, I also found the following guide to reading your pathology report helpful.
https://www.breastcancer.org/cms_files/47/Breastcancerorg_Pathology_Report_Guide_2014.pdf

Additional note: when the doctor goes over my results with me, I ask them to go over the narrative in detail (with my questions ready or after). However, I also ask them to bring up any images and show me what the narrative is referring to. I have found this very helpful in having a full understanding.

My experience:
In 2010, I had an atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH). I was told at that time that it is not cancer, but is a possible marker/indicator for a future breast cancer. It increased my risk factor, and I was put in the high risk program, whereby I had a Mammogram as well as an MRI… alternating every six months. At that time, they did also remove the ALH. Last Feb 2021, 11 years later, I did get breast cancer. It was caught very early - thanks to being in the high-risk program. My prognosis is excellent. You may never get breast cancer… But this may be your opportunity to get into a high risk program, where you are screened every six months. Again, your best advice is from your doctor, but I share my experience just as food for thought. Happy to answer any further questions. Blessings to you.

I am trying to understand, after a core biopsy of 5 samples, on a .6 mm lesion, found 1 month and a half after a normal mammogram… Then an ultrasound states, low colour flow. Then the results come back as small yellow/white fatty/tissue, yet my doctor feels there could be cancer cells in this lesion. I get very nervous as this lump that is near my right nipple can suddenly appear? After I had a negative mammogram, how does something appear so suddenly??? Now even tho my one cancer Dr tells me it’s remote that this is cancer, another one says they are concerned there are cancer cells there, and I am naturally concerned. My one Dr told me not to worry. I will have a breast MRI on May 12th and then follow up with my Dr. a week later. I am going to worry, this seems unusual to me. My Dr said, if it is still palpable they will remove it. I have markers in there to keep a measure on this lump. Has anyone else experienced something like this?

@calygirl84, that must be very worrying. But diagnosis or ruling out cancer takes several steps. It's not easy to stay calm through it all.

I moved your message to this existing discussion
- How do I make sense of my biopsy results? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/biopsy-results/

I suggest scrolling through the messages @casa got from fellow members when she, like you, was concerned about biopsy results. See the posts from @kk57 @auntieoakley @roch @windyshores and others.

Caly, May is a while to wait for the next test. What do you do to keep you mind calm?