Suspicious area Bi-rad 2 or 3: Do I advocate for a biopsy or wait?

Posted by whitney2326 @whitney2326, Nov 2, 2022

hello
i a new to this group so pardon me if i am not in the proper forum ! i am so confused by the random assortment of tests i have had an ZERO real answers. i have decided im going to have to be my own advocate. 6 months ago i went to the doctor complaining of a strange feeling in my left breast ..she ordered a diagnostic mammogram which came back with Bi-Rad 2 (which i only found out reading my own report)..no worries in her part no follow up despite my nagging feeling .. Last week I went for my annual mammogram ,got a call back for a suspicious area on the same left side of my breast ..another mammogram ,ultra sound and then mri ...still pretty inconclusive but now graded a Bi-Rd 3 ...do i have the right to push for a biopsy /have it taken out ? i have a gut feeling ..and waiting 6 more months to "watch " seems like bs to me . should i bother going to a bigger breast center rather than all these random doctors in my home town ?Bi-Rad 3 can be cancer correct ? i am of course grateful my lymph nodes are clear but does this mean that im all good ? i am meeting with a surgeon monday ...womdering hat i can say to advocate for myself .the wait and see game doesnt sound great consdering the change in 6 months . thank you or your insight

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

@mandi77

I'm not sure why it stated 7 months ago I just posted this last Saturday. I'm going to try to reach my specialists today. Thank you

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That’s peculiar! Anyway— good on you: Get it done! Best to you.
Anita

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@mandi77

Bi-Rads 3 with BRACA2 & ATM Mutation & family breast/ovarian cancer history. Second opinion advocate for a biopsy?

Hi I'm new here. I recently entered the high breast cancer risk program due to history & a small lump left breast. Background: 7 years ago in 2016 my mom diagnosed stage 4 Ovarian cancer she encouraged genetic testing. Discovered we have BRCA2 & ATM genetic mutations. I'd always had several female pain/issues so I opted for a radical hysterectomy & several ovarian & fallopian tube cysts were discovered but fully cleared with surgery. My Mom passed that same year. Since we've discovered family breast cancer hx.
Now: Mammogram & Contrast MRI ordered Dec2022. Mammo showed dense breast with irregular left breast shape. MRI showed 2-4mm mass left breast. Follow up was: Diagnostic Mammo & Ultrasound left breast- specialist said "if mass shows on either diagnostic mammo or ultrasound follow up with ultrasound guided biopsy". Those follow up diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound were this week. Mammo showed left breast irregular shape and swollen listed as unremarkable. Ultrasound: (6) different spots notated: 1 benign cyst, 2 mixed cysts, 1 probably benign mass, 2 solid hypoechoic masses 2x5x8mm possibly benign with 2 swollen lymph nodes left armpit area one was 29 mm diameter "possibly benign". BI-RADS 3. The radiologist said no biopsy needed come back in 6 months and he sent his technician to tell me this though she was pushing for a consult with him. I was completely frustrated 😞 I felt that since the tests took so long and completed at 430 on a Friday holiday weekend- the bedside manner and patient centered care was lacking. Also of course I also felt that my specialists recommendations were Not followed which stated: "If any mass shows up on mammo or ultrasound a ultrasound guided biopsy needs to be done". The radiologist recommendations instead were: "Follow up with another ultrasound and mammogram in 6 months". I feel like a second opinion and a biopsy should be warranted in this case. Obviously I am concerned and stressed and seeking peace of mind. What are anyone's thoughts out there? I would whole heartedly greatly appreciate any and all feedback! ❤ Thank you and bless you all!

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@mandi77
By any chance, did you have a Covid vaccine or booster within 2-3 months of your mammogram? My oncologist advised not to have mammogram with 2 months of mammogram as they had seen inflammation of breast tissue following that. I've added a site regarding this.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid19-vaccine-can-it-affect-your-mammogram-results

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@trixie1313

@mandi77
By any chance, did you have a Covid vaccine or booster within 2-3 months of your mammogram? My oncologist advised not to have mammogram with 2 months of mammogram as they had seen inflammation of breast tissue following that. I've added a site regarding this.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid19-vaccine-can-it-affect-your-mammogram-results

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No booster since last year. But that is a very interesting article thank you.

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Hi.

I am new to this page. I have a lot of new lumps on my breasts and had a mammogram completed. Birads 3. I feel the masses have grown and I have much discomfort near my left armpit. My nipples both appear different. One inward and one with discharge. They are suggesting 6 month follow up but I am worried.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Any advice and input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Shel

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@shelmot2023

Hi.

I am new to this page. I have a lot of new lumps on my breasts and had a mammogram completed. Birads 3. I feel the masses have grown and I have much discomfort near my left armpit. My nipples both appear different. One inward and one with discharge. They are suggesting 6 month follow up but I am worried.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Any advice and input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Shel

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I would get a second opinion. Have you requested a biopsy and been denied?

ps the discharge can also be tested....

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@shelmot2023

Hi.

I am new to this page. I have a lot of new lumps on my breasts and had a mammogram completed. Birads 3. I feel the masses have grown and I have much discomfort near my left armpit. My nipples both appear different. One inward and one with discharge. They are suggesting 6 month follow up but I am worried.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Any advice and input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Shel

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You know your body best. Is the Birad number from ultrasound?

I agree with windyshores about getting second opinion. Hopefully it’s nothing serious, but it would be go to know what these lumps are and why the changes.

Best wishes to you. Cindy

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@shelmot2023

Hi.

I am new to this page. I have a lot of new lumps on my breasts and had a mammogram completed. Birads 3. I feel the masses have grown and I have much discomfort near my left armpit. My nipples both appear different. One inward and one with discharge. They are suggesting 6 month follow up but I am worried.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Any advice and input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Shel

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@windyshores @cmdw2600 thank you. I was told a biopsy isn’t necessary. To follow up with more imaging in 6 months. My breasts are classified as extremely dense and the mammogram and ultrasound are read with “Birads 3”. These are new changes I’m experiencing. I also have breast implants and wondering if that is why they’re not suggesting a biopsy and just further imaging?

Thank you both for reaching out.

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@shelmot2023

Hi.

I am new to this page. I have a lot of new lumps on my breasts and had a mammogram completed. Birads 3. I feel the masses have grown and I have much discomfort near my left armpit. My nipples both appear different. One inward and one with discharge. They are suggesting 6 month follow up but I am worried.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Any advice and input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Shel

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Could a breast MRI show more?

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@shelmot2023

Hi.

I am new to this page. I have a lot of new lumps on my breasts and had a mammogram completed. Birads 3. I feel the masses have grown and I have much discomfort near my left armpit. My nipples both appear different. One inward and one with discharge. They are suggesting 6 month follow up but I am worried.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Any advice and input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Shel

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Hi all,

First post here! I have dense breasts, no symptoms, no family history. I'm scheduled to discuss my results with my doctor in a couple weeks but I just have questions.

My report reads:
There is a .8 cm complicated cyst versus oval circumscribed mass on the left breast at 1:00, Probably benign

There is a .9 cm complicated cyst versus oval circumscribed mass in the left breast at 3:00, Probably benign

There is a .8 cm oval circumscribed mass in the left breast at 1:00

The radiologist presented my results as "Good news!" but report makes me feel a bit anxious.

The first one listed has been there for at least 10 yrs, same size. But it used to be labeled as "simple." Why is it complicated now?
What is the last mass listed?
And what does cyst "versus oval circumscribed mass" mean??

I'm guessing these are most likely hormone related since I'm turning 45 and premenopausal, but can't help but feel a bit uneasy.
Recommended repeat mammo and ultrasound in 6 months.
Can anyone familiar with these reports shed some light? Thanks!

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@caly78

Hi all,

First post here! I have dense breasts, no symptoms, no family history. I'm scheduled to discuss my results with my doctor in a couple weeks but I just have questions.

My report reads:
There is a .8 cm complicated cyst versus oval circumscribed mass on the left breast at 1:00, Probably benign

There is a .9 cm complicated cyst versus oval circumscribed mass in the left breast at 3:00, Probably benign

There is a .8 cm oval circumscribed mass in the left breast at 1:00

The radiologist presented my results as "Good news!" but report makes me feel a bit anxious.

The first one listed has been there for at least 10 yrs, same size. But it used to be labeled as "simple." Why is it complicated now?
What is the last mass listed?
And what does cyst "versus oval circumscribed mass" mean??

I'm guessing these are most likely hormone related since I'm turning 45 and premenopausal, but can't help but feel a bit uneasy.
Recommended repeat mammo and ultrasound in 6 months.
Can anyone familiar with these reports shed some light? Thanks!

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@caly78, it can be concerning to get a pathology report before meeting with your physician. Only your doctor can interpret the results with you.
I find this clear explanation about the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System or BI-RADS from the American Cancer Society helpful.
– What is a BI-RADS assessment category? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/understanding-your-mammogram-report.html

Fellow members @katrina123 @trixie1313 @danielle0313 and others have also seen BI_RADS 3 on their pathology reports and share their thoughts with you. In the meantime, you might want to review these related discussions:
– BI-RADS 3 Question https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/birads-3-question/
- Suspicious area Bi-rad 2 or 3: Do I advocate for a biopsy or wait? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bi-rad-three-after-ultra-sound-and-mri-from-bi-rd-2-6-months-ago/

What did you learn with at your consult with your doctor?

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