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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

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BeBold | @bebold | May 29 5:30am
In reply to @mandi77 "Bi-Rads 3 with BRACA2 & ATM Mutation & family breast/ovarian cancer history. Second opinion advocate for..." + (show)
@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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Don't you wonder what's the big deal to put off if a simple thing like a biopsy can be so important even mentally. I told my dr, any lump is coming out. He agreed. He also told me, without ne asking "I will give you the same care I would give my mom and sister. I find out in a few hours, after being awake all nite, if the biopsy is neg or positive. I'm 70 with difficult life long preexisting auto immune issues. Taking those puppies off if positive I think.

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BeBold | @bebold | May 29 5:22am
In reply to @mglinkhart "Everyone, including the ultrasound person said this lump in my armpit was nothing even after I..." + (show)
@mglinkhart

Everyone, including the ultrasound person said this lump in my armpit was nothing even after I am 11 years out from a mastectomy and eight rounds of chemo. So I went to my pcp and he said, This is nothing but I pushed for an ultrasound again and a mamogram on the left. This ultrasound tech went and got the radiologist he said show me and it is cancer. And now after the biopsies and CT/pet scan I am stage 4 with metastasis to my lymph nodes all over my body, my bones, and several in both lobes of my liver. Just insist on the biopsy. For all your lumps. Don’t wait this disease move so quickly. I had my first ultrasound in January and my last one in July. Don’t wait.

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I am so very sorry for this. Its seems like someone needs to take responsibility at minimum. That doesn't help except that maybe many drs will never do it again. Are you on any treatment?

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sschafer70 | @sschafer70 | May 24 5:46am

I just wanted to throw this out there for those having to go through biopsy's, I had to go in for a partial mastectomy a few months back and they inserted a wire that the surgeon could follow to make sure she got the tumor...when they were doing the numbing to place the wire, the assistant started tapping on my bent elbow, hard enough that it was distracting. when the dr was giving the shots, I don't know what kind of magic it caused my body to do but it so helped with the pain. Just wanted to give others this information!

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angiemal | @angiemal | May 23 6:56am
In reply to @audreykay86 "Hello. I'm new here. Several years ago my mammogram report said I have calcifications and was..." + (show)
@audreykay86

Hello. I'm new here. Several years ago my mammogram report said I have calcifications and was given a bi-rad 2 with a cuzick rating 20% higher than normal due to personal and family history.
My mammogram this week found multiple cysts and reported bi-rad 3. In need of advice. Thanks

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I'm in a similar situation. During my scan in April, they found a nodule that was classified as BI-RADS 3. Because of my personal history with breast cancer, I had a biopsy this week. The characteristics of the nodule suggest it's benign, but due to my history, they preferred to be certain. I’m learning to get used to this process, even though it’s not the typical approach for someone without a history of breast cancer.

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audreykay86 | @audreykay86 | May 22 11:41am
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @audreykay86, did your provider order further testing?" + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @audreykay86, did your provider order further testing?

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Hello @colleenyoung . They said my left breast is fibrocystic so I need to follow up with ultrasound in 6mths. No further testing was ordered

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lynnn | @lynnn | May 22 11:06am
In reply to @audreykay86 "Hello. I'm new here. Several years ago my mammogram report said I have calcifications and was..." + (show)
@audreykay86

Hello. I'm new here. Several years ago my mammogram report said I have calcifications and was given a bi-rad 2 with a cuzick rating 20% higher than normal due to personal and family history.
My mammogram this week found multiple cysts and reported bi-rad 3. In need of advice. Thanks

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please take only medical advice although sharing similar situations is good

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 21 4:10pm
In reply to @audreykay86 "Hello. I'm new here. Several years ago my mammogram report said I have calcifications and was..." + (show)
@audreykay86

Hello. I'm new here. Several years ago my mammogram report said I have calcifications and was given a bi-rad 2 with a cuzick rating 20% higher than normal due to personal and family history.
My mammogram this week found multiple cysts and reported bi-rad 3. In need of advice. Thanks

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Hi @audreykay86, did your provider order further testing?

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1 reply
audreykay86 | @audreykay86 | May 8 1:38pm

Hello. I'm new here. Several years ago my mammogram report said I have calcifications and was given a bi-rad 2 with a cuzick rating 20% higher than normal due to personal and family history.
My mammogram this week found multiple cysts and reported bi-rad 3. In need of advice. Thanks

REPLY
3 replies
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Dec 29, 2024

@mollyandmo If this were me, and it kind of was me 20 years ago. I would request a biopsy. In my case it was a needle core biopsy. I have since had sonogram guided biopsy and it was much less painful.
I have encouraged my friends and my family in this same way. If you feel like something is wrong push for clarity. If it turns out to be nothing, that is great and you have peace of mind. If it turns out that you caught something early that is pretty great too. It is your body and your health, you might have to fight with insurance for coverage 😒.
Are comfortable talking to your primary provider?

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mollyandmo | @mollyandmo | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @auntieoakley "Bi rads 3 is an intermediate range, meaning it is probably benign but should be watched..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

Bi rads 3 is an intermediate range, meaning it is probably benign but should be watched until it resolves or changes. I would try to have an open discussion with my provider about this and seek any clarification possible, rather than making myself crazy about it. I tend to get really nervous about “wait and see”.
Do you have any extenuating situations like genetic issues or family history that would make you a more likely candidate for breast cancer?

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Yes they say ovarian cancer is associated with breast cancer,my sister had ovarian cancer ..also the lesions were found only in my left breast and clustered …so that’s why I’m a bit nervous to wait a year for a follow up

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