Suspicious area Bi-rad 2 or 3: Do I advocate for a biopsy or wait?
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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@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
That’s peculiar! Anyway— good on you: Get it done! Best to you.
Anita
I also would rely on what PCP or oncologist recommends and you need to be your own advocate. Even if it is just to put your mind at ease with results from a biopsy, which - to me would provide a more definitive answer as to what "is" versus what "looks" benign. Especially since you have a family history that already exists.
I was dx Nov 21 and my dad was the only one that had any cancer - he was dx age 60 and died at 96 - it was caught very early - surgery only. I had ovarian cancer also caught very early - in my early 30's (also only surgery) - I'm 70 now. It wasn't until I was dx with TNBC that it was determined I'm BRCA2+.
Thank you
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
I had new micro calcifications on a mammogram in 2021. Was told I could biopsy or wait 6 months. I decided to biopsy. Initially biopsy said Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia. Strong family history. No BRCA gene but my oncologist suggested lumpectomy (aka partial mastectomy). Pathology upgraded me to Lobular Carcinoma in Situ. Still not cancer but it gave me a clearer understanding of my risk. Honestly I would push for the biopsy.
I just noticed that your original question was posted 7 months ago! —what did you decide to do and how did things work out for you? I hope a good outcome.
I agree that you should go ahead with what your surgeon says, and not wait.
I would advocate for biopsy given history. And yes, it’s understandable (in my opinion) that you’d feel frustrated!
You could get a second opinion from another radiologist? They are saying no biopsy because it’s a Bi-Rad 3. Due to your family history. All radiologist are not equal. The more seasoned doctors, less mistakes. Just my opinion. Prayers for you on your journey. I pray they are correct in your case and they keep a good watch on you! Hugs for you. This journey worries us all.