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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@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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@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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