Birads 4 Suspicious

According to the ACR BI-RADS US lexicon, breast lesions of category 4 have a 3–94% probability of malignancy and were subcategorized into 4a, 4b and 4c. Category 4a lesions have a 3–10% probability of malignancy, category 4b 11–50%, and category 4c 51–94%. This means, BI-RADS category 4 lesions are associated with a highly variable rate of breast cancer, and with a high rate of benign (61.2%) (2), which might result in a high rate of unnecessary biopsy.

Thank you Katrina. Thank you for the rates. I don’t know what “suspicious” falls under, a , b, or c. It was not indicated. But the high variability rate of malignant vs benign is a little comforting.

Hello @nemo1 - I would like to welcome you to the Breast Cancer blog! I can imagine your anxiety at this moment; I am glad that @katrina123 was able to address some of your questions quickly.
This is a safe place to ask questions and vent your feelings. We are not doctors, but most of us have gone through similar experiences and can truly understand. We value one another; therefore, there are no stupid questions or feelings. If you have a question or feeling, they are also very important to us!

Can I ask when you had your mammogram and ultrasound and when you will have the biopsy?
You asked how long it would take to get the biopsy results. It all depends on the lab. Generally, it takes about 5 working days for most labs; but again, it will depend on the lab. I don't know where you are located, but for instance, some of our friends in Canada generally experience a longer time for appointments and results.

@nemo1 - You don't have a diagnosis yet. We'll pray for everything to be resolved quickly with an "all clear" diagnosis! Should that not be the case, we will be ready to support you.

HUGS!

D.

I'm going in for my second surgery on Monday this time they're taking the whole right boob not sure how I feel about this whole thing

Hi Dee 🙂

Thank you for the welcome. I wasn’t sure if I should post without a diagnosis, but was so stressed about it, I did. Thanks too for saying there are no stupid questions or feelings. You put me at ease.

I had the initial mammogram 1/8 then scheduled the follow up additional views mammogram and sonogram on 1/24 and scheduled the biopsy for 1/30. I am not used to having to wait in between. Then again, I didn’t go to the main hospital for any of this as I had in the past. I typically go to the same place, but this time wanted to go where convenient. Fortunately all records were in system so that saved me.

I saw what my mom went through at 74 with breast cancer. I find myself jumping ahead at times. I know I shouldn’t think of “what if” scenarios. I think of if it was so, I don’t know if my liver would tolerate meds. Anyway, thats a worrisome feeling. Even though I know I should not jump to conclusions, the mind automatically goes there. I keep having to reel myself back in to be mindful and take one day as it comes. Repeatedly.

Again, thank you!

Dear @nemo1, I am happy you feel welcome and free to ask questions or vent. It's very important to do so!
You know, I was "YOU" not so long ago! I can assure you that most of us understand. Sure, you don't have a diagnosis yet, but the fear of the "C" word is there. The memories of what your mom went through are there, too. What you are experiencing is perfectly normal.

Trying some meditation, relaxation exercises, walking, or talking to someone are all useful techniques to try to keep anxiety at bay. However, I believe the first step is to give yourself "permission" to feel anxious and concerned. You have all the right to feel that way.
Once you do, you may feel freer to address those emotions in other ways, such as reading, doing some meditation, or going for a walk. Don't be hard on yourself.
.
I have noticed there is some significant history of breast cancer in your family. Any other types of cancers? And you? Has anyone in your family been genetically tested? I don't mean using 23&me, but genetic tests that would investigate the presence of Hereditary Genetic Variants potentially tied to cancers.

You mention your liver. Is there a problem?

About going to the hospital, that was more convenient - You certainly were not expecting to receive these findings. It made perfect sense to go there. How far are you from the main hospital? Going forward, perhaps you may want to use the Main hospital campus, regardless of the diagnosis you will receive this time.

Keep on chatting with us!

HUGS!!

D

Hello @cbrenda1959. Is this your first time on this/other blogs? I am sorry to know you are going for a mastectomy in just a few days. It is probably a time filled with anxiety and uncertainties. How can we help?
You are welcome to share more information, if you would like. For instance, can you share your diagnosis and the reason for your second surgery? Have you had an opportunity to discuss your medical situation at length with your surgeon or other doctors?
You mention you don't know how you feel about this whole thing. Can you tell us some of your thoughts on having this surgery?

HUGS to you, Brenda!!

D.

My mom had a rare cancer. I have the specifics written down, where I’m not sure… I don’t know what type breast cancer my grandmother and g. Grandmother had, only that they had and survived it. No other cancers in the family that I am aware of. None in me. A surgeon a number of years ago suggested I go for the testing. He assumed I had insurance coverage for it. I never did.

I have a genetic liver disease. Alpha 1 anti-tripsin deficiency. So, I have a very fatty liver. I am to have MRI’s every year looking for liver cancer and any other problems, a special ultrasound routinely. I have a hepatologist who is following me. I’m due for the ultrasound and a follow up.
My blood tests are also done to monitor it.
So, with all that, I know if anything happens whatever therapy I would need would have to be cleared by the hepatologist. I’m concerned about the liver. Can’t live with cancer and cant live without the liver.

So, I’m sorry for writing so much about the liver, but it’s also a worry.

Oh yes. If I need anything done beyond biopsy it will be at main hospital. If it were like my moms cancer, I’d consider going to her doctor. He was wonderful.

I’m getting ahead of myself (as usual). I really appreciate your support and understanding.

Thanks for the valuable insights and suggestions.

I forgot to mention my paternal grandmother had a double mastectomy years ago. I think she was in her 50s when she had hers.

Hi, @nemo1 - I am sure you feel overwhelmed by all that is going on right now. It's perfectly normal; anyone would. We got you!

Thanks for the information about your Alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency (AATD). I now fully understand your concerns! Can I ask your age, and if you ever thought of a liver transplant?

It's perfectly fine to plan your next steps, in the event your biopsy is positive for breast cancer. You are NOT getting ahead of yourself. It helps you to prepare mentally, and to some extent, it alleviates your anxiety.
We are all different in many respects, YOU need to be YOU. If planning makes you less anxious, do plan. Thinking about what you will do if you need to talk to a surgeon is fine. Knowing where you will go to find the best resources, is fine.

About Genetic Testing: You don't need to spend a lot of money, even without insurance. There are excellent companies (used by hospitals and surgeons) that offer genetic studies at very affordable costs.
These companies offer a Genetic Counselor to patients who do not have one. The counselor will interview the patient (by phone) and will recommend the appropriate series of tests. When the results are ready, a genetic counselor helps the patient understand the results.

Let me know if you want more information about Genetic Companies.

HUGS!

D.