How can a biopsy be benign then MRI disagrees?

That is just a crazy making scenario. Try not to make yourself crazy with “what if’s “ . Being well informed is good but you can really make your head spin trying to read everything. It is hard for me to think of this happening to you.
I had a negative needle core and a negative mammogram, but the surgeon didn’t like it and it was too obvious to not be something that shouldn’t be there. We agreed on an excision biopsy, since I was in my 30s I believe that swayed his guidance because if it was cancer, it would tend to be more aggressive.
When are scheduled for your next appointment or biopsy? What puts you in a high risk category?

I like the idea of seeing my results of radiology procedures reports online, but it usually causes more questions or confusion. The mixed messages you are receiving definitely cause anxiety.

Curious why you are seeing a surgeon, has the decision to have surgery already been made. When I went thru cancer diagnosis, I did not see surgeon till all tests were done and decision to have mass removed done. During the test / diagnosis portion, I worked with the primary doctor and then a specialist in Breast Clinic.

Have you asked about genetic testing, or maybe you have and that is why you are high risk.

Like Chris asked, do you have a follow up appointment to review all results and options?

Do not get ahead of yourself, wait for all results and appointment to explain.

Stay strong
Laurie

Hi,
Thank you both for responding. So my family history, mom had breast cancer 3 times - ended up bilateral mastectomy. 2 aunts had it twice. I had a needle core biopsy 5 years ago, which was negative.

Early January this year I was due for my annual mammo, but incidentally found a lump in right breast. Mammo of both sides done the US of right. Then US guided biopsy of right which 4 weeks ago was negative. Also, left breast showed a stable mass at 1 o’clock. Biopsy was negative and recommendations were to have mammo in 6 months - bilateral. Because of my family history I am considered high risk, so the surgeon/breast specialist ordered MRI to establish a baseline, which was done in 2/18.

Last week I received a call from GYN stating that the radiologist has recommended right side breast mass to be excised, and left side to have an MRI guided biopsy. We will do biopsy first to determine what it is, and if it’s “something” it will be a bilateral lumpectomy.

Today, now as I type this, I am on my way to meet with another breast specialist/surgeon to get another opinion as to what is going on and overall her expert opinion. Also, I am scheduled for more genetic testing. I had brca 1 and 2, 5 years ago which was negative. Apparently there are more breast genetics to test for these days.

I’m trying to be at ease right now because my MRI guided biopsy is not scheduled until March 18, which seems like an eternity away, but I’m trying to not think about it. I came here to talk about with others who can relate to the anxiety that comes with this territory. Thanks so much for your support.

Congratulation on being proactive with 2nd opinion and additional genetic testing ! You are definitely doing the next right thing.

I had genetic testing when first diagnosed 4 years ago, and nothing indicated genetic reason for cancer. Since then another sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. That makes 3 out of 4 girls in family having breast cancer. More then a coincidence? I might ask oncologist for another genetic test, they find more cancer markers every year.

My biopsy showed ER+ PR+ HER- tumor and one lymph node biopsy also was positive prior to surgery. I was not consider high risk for re-occurrence so had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation.

Keep moving forward and find ways to stay calm (easier said then done).

FYI, even though you do not know if have cancer, there is a webinar on Wed about Cancer and Stress. If can not attend, they usually record and make available within few days.

Here is information:

Cancer Stress Management
Wed, Mar 2
1:00pm to 2:00pm CT
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/cancer-stress-management/

Laurie

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on the left side in July of 2021 and had an ultrasound-guided biopsy, which was positive. I had genetic counseling, which showed nothing of concern. I had an MRI showing suspicious nodules, which were then biopsied using MRI guidance but were negative. It was extremely stressful, to say the least. I had a lumpectomy and also had two axillary nodes biopsied - those were negative, but the tumor in the breast was ER+ so was considered lower risk and only had to do three rounds of proton beam therapy. I was then initiated on Anastrozole, which I failed. It put me back to a premenopausal state after being postmenopausal for four years. That was rather distasteful, to say the least. I also gained weight, which causes more estrogen production. I still don't understand why we are given a medication that would do that. I'm off all meds now, awaiting my six-month post-radiation mammogram. Also doing bloods this week to look at estrogen levels among other things. It seems to be a never-ending process....

Thank you for this link!! Also, thank you for your kind words. I’m sorry to hear of your struggles with breast cancer, as well as your sisters. I also have 3 sisters and none of them have ever had any breast issues. Interestingly, they all have the same father and I have a different father, but we share the same mother. It makes me wonder if this is actually coming from the fathers side or did it skip multiple generations? My sisters are 12-16 years older than me also. Very interesting.

I am so thankful I did the second opinion. She was very thorough and attentive, an excellent listener. She answered all of my questions and then some. From March 18. The day of the biopsy I know exactly what to expect from the results to pre op to COVID test to surgery to follow up as well as the next generation genetic testing. I will be switching to my 2nd opinion surgeon for sure!!!

I’m hoping to share this journey and pray for good results!! She says it can go either way but thinking it’s benign.

Char

It's very intriguing to me that you mentioned the genetics from your father's side. My paternal grandmother died of breast cancer, and she's the only other one in the family who had breast cancer, besides me. I have two older sisters (8 and 10 years older), and they haven't had any hint of breast cancer. It sure is strange. However, I attribute mine to my use of oral contraceptives as that is my only guess. We may never know, but I suppose it's human nature to wonder and want answers to prevent further occurrences.

Ah! "Me too" Dee (and others). My paternal grandmother died of breast cancer, back in the day when the only treatment was radical mastectomy and hope for the best. My father had prostate cancer, well controlled until he died of Alzheimer's at 82. I attribute mine to the insatiable habit of drinking cow's milk, a habit I started at age 30 (now 71)...the real thing, cream on the top and most probably loaded with hormones. I still do drink a lot of milk, but this time around it's 1% and only organic. I also own a welding shop, and spent at least 20 years in there using chemicals without masking or proper skin protection. I think it's natural to ask "why" Thank goodness for testing beyond the routine mammogram, however. By the time I went to surgery, they had a pretty good idea of what they were going for. For sure, the diagnostic journey is the most stressful, relieved only by prospects of an actual treatment plan. And btw, second opinions are always a good idea, no matter what part of the journey you're on.