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MRI finding: Why do the ultrasound before biopsy?

Posted by debdeb1 @debdeb1, Nov 16, 2025

I was dx last year with breast cancer in right breast and went through treatment. Mammogram in Spring was good but doctor recommended MRI in Fall. October did MRI and said 4a finding of 7mm oval in left breast and recommended biopsy. My doctor said ultrasound first which seemed strange but had Friday and that doctor said ultrasound showed nothing which was good but said now will now recommend biospy from MRI. Does any of this make sense? Why do the ultrasound if just going do biopsy recommended in first place. My doctor hasn't even looked at results yet. Very frustrated as now more waiting . Has anyone else had this happen?

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mswendeu | @mswendeu | Dec 6, 2025

My story is a little different I had my yearly mammogram and ultrasound on 11/07. Was recommended to do a biopsy. After calling the breast clinic they referred me to a few times with no return call. I called Roswell Park which is the cancer hospital here in WNY. I got an appointment for 12/10 but, they are redoing the scans I just had done first. So, mammogram, ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy in that order. Is this like a second opinion?

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mswendeu | @mswendeu | Dec 12, 2025
In reply to @mswendeu "My story is a little different I had my yearly mammogram and ultrasound on 11/07. Was..." + (show)
Profile picture for mswendeu @mswendeu

My story is a little different I had my yearly mammogram and ultrasound on 11/07. Was recommended to do a biopsy. After calling the breast clinic they referred me to a few times with no return call. I called Roswell Park which is the cancer hospital here in WNY. I got an appointment for 12/10 but, they are redoing the scans I just had done first. So, mammogram, ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy in that order. Is this like a second opinion?

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@mswendeu
The answer to my own question is yes, they did it like I asked for a second opinion which I did not. They decided based on their mammogram pictures and ultrasound that I in fact did not need a biopsy. Now I am worried because I didn't ask for a second opinion and what if they are wrong? Don't get me wrong I would love for it to truly be benign but, I feel short changed that they didn't do the biopsy to be absolutely positive.

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Dec 13, 2025
In reply to @mswendeu "@mswendeu The answer to my own question is yes, they did it like I asked for..." + (show)
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@mswendeu
The answer to my own question is yes, they did it like I asked for a second opinion which I did not. They decided based on their mammogram pictures and ultrasound that I in fact did not need a biopsy. Now I am worried because I didn't ask for a second opinion and what if they are wrong? Don't get me wrong I would love for it to truly be benign but, I feel short changed that they didn't do the biopsy to be absolutely positive.

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@mswendeu , do you have a primary care provider that you can reach out to? They may be able to help navigate the situation;
another set of eyes on the scans,
a doctor reaching out to the team asking for a biopsy,
or just reassurance that a biopsy isn’t needed at this time.
Did they recommend follow up scans, maybe in six months?

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mswendeu | @mswendeu | Dec 13, 2025
In reply to @lls8000 "@mswendeu , do you have a primary care provider that you can reach out to? They..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa, Volunteer Mentor @lls8000

@mswendeu , do you have a primary care provider that you can reach out to? They may be able to help navigate the situation;
another set of eyes on the scans,
a doctor reaching out to the team asking for a biopsy,
or just reassurance that a biopsy isn’t needed at this time.
Did they recommend follow up scans, maybe in six months?

Jump to this post

@lls8000
I sent a message to my PCP in her portal. I have an appointment on 12/22 with her and will discuss with her then if she doesn't reach out before that. Their recommendation was to have my yrly mammogram in October/November and they will decide if ultrasound is necessary at that time. I always get a mammogram and ultrasound as I have heterogenous dense breast tissue. So that portion is a given.
Thank you for your response.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 17, 2025
In reply to @cairistin "@auntieoakley thank you so much for this. It is very helpful. I know that tests and..." + (show)
Profile picture for cairistin @cairistin

@auntieoakley thank you so much for this. It is very helpful. I know that tests and biopsies will be part of my new normal. It is the impact on my mental health that is the hardest part. Ironically, I am an LCSW and a therapist working in a school and in private practice. I know a lot about skills to decrease anxiety, but somehow it all goes out the window when I am flooded with anxiety myself! Just hearing your words reminded me I am not alone, and I loved the idea about worry time.

This was the holiday season I was starting to allow joy to come back in, after so much pain of divorce and cancer for me and my daughters. I don't want to ose that, So yes, I am here and I am healing and I will try to lean in. And praying certainly helps too.

I hope for peace and joy for you this holiday. For all of you.

With hugs and love,

Cairistin

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@cairistin, just checking in to see how you are doing.

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debdeb1 | @debdeb1 | Dec 22, 2025

Had my mri biopsy this am. Worst was needle in nipple, but nurse was great and just said squeeze my hand and got through it. Now have to wait for results. Ugh. I know we all have that dread as so scary the unknown.

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Zebra | @californiazebra | Dec 22, 2025
In reply to @debdeb1 "Had my mri biopsy this am. Worst was needle in nipple, but nurse was great and..." + (show)
Profile picture for debdeb1 @debdeb1

Had my mri biopsy this am. Worst was needle in nipple, but nurse was great and just said squeeze my hand and got through it. Now have to wait for results. Ugh. I know we all have that dread as so scary the unknown.

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@debdeb1
Ouch! I’m praying for a good outcome for you. The waiting game is so hard. 🙏

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