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Question:
#1171
9/7/2005
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I am a 47 year old premenupausal women. I had a 1.2 x 1.0 x 0.6 cm infiltrating lobular carcinoma tumor removed. I am ER and PR positive, HER2 negative, and my cancer is Grade II. Three of my sentinel nodes were biopsied. All three tested negative for metastic tumor. However, one node contained four clusters of positive cytokeratin AE1/AE3 cells with the largest cluster containing 25 cells and measuring 0.5 mm. What does this mean and what are the implications of these results for my treatment and prognosis? |
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microscopic mets in the node. so the oncologist will factor that into the planning of your additional treatment. good hormone receptor positive. |
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Question:
#1172
9/7/2005
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Can you have an allergic reaction to the titanium marker placed in your breast after a biopsy? |
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have never heard of this happening. |
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Question:
#1173
9/7/2005
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If clear margin is not achieved in one area on first attempt how do surgeons ensure where to take more tissue out from? |
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the specimen has been "oriented" so they know which of the 6 sides the margin was too close. |
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Question:
#1174
9/7/2005
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I had my first mammogram 8/10. (age 43) I was called back for additional imaging and ultrasound. There were three areas found. The radiologist seems confident that they are fibroadenomas. He said that I could monitor them by coming back in six months for another mammogram, or I could get a needle biopsy. Because I tend to be a worrier, I said that I would rather go ahead and have a biopsy. I have an appointment with a surgeon this week. I still worry quite a bit. How likely is it that what appears to be a fibroadenoma turns out to be malignant? Thank you in advance. |
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focus on the good news conveyed by the radiologists. he is an expert at distinguishing these on film. ask however why the radiologist can't do the biopsy in mammography for you, without an incision. |
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Question:
#1175
9/6/2005
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I asked a question about a stereo biopsy getting all the DCIS. You answered that it is possible but I couldn't understand the rest of the reply. (Did you mean to say it was unusual for this to happen?) Also, if microcalcifications are still present what does that mean? Do they have to be cleaned fromt he margins?
Again, thank you for being here. It is truly wonderful. |
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it's unusual but when the area in question is extremely tiny it certainly is possible. if there are residual calcifications however on a post biopsy mammogram the doctor will probably want to investigate this further. calcs become a concern-- known as being guilty by association. |
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Question:
#1176
9/6/2005
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I just had a lumpectomy to remove a 7mm mass at 2' oclock on my right breast. It was non palpable and after 2 ultrasounds and additional mammagram x's the surgeon decided to remove it.I haven't gotten by path back yet, but the surgeon told my family he had to cut a little deeper than exspected and the mass was dense. If a mass is dense is that another characteristic of malignancy? |
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no, not necessarily. |
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Question:
#1177
9/6/2005
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9/6/05
can you please tell me in lay mens terms, where i go from here. i had a stereotactic core biopsy done at this was the pathology, lower outer quadrant biopsy with calcifications and unfolded lobular unit with atypical apocrine duct type epithelial hyperplasia; Same are w/o calcifications ($A) lobular intraepithelial neoplasia, Grade 2 of 3 (Atypical lobular hyperplasia) involving one core and unfolded lobular units with columnar and duct type epithelial hyperplasia, apocrine metaplasia, microcysts and calcifications. NOTE: immunohitochemical stains high for molecular weight cytokeratin and e-cadherin are negative in area of lobular intraepithelial neoplasia. Other areas with duct type columnar hyperplasia are positive for both. A lumpectomy was suggested followed by radiation. i need your help as soon as possible. do i have breast cancer? |
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in what you sent I'm not reading "carcinoma" anywhere. atypical cells but don't see frank cancer spelled out. time for a second opinion with a surgical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer. more than like an open excisional biopsy would be done to obtain more tissue to rule out if any early stage cancer is present. if you wish to come here just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#1178
9/6/2005
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my mother just got a positive cancer read on a 5mm lump in her breast and a lymph node in her neck is enlarged slightly-is the lump causing the lymph to be enlarged and is this most likely early enough for a full recovery? |
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very small tumor (5mm) and assume it is in the breast? lymph node in neck may not be related. make sure her doctor knows about the node in neck though. |
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Question:
#1179
9/5/2005
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When I had a breast biopsy, radiographic item which was called a "clip" by the staff was inserted. Does this mean I am unable to have MRIs? Or isn't it a metallic material.
Thank you. |
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MRIs are fine with this type of clip which usually is made anyway from stainless steal or titanium. |
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Question:
#1180
9/5/2005
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I had a stereo biopsy that showed DCIS solid type ER/PR +, grade 3. I had a lumpectomy. During surgery the path report came back saying microcalicifications that were not seen on mammogram or by the eye. Shouldn't that path report also say DCIS? Can you get all the DCIS in a stereo biopsy? They did get the 3 visible microcalicifications. What questions do I need to ask my surgeon? I feel like I'm dealing with something invisible and how do you find it. Can these microcalicifications be normal. This particular area is in a lumpectomy sight for a benign problem 20 years ago. Thanks for your help. Information and understanding what is going on is so helpful to me. |
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if the dcis was truly tiny it may have been removed at time of stereo biopsy. usually to happen though. you are always able to get your slides re-reviewed elsewhere to ensure accuracy of original findings. |
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Question:
#1181
9/4/2005
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I have spoken with you previously regarding this problem, but just to refresh you - 59 year old, post menopausal, bilateral non-spontaneous discharge from both breasts first noticed after annual mammogram (9/04 - clear). Followed for 8 months by a breast surge. Discharge from left breast became dark brown and positive for blood (5/05). Had diagnostic mammograms and sonograms of both breasts (5/05 – clear). Breast surgeon suspected a papilloma. Had excisional biopsy (8/05) and told by nurse practitioner not cancer, but have four times the chance of developing cancer than another woman my age. What type of cancer is involved? Just received biopsy report which reads:
“Fibrocystic changes including intraductal papilloma, focal atypical ductal hyperplasia, apocrine metaplasia and cysts. The papilloma and atypical ductal hyperplasia are not present at the margin.” (focal atypical ductal hyperplasia was circled)
I will see the breast surgeon in 4 months to arrange future screening, but that is a long time to wait for an explanation. Could you please explain this report, I really don’t understand the terminology? Can you also tell me what I can expect in the way of future screening and what you would suggest? Told race and family history may play a role in planning – Ashkenazi Jew, no cancer on maternal side, not known on paternal side (grandmother died in 20s but not from cancer, no other females on that side). Thank you for your time and help dealing with all the fear.
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a papilloma was there-- a tiny wart like benign growth. there also were atypical cells that result in increased risk of breast cancer in the future. |
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Question:
#1182
9/4/2005
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I have been diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia. I had a core needle biopsy and have surgical biopsy scheduled in two weeks to remove tissue for further study. My mom, who is a cancer survivor, had breast cancer. What can you tell me about my diagnosis? I am a little scared about the possibility of this being cancer. |
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30% of women with a core biopsy of ADH will have usually dcis upon excisional biopsy. |
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Question:
#1183
9/4/2005
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8 years ago I had a lumpectomy and 20 lymph nodes removed because it was not common to do SLNB. All my nodes were clear. Now I have another small lump in a completely different part of this same breast that I am going to have biopsied. My question is, if it turns out to be malignant, how would my lymph node status be determined now that most of my lymph nodes are gone? |
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if it is determined to be cancer there is a chance that they might now even try to check the nodes given that you already had an axillary node dissection. |
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Question:
#1184
9/4/2005
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I had a stereotactic core biopsy and this is my report. Can you help me understand it? I am scheduled for something called a segmentation.
This is what it says:
The tissue fragments are extensively infiltrated by a moderately differentiated infiltrating ductal carcinoma (SBR grade 11/111) with combined score of 3+2+1=6/9. The neoplastic cells are arranged in a trabecular, cord like and nesting pattern supported by a fibrotic stroma. Rare foci of intermediate grade ductal carcinoma in situ (Grade 11/111) are discerned. Cytologically, the neoplastic cells are polygonal with moderate amounts of focally vacuolated cytoplasm and round to oval vesicular to hyperchromatic nuclei many of which display nucleoli. Mitotic activity is identified within malignant cells which display a mitotic rate of less than 5 division figures per 10 high power field at 40x objective magnification. No evidence of vascular/lymphatic or perineural tumor invasion is observed. There is a patchy inflammatory cell infiltrate within the fibrotic stroma."
What kind of treatment should I expect? |
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the diameter of the tumor isn't mentioned so until your surgery is done its hard to say. surgery will provide information about tumor size, nodal involvement, prognostic factors like her2neu and hormone receptors. all of that is needed to plan your continued care. |
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Question:
#1185
9/2/2005
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My sterotactic biopsy results are: A tipical duct epithelial hyperplasia and luminal calcifation: What does this mean. I am 41 years old and in good shape. No real history of breast cancer in my family. What happens next? |
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atypical duct hyperplasia is a marker for risk of breast cancer. next step is to see a breast surgeon for an open excisional biopsy to sample more tissue in that area. 30% of the time early stage breast cancer if found. if you wish to come to us just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#1186
9/2/2005
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I had a large cyst aspirated yesterday (3 inch diameter, no pain, had for 1 month). The fluid was very bloody and was sent off to the lab - results pending. I was then referred for a mammography and consult with a surgeon. My question is...can cysts be cancerous? What does the bloody fluid mean? I have had 2 other cysts drained in the past and they were clear. Is the referral for the mammo and to the surgeon part of the triple diagnosis criteria to rule out cancer? Thanks in advance for your help. |
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sometimes a bloody cyst and cancer can be adjacent to one another. right now you don't have enough information to worry yet. wait for results from the pathology. |
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Question:
#1187
9/2/2005
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Can you please explain the biopsy report so I can understand exactly what this means: Infiltrated Ductale, Triple Negative (ER Neg. PR Neg., Her2 Neg. KI67, growth rate 8% - very small (.6x.4x.8 - less than 1cm); agressive. Oncologist has scheduled a lumpectomy with two weeks with ultrasound for lymph nodes appeared normal, but will perform dye test during lumpectomy surgery. Daughter passed at 35yrs with basically the same type of cancer, except three lymph nodes were malignant which were also removed on her. After my lumpectomy I am scheduled for radiation five days a week for six weeks. Thanks for any insight in explaning what the above 'really' means. |
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most common form of breast cancer. stage 1 at this point. neg node will confirm that stage. not stimulated to grow by hormones. ask the doctor about genetic testing given your daughters history and now your diagnosis. |
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Question:
#1188
9/2/2005
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A stereotatic biopsy said that there was DCIS, solid type, high nuclear grade, no invasive carcinoma, microcalicifcation present in the fibrotic stroma adjacent to the DCIS.
The biopsy done during lumpectomy showed microcalcifications that could not be seen by the eye or in the mammogram.
What do these two reports mean? |
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not all calcs can be seen on film.
biopsy showed calcs and tissue in that area to be noninvasive breast cancer. stage 0. |
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Question:
#1189
9/2/2005
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This is my biopsy report which they say is benign but there are a lot of words I don't understand. Is this a precuror to cancer? 1.(a)Intraductal papilloma associated with ductal ectasia and focal duct rupture (b) mild chronic mastitis 2. (a) ductal ectasia with periductal fibrosis (b) focal and chronic/histiocytic reaction likely secondary to prior skinny needle biopsy (c) chronic mastitis.
Microscopic Deion: An intraductal papilloma shows areas of histologic complexity with foci of apocrine metaplasia. |
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congrats on getting good news... papilloma is similar to a wart-- it grows inside the duct and irritates it. you had one. it did cause irritation and now is gone. |
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Question:
#1190
9/2/2005
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I recently had my first mammogram and ultrasound because of a small lump (3-5mm) I found approx 1" above my left nipple. The radiologist described it as a knot, and suggested a biopsy. Since that was my first visit to a breast health center, I was not prepared w/ questions. I scar very easily and am concerned about scarring on the skin surface as well as internal scar tissue. I'm also very concerned about the pain & recovery time for an excisional biopsy. I'm trying to decide if I should just do the needle biopsy first and determine what to do next after the results. I have a few questions regarding the procedures. 1. What is the recovery time of a needle biopsy? 2. How long is normal for pain? 3. How accurate are the results? 4. Would you reccomend the excision instead? 5. How long for pain & recovery of excision biopsy? 6. What is a knot as described by the radiologist?
Thank you. |
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most biopsies can and should be done in breast imaging by the radiologist trained in doing so. needle biopsy is tolerated well. most women return to work the next day. results usually known next day too. accuracy is dependent on his skill level frankly. |
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Question:
#1191
9/1/2005
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could someone describe the biopsy procedure? My wife is having it done Friday on both breasts by a radiologist using ultrasounds. One area in question is about 12mm. |
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he will visualize the masses to be sampled using the ultrasound machine then will insert a large guage needle, after area is numbed, and will take a core sample of the mass. doesn't take long to do. |
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Question:
#1192
8/31/2005
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I had a radiologist perform a u/s guided core biopsy on 8/22/05 for a 9mm hyoechoic nodule seen on my 8/10/05 mammography and sonography but not felt. It took the radiologist 20 minutes to locate this nodule for the core biopsy. Low compression mammo's were taken after the procedure (to verify clip placement, I was told) and I was sent home. At my follow up appointment with the surgeon on 8/25, I was informed that the results were benign BUT there is still a hyoechoic nodule present on mammography and that he now wants to do a sterostatic biopsy. When asked why I wasn't informed at the conclusion of the core biopsy the explanation was that they didn't know there were 2 present = possible that 1 was only seen on mammography and not visible on sonography. As I was very nervous about the 1st procedure, facing a 2nd is very upsetting. When I asked the surgeon why he would now perform this procedure and not the 1st biopsy, he told me it was political. Upon hearing this I informed him that I would be getting a second opinion. He then glanced at my incision and proceeded to give me copies of my biopsy & pathology reports. I am now searching for a new surgeon. What is an appropriate length of healing time between procedures as the remaining nodule apparantly is in the same upper outer area of my right breast? Does breast size matter in performing a stereostatic biopsy? I am a small breasted, 34 almost B? |
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2 weeks is sufficient time usually. small breasted women can pose a challenge for doing stereotactic biopsies because the breast needs to sufficiently drop through a hole in the biopsy table and then be compressed with the area in question be visualized in the mammogram. |
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Question:
#1193
8/30/2005
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I am 25 and I have a family history of breast cancer. I recently found a lump at about 11 o'clock (if looking at it from another persons perspective)in my right breast. I am scheduled to have a ultrasound-guided mammatome biopsy. I am worried that there will some type of disfigurement as far a a dent, for lack of a better word. The lump is about the size of a nickle or dime. I'm going to have it done, regardless. But, I am really worried about this. Thanks! |
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ask the surgeon if he can do a curved incision to help reduce the risk of an indentation. |
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Question:
#1194
8/30/2005
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I had a breast biopsy which revealed invasive ductal ca with focal low grade in-situ ca also present. After the biopsy I had a lumpectomy with sentinal note biopsy with negative node and clear margins. Tumor 2 cm. grade 1 early ca breast. Does this mean the stage was between 0 and 1. It was localized only to breast. Thanks for reply. Have not yet received OR path report but was told early ca breast. |
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stage 1. |
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Question:
#1195
8/30/2005
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Last Oct I had sterotatic biopsy's on both breast. The dr. somehow hit a nerve (that's the only way I can explain it) twice on the left brest. When it happened I about flew off the table in pain. My right breast (nipple and area) have never been right since. The pain gets incredible sometimes, other times it's okay. I had mentioned the pain on follow ups, dr said take motrin. I phoned the dr who did it, I told him about the pain, he seemed to take offense that I am calling him now in Aug when I had the biopsy back in Oct. Explained to the nurse how it comes and goes, she claims in 35 years she has never heard of something like this. I know this is not in my head and I know the cause of my pain is from the biopsy. What are your thoughts on this please? I will be having another mammw/ultrasound soon. |
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so wait and see what the mammo and ultrasound show. hopefully it will provide answers as to the cause. it is very unusual for pain to linger this length of time. |
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Question:
#1196
8/28/2005
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My recent breast biopsy diagnosis is as follows:
Breast, right, biopsy (Speciman "A"): Focus of benign duct epithelial hyperplasia associated with microcalcification. Comment: Although there is some cytological atypia, the lesion is best considered as benign duct epithelial hyperplasia. The degree of atypia does not warrant the designation of atypical duct epithelial hyperplasia.
Breast, Right, Biopsy (Speciman "B"): Benign lobules with stomal fibrosis.
Could you please explain what all this means, other than "the news is good". Can you tell me what this means as far as watching for future cancer possibilities? |
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apparently there was only a few atypical cells noted. and the pathologist didn't consider it enough to even classify it as atypical duct hyperplasia. if he had then it may have flagged increased risk of breast cancer in the future. consider a second opinion on reading the pathology slides to ensure that a second set of eyes agrees with these path findings. |
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Question:
#1197
8/28/2005
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40 yr old just had a lump removed. The report came back benign (yea) but i can't find information on the following in my report. ""extensive stromal sclerosis and mild adenosis" "firm fibrous tissue with rare foci of hemorrhage" "very extensive dense stromal sclerosis throughout the tissue" "mild degree of adenosis, but the ducts and lobules are actually atrophic" "patchy periductal and perilobular inflammation" the lump was 7.5 x4.5 x 1.8 cm I would just like to know what these terms mean thank you for your help.... |
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this is still a deion of benign breast tissue. may be related to a previous injury at some time, even a childhood injury. glad you got good news. don't sweat the small stuff... |
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Question:
#1198
8/25/2005
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Please help explain my biopsy results: "stromal fibrosis, dilatation of ducts, duct stasis/ectasia, focal duct hyperplasia, cystic and papillary apocrine metaplasia and microcalcifications (intracystic and in lobular glands). My doctor has said no further follow up is necessary, but the lab issued the report as an "alert" and i tried to do some research on my own and I found info that states that focal duct hyperplasia can be considered a pre-malignant condition. Can you help? Thanks |
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didn't see the word "atypical" mentioned with the duct hyperplasia. that's the key word that increases risk for breast cancer. |
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Question:
#1199
8/24/2005
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I just got the results of my breast biopsy yesterday, results were: benign breast parenchyma with stromal fibrosis and scattered microcalcifications. What does this mean?
What are my chances of getting more lumps? I'm 31 with family history of breast cancer(maternal grandmother)
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this is a benign result. congrats. risk of other lumps is anyone's guess. no way to know. |
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Question:
#1200
8/24/2005
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One month ago I had a cyst asperiated and two biopsy done. These biopsy were a core.(I am also thankful to say the results were fine) I had alot of brusing on each breast. Just now I am starting to have alittle discomfort in each area that were biopsy. Is this part of the healing process and should this be happening 4 weeks later? |
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not unusual for healing from biopsy to take many weeks. lots of nerve endings in there recognizing that something has been "inside". hope your results on pathology were benign and all is well. |
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