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Complex Cysts Questions about complex breast cysts. |
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| 7/5/2011 | I was sent for "more views" after mammo and then immediately on to US in the same appt. The radiologist came in to confirm cysts, but called me back next day to do a needle biopsy. When he went in under US guidance, he commented that there looked like there was a lymph node in the cyst, and it looked to me like Lake Superior and Lake Michigan joined together. However, he didn't biopsy, and just took fluid. The thing collapsed and disappeared completely and he noted a "very favourable result." He didn't biopsy while he was in there, but left a marker for the surgeon, "in case" which I found odd. Two days later, they called me to tell me there were "dysplastic" cells in the aspirate and now they're sending me to a surgeon and saying that he will likely have to excise the area. a) why didn't they biopsy while they were in there and if they had, would I have a definitive diagnosis? and b) should I be concerned? My history: I did take birth control pills from my early 20's to my mid-30's. I am post-menopausal and am not taking HRT drugs. I have no implants. My maternal aunt died of breast cancer, but I think in her 50's or 60's (don't know). I have no primary relatives with breast cancer. I have never smoked. My mother died of colon cancer, her mother likely did too, and my sister is a colon cancer survivor (found in her 50's). | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 7/5/2011 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center with your questions. Generally, here we would perform a core needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance, leaving a clip at the biopsy site at that time. If indicated based on core needle biopsy results, we would perform an excisional biopsy. We always recommend that you seek treatment at a Comprehensive Breast Center for any breast care concerns, where you will be evaluated and treated by breast health experts. Best wishes! We are only a mouse click away. | ||
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