Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Breast Biopsy Questions about the definition, risks and results of breast biopsy. |
3,016 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/2/2012 | Recommended biopsy for 9mm "small grouping" of microcalcs in Sept. 2011. I requested and received the okay from my doctor for 6 months watchful waiting. Repeat mammo March 2012. No change whatsoever in calcs, no new growths, everything just the same. I want to continue with watchful waiting. BIRADS4 but no categorization beyond that ( a,b,c etc). What is your opinion on continuing with watchful waiting due to no change of calcs in past 6 months? Radiologist continues to ask for biopsy, has not changed BIRAD score even though no change in 6 months. I wish to avoid unnecessary biopsy and possible overtreatment. I also have other health problems that make biopsy physically difficult. Thank you. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 4/2/2012 | good news that they look the same without increase in number or change in pattern. It however isn't possible to comment if for you it is or isn't okay to continue watchful waiting without seeing the breast imaging studies themselves and seeing if our breast imaging radiologists agree with yours. if you would like them re-read here (we do re-reads of bi-rad 4 mammograms) contact Sharon Bean at 410-955-7288 and she can instruct you how to have such a consultation take place for you. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.