Biopsy Question

[SillyMe]

Ok, let's try this again. I had a whole post typed out and had technical difficulties, then it disappeared.

Some of you may remember that a few months ago my doctor found a lump. I had the mammogram (they didn't find anything). They suggested an ultrasound, so I had that done last week. The doctor called today and said they didn't find anything on the ultrasound either. There are times I can find the lump and times I can't, which lead me to believe that it actually comes and goes during certain times of my cycle. Anyway, they want to do a biopsy. How can they do a biopsy on something they can not find? I'm really confused.

 

[L107ANGEL]

Lets bump this for someone with more knowledge

 

[Puffy2]

Biopsy is usually done by a surgeon in the office. If it is an aspiration biopsy, he'll/she'll just stick a needle into the mass and aspirate some tissue/fluid . It really isn't a "big" deal - just a little uncomfortable in most cases.

I'm assuming if the surgeon can't find it - he won't do anything. I would think that if this lump "comes and goes" it isn't cancer. Talk more with the surgeon to have your questions answered.

 

[SherryNC]

I don't know about that technical/medical stuff, but I want to hug you.

 

[Aidensmom]

I had a cyst that would come and go and my doctor told me that they tend to be more prevelant when you have lots of caffiene. I don't drink much caffiene any more and haven't felt the cyst in a while (and neither has my doctor). No one has ever wanted to biopsy it though.

 

[Christine]

Well, I had the opposite problem. I had a lump that NO ONE could feel, but we could see it on the mammogram and ultrasound.

When I went to the surgeon, he had all the pictures so we KNEW where it was. But he felt and felt and he could not find it. Because he could not find it, he could not do the "easy" needle biopsy in the office.

So, I was scheduled for an ultrasound-guided biopsy. Had to go to the hospital, have a "high tech" ultrasound and once they found it they placed a wire into it so the surgeon could find it.

Seeing as the mammogram and ultrasound can't locate it, the only way that I can see that you will be able to get a biopsy is if the surgeon can feel it during your office visit that particular day. If he can palpate it, he will do the biopsy right away.

Does it have a pattern to swelling (right before your period maybe?). If so, schedule your appointment for that time.

 

[Gwene65]

Silly-I don't have any answers but I do have some hugs.

 

[bananiem]

I have a history of cysts that can get bigger during certain times of my cycle. I've had mine aspirated so they don't come back. I'll jinx myself by saying this but...I haven't had one in several years. I've cut out caffiene and I think it did help.

 

[imsorry]

Sillyme - sorry - I haven't left the lounge in a while - I wasn't ignoring you.
Here's a or two.

 

[ashjohnson80]

I'm sorry I can't help with this question either, but I can give hugs

 

[GoodFairies]

Hi, I think I shared before, but I had the exact same problem. Mammogram and two ultrasounds showed nothing but dense tissue. But, by touch, it definitely felt unusual, and it was prevalent at only certain times. However, I couldn't pinpoint a cycle to it. I discussed these concerns with the surgeon and I could reschedule the surgery if she didn't think she could get it on my scheduled surgery day. Well, it wasn't as prominent as on my prior office visits, but she said she'd be able to go in and get it. It was very deep though and I had many healing problems. It was the size of a jacks ball.

The good thing is, if it is 'changing,' it is almost certainly not cancer. A cancerous lump will stay and possibly become larger, but never come and go. I had mine removed because it had been almost a year since I'd found it, and I wanted it gone because tracking it over that long was just too much-- especially since I'd continue to track it forever, to make sure it didn't change. I had a lot of problems after my surgery, but I'm glad I had it removed because it's one less thing to worry about.

The problem with the aspiration biopsy is that because the lump changes so much (as in mine and your cases) it is hard to be sure that they are going to get exactly what they need to make a diagnosis. This is why I opted for an excisional biopsy.

 

[copper68]

we aren't supposed to leave the lounge, so i didn't see this post.. lots of hugs and pixie dust to you!! keep us updated!! i too sometimes feel more lumps when it's around that time of the month.. have you noticed that? maybe write it down when you feel it most and see if there is a cycle..

 

[SillyMe]

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll just wait until my appointment tomorrow and see what the doctor says. It's just frustrating.

 

[CheshireVal]

Well, I had the opposite problem. I had a lump that NO ONE could feel, but we could see it on the mammogram and ultrasound.

When I went to the surgeon, he had all the pictures so we KNEW where it was. But he felt and felt and he could not find it. Because he could not find it, he could not do the "easy" needle biopsy in the office.

So, I was scheduled for an ultrasound-guided biopsy. Had to go to the hospital, have a "high tech" ultrasound and once they found it they placed a wire into it so the surgeon could find it.

My mom just went through that exact same procedure a few months ago. It was definitely unpleasant-- the good news is that it wasn't cancer though!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll just wait until my appointment tomorrow and see what the doctor says. It's just frustrating.

Stopping by for good wishes all goes well, Silly.

 

[phisigprincess]

I don't know, but it had to be mildly reassuring that the ultrasound came back ok! On the downside, you have to keep on dealing with everything. Here's hoping the biopsy turns up clear and wonderful.