breast biopsy?

anyone ever have a breast biopsy?
just need any info you have., personal experiences,etc. obviously there's a lump and i need to go to the surgeon (went to normal gyno he did an ultrasound... now is sending me to surgeon for biopsy b/c it was "questionable").. he wont let me watch it for 6 months (after telling me i have very fiberous breast tissue and its most likely a fibroid)
soooo anyone have any experience with this? theres no history of breast cancer in my family so def. not freaking out *yet.. just more annoyed that i have to go to 2 more dr visits and outpatient surgery that will cost a ton that we dont have right now (i know its cheaper then cancer treatment though so ill deal )
so sort of on the fence with my thoughts obviously... annoyed its gonna take some time and money, anxious b/c its minor surgery etc (after another health scare in october involving colon etc)
so half vent half need experiences?!
*(no breast pain etc.. didnt even notice the lump but its sizable.. 2.2 cm)

Re: breast biopsy?

RUN don't walk to get it done!!!! This is NOT something that you want to put off. While it might be nothing it COULD be something - and if you put it off it could turn into something MUCH more serious quickly. Coming from someone who used to work in med mal this is not something you want to put off and watch. Many lumps have no symptoms so I wouldn't go by that.

Out patient surgery? I am assuming they want to do a lumpectomy? Why not a needle core biopsy or something like it? Is there a reason they are suggesting it is removed rather than doing a biopsy and regular mammos/sonos or MRIs?

I have a fibroid adenoma that they found years ago. I had mine done by my radiologist who did a needle core biopsy and it is not cancerous. I go regularly for mammos and sonos and occasional MRIs and I see a Breast surgeon at least 1-2 times a year.

Honestly as I said this isn't something that you want to fool around with or put off. I understand you don't want to spend the money -but can't you get it covered thru insurance?

Wait I just reread what you wrote - you haven't had a mammo? That is usually the first thing they send you for - I would ask for a mammo AND get the biopsy. I have never heard of a gyn just doing a sono then no follow up tests but a biospy although it is great that your Dr sent you to a breast surgeon.

Re: breast biopsy?

I agree with the above poster - RUN to get this done. If it IS cancer, early detection (i.e., finding out RIGHT NOW) saves lives. It saved my mother's life. I'm not trying to scare you, but please hurry up and get this done as soon as you possibly can.

Is it a needle biopsy or are they doing a lumpectomy? Needle biopsies are uncomfortable, but they are really aren't bad. Recover from a lumpectomy takes a few days, but again isn't bad. (My mom has had 3 needle biopsies and two lumpectomies.) You're a little sore for a day or two, but nothing major.

Do not put this off one more second. GO get this done. If you want a recommendation for a breast surgeon, let me know. My mother's is one of the best.

Re: breast biopsy?

I have gone through this. My mom did once also.

I have a wonderful surgeon if you need that.

Have you had a mammogram?..MRI?

A breast surgeon will feel the breast and do his/her own sono and make recommendations.

Needle biopsies are done in the office sometimes and don't require surgery. It depends on the type of needle biopsy. Your gyn doesn't have this experience, the surgeon does so it's uber important to get in quickly.

Take it one step at a time. Catching something early could save your life.

Don't worry about the money right now and take the first step.

I hope it's a benign nothing but you can't ignore it.

Please promise us that you will see the surgeon as soon as possible?

Re: breast biopsy?

haha totally not what i wanted to hear (RUN )... but i really appreciate you all taking the time to write back..
but i made an appt with the surgeon today i can't get in till the 17th but these are great surgeons started the super breast center thing at our local hospital so its a good wait ... i could have where i work call but id feel silly doing that since they aren't my real doctors but do have a ton of pull places... if i start to feel weird i might pull that card out...
i am assuming ill have the lumpectomy, b/c im one to not want to go back for mulple things.. it won't be a fine needle biopsy its too solid type i believe (but its palpable) it would be core needle.. and at that point the sore/pain id rather just get it all taken out instead of multiple steps.. (i have a ton of med problems and really like to minimize the numbers of time i have to go to the doctor if at all possible)
so 17th ill have the surgeon visit already got my report and films and now its just waiting game
im under 30 but my body is like that of a 50-60 year old.. gotta schedule my follow up DEXA scan too for osteoperosis.. uggg .. a mammo, colonscopy and Dexas all before im 30 (well before for a few of those)... aren't i lucky..
sorry for the pity party im done now!! haha
thanks again for yoru responses

Re: breast biopsy?

Glad you have the appointment. You will find out exactly what you need to do when you see the doctor.

There are many types of biopsies they can do without doing a lumpectomy. That is surgery and it's not done so fast when they can see what it is. They need to find out what it is first before they open you up. Ultimately they may need to do a lumpectomy and that;s fine but that usually isn't the first thing the doc does unless they have identified it first.

Core biopsies, stereotactic..etc..

Either way, glad you are taking steps to get this taken care of.

Good luck.

Re: breast biopsy?

i;ve been through this.

a breast biopsy is quite easy. i did it in the doctor's office and was in and out. the worse part was waiting for the results.

you are given a local anesthetic... the needle is inserted and stuff is taken out to be analyzed. if the lump "pops" it's a cyst filled with mainly water, which is a good thing.

if not, they just pull some of the material and send it to the lab.

in my case, it was benign, but my mom had a very aggressive form of breast cancer so we opted for a lumptectomy. that was more painful. that was a surgical procedure at the hospital. they just remove the lump. i have a large scar and it was painful for a few weeks, but it was worth it knowing that it's out and won't develop into something.

GOOD LUCK! please fm if you need anything. my mom and my breast doctor is the BEST! she saved my mom's life. she's in RVC and does surgeries out of Mercy hospital.

Re: breast biopsy?

I am having one on Tuesday.