Stereotactic Biopsy for Breast Calcifications

[Just Turned 40]

I just turned 40 & my mammogram shows 3 clusters of calcifications in 1 breast, and 1 cluster in the other.  (I had a mammo at 36 & none showed.)  I am scheduled for a stereotatic biopsy but am questioning the necessity.  I am told 80% of the time these are nothing to worry about.  So, wouldn't it be feasible to watch for changes in future mammograms instead of going straight for the biopsy?  Because I'm having 4 biopsies done, they are telling me I will be on the table for probably 3 hours & that it is not comfortable.  (I also just had a colonoscopy & that experience was wonderful-the medication they use make it a totally pleasant experience.)  Ok, I've had a 9# baby with no meds, so it is not that I can't deal with pain.  However, when this is being done at a hospital & we have meds available for this (like what they use during colonoscopy), why are these meds not utilized?  I am very upset about this because I feel they don't use them because MEN don't have to get this done.  Can a dr./nurse explain to me why these meds are not used?  I am seriously considering cancelling my appt. for the biopsies.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Just Turned 40: Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. There are different types of microcalcifications, and based on their pattern on the mammogram it gives the radiologist clues as to their cause. For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause, a

[audieh]

Your post sounds just like me!  I just turned 40 and had 4 areas of calcifications found too.  I had a stereotactic bx done Wednesday and it was as pain free as anything could be.  I had an iv with pain meds and something to "take the edge off" it only took about 45 minutes to do all four places.  Today I have a little more swelling but a little ice pack in the bra does wonders.  Don't be afraid, it will be okay.

[Just Turned 40]

They gave you an IV with pain meds?  I'm being told they "don't" do that.  Do you know what they gave you?

[suzi-q]

I had one done 4 years ago when I was 36.  The time varies depending on the location.  Mine was way deep inside so it took over an hour to get enough tissue from the exact location. (It was also very small).  I remember being a little uncomfortable, but no pain per se.  It was a little pressure that I felt because they had to go in so deep.  I also remember being alert.  did your doctor tell you the BIRAD?  I know that when it is a BIRAD of 4, it means it is suspicious and it is up to you and the doctor if it should be biopsied or take a wait and see approach.  Because yours was not present 4 years ago, that may raise a suspicion as to why they are forming.  Get it done to be on the safe side.  Most likely it is nothing, however if it is, it is so small that it could be treated very effectively.

[Just Turned 40]

Can you explain what BIRAD means?  I have not heard that term from my dr.  Did they give you an IV with pain meds during the biopsy procedure?

[DonnaRee]

I too have been where you are. They typically do not offer any type of sedation, just a local numbing medication like Lydocaine. My advise would be to ask for plenty of it and to take something for the anxiety ahead of time. If you can and want to, I would suggest taking your magnification films to a breat cancer center who specializes in breast imaging. Sometimes, as in my case, getting a second opinion from a specialist is worth it. Mine (one tiny area of calcs) were originally a BIRAD 4 (suspicious) and when I went to the BCC, they decided to watch them instead of biopsy. The key here is doing what makes YOU the most comfortable.

[suzi-q]

I copied this from another site for you.  


Category 1 Negative
Category 2 Benign Finding
Category 3 Probably Benign Finding

[suzi-q]

BIRADS:  Acronym for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System.

[suzi-q]

Also, I did NOT get an IV during my Biopsy.  However, they didn't get enough tissue so I ended up having to have the calcifaction excised surgically.  It was in and out in one day.

Thank God it was benign.

Please let me know if I can be of anymore help.

[Just Turned 40]

Thank you all so much for your info.  It has been a tremendous help.  If you have anything to add, please keep posting!

[suzi-q]

I will!  Also, please keep me posted on you, too!  I will be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.

[Montana girl 06]

Three hours on the table does sound like a looooong time. Is it possible that you'll be there 3 hours but time on the table is actually less? My stereotactic lasted about 2 hours, but I was only on the table about 45 min. I highly recommend getting a second opinion if you're not comfortable with what they're telling you. A breast specialist (or second opinion) might have a different opinion. I hope all turns out well.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi,  I had two stereotactic Mammotone type (vacuum assisted) biopsies on microcalcs., and the entire process took 3 1/2 hours of which I was on the hard table for at least 2 1/2 hrs.  Yes, it is uncomfortable to have your neck at a right angle for that long, but it is over before you know it really.  I think you could ask for something to relax you before the procedure, just make sure that you sign any consent forms before hand, because you have to be of "sound mind" when you sign.  And make sure they give you plenty of lidocaine, and ask for more if you feel anything uncomfortable.  The biopsy core needle on the machine for mine had a tip that dispensed more lidocaine every couple seconds, but the nurse could put more in on command.

[viddie]

Hi,
I had a Stereotactic Biopsy a few years ago, and I was not in any pain because they do numb it, but perhaps you could ask for a script for ativan or something to relax you so you can take it by yourself right before the procedure. I wish I had thought of that. My nurse was very nice- she held my hand and gave me several massages while I was lying on my stomach to relax me- and it worked. Please do not cancel- it is always better to be on the safe side.

[sunshineca]

I had a stereotactic biopsy done because of breast calcifications on Dec. 27.  Yes, 80% of them turn out to be benign, but not mine.  I was just diagnosed with Stage I invasive ductal carcinoma.  I say better safe than sorry - have the biopsy done!  Unfortunately I was also one of the few people who had a terrible experience with the biopsy.  They hit a blood vessel and couldn't stop the bleeding right away.  Now over 2 weeks later my breast is still very bruised and sore.  Maybe if this complication hadn't occurred, it wouldn't have been so painful, but in my situation I definitely would have appreciated more pain management!  I also just had knee surgery a week earlier, so laying on my stomach for an hour was extremely uncomfortable.  Your situation should be simpler, but I would still ask for whatever pain meds they will give you!

[vermontgirlII]

Please go ahead and have the biopsy.  It really is nothing in the whole scope of things, and then you can know what - if anything - you have to deal with.

[Under Forty Pam]

Hi Just turned forty, from Under Forty Pam.  Well I am 39 to be exact but hey, it is still under forty for a little longer.  DO NOT PUT OFF the biopsy.  I got BC at 39 with no family history and all they saw was calcifications too.  They only numbed the breast, no other pains med were given.  I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt and I have a high threshhold for pain too.  I think the lumpectomy hurt less than the biopsy but I also changed doctors.  I think the skill of the surgeon counts a lot in this case.  Get someone experienced!!!!

[Just Turned 40]

Thank you, & everyone else here, who has posted messages to my questions.  I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  After the lumpectomy do you have to have chemo & radiation, too?  I am going ahead with my biopsies on 1/22.  My surgeon did prescribe Zantac or something for me to take before hand.  I find it very interesting that she can tell me it isn't any worse than going to the dentist, yet when I asked her why the table couldn't at least have a hole cut out for your face (like a massage table) so it isn't so painful on your neck, she said she never thought of that & doesn't really know because she's never done the proceudre or even knows how the table is really set up.  I realize everyone's experience is going to be different.  It just seems like they could do more to make everyone's experience more pleasant.

[laure113]

I had 2 clusters of calcifications in one breast and had stereotactic biopsies on both. I did take Xanax prior to the procedure to relax me. I can't say it was a great experience, due to the nature of it, but I have had worse experiences in a dentist's chair. Way worse! The nurses were very kind. One rubbed my back and stayed beside me the entire time. I was very lucky. They were benign. Hang in there.

[suzi-q]

Just thinking about you today.  Hope you are doing well.  Hang in there and I pray for your peace of mind and good outcomes.

[Just Turned 40]

Thank you for your kind words.  I have finally "wrapped my head around" that I'm going through this & accepting it.  I think because it doesn't feel like anything is wrong with me that I am angry that I have to do this.  But, as people have posted here, there still can be something wrong.  I'll let you know what happens next week.

[ShareBare]

Just a question.  I'm scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy on Friday and am wondering if they will likely let my husband in during the procedure?  I'm not really clear on how sterile the environment is or if its really on operating room...but then he was allowed in to deliver our kids? Does anyone know the answer to this question or have any related experience with having a support person present?

[vermontgirlII]

I can just tell you my experience.. my fiancee was allowed in the procedure room while the radiologist explained what they were going to do, then he had to leave.  I guess it would have been nice to have him there, but on the other hand, I would have probably worried about his reaction instead allowing myself to just be 'the patient'.  Anyhow, I don't think it's up to us.

[scaredkathy]

I had the stereotatic biospy 2 weeks ago.  All clear but I am still in a great deal of pain.  I wanted to post a question but it looks like the quota for questions is full for the day so I am asking it here...  Is this normal?  I feel a lump to the left of my nipple around my incision area.  I don't know if it is scar tissue, a blood pocket or maybe it's infected.  I have to call the surgeon's office & schedule an appt but has anyone had complications like this?