Suspicious Abnormality on Mammogram

[miztp]

I'm 47 years old needing a breast biopsy. I had a routine mammogram that showed a spot (no lump is felt)and then I had a spot compression with magnification . The findings were:
Presence of cluster of microcalcifications in the left outer quadrant. They are somewhat pleomorphic. Possibility of intraductal carcinoma. Bi-Rads Category 4. Is cancer probable with these findings and a bi-rad 4 ?. What is the % that it's cancer? I just want to be prepared for the biopsy findings.

[JoyGirl]

I just had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound for pain in the left breast.  Results were fine for the left, but the right breast showed 8 mm solid nodule with shadows, hypoechoic, and a bi-rad classification of 4.  What is the percentage of malignancies of a classification 4?  Just want to prepare myself.  They said it will be at least two weeks until the stereostatic needle biopsy.  What should I expect from that type of biopsy.
Thanks, I am glad to have found this forum and appreciate any info. you can share.

[Montana girl 06]

I believe the RN here quotes 50-75% of Birad 4 biopsies are benign, but my surgeon told me about 75% are benign. For a stereotactic biopsy they use mammogram (or some use a similar proceedure with ultrasound) to find the area to biopsy. They make a 1/4 inch incision for the needle which I understand can point different directions to take numerous samples. Very, very thin slices of tissue are removed using a vacuum type suction. After the biopsy they do another mammogram to make sure they biopsied the correct area. When you go home you ice the area on and off the rest of the day.

I was numbed up very well for the proceedure but I understand some places don't numb the breast. You might want to check on that. Laying on the table was somewhat uncomfortable even tho they tried hard to make me comfortable. All in all I didn't think the proceedure was too bad. Plan to take it easy the rest of the day, though, and tell your family they need to pamper you. The nurse told me that! Sorry to hear you need to go through the stress of a biopsy, but remember they are very often benign.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm glad you're clear for another year. You take care, too.

[JoyGirl]

Thank you for the information.  You really helped me with the information you shared.
It really stinks when you are given a little bit of information and a lot of time to wait.
Thoughts of having CA have been consuming me these past two weeks.
I feel better prepared and more informed now. I have more hope.
I will let you know how it turns out.

[Montana girl 06]

Please do let us know how it turns out. Also, you can get much more detailed info by doing a web search on stereotactic biopsies. Waiting is soooo hard. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[HelenV]

I posted last week - I am going for an U/S core biopsy on 8/15. Radiologist said it looked like I had a fibroadenoma and scheduled me for a biospy.  I don't have a copy of the report but she didn't look that concerned.  Had to wait 5 weeks.  Freaking out and waiting for the results will be a nightmare.  Hope they can tell me something after the procedure. Hope that's all it is and nothing else.