Scared and Confused

[womanfromcanada]

Hi All,

I have a very confusing situation and I hope someone can help me and give me more information.

I felt a lump in my left breast around a month ago. I went to see my doctor and he sent me for mamogram. The result of my mamogram was very promising. It said that nothing suspicious was found.

My doctor then sent me for an ultrasound and the result was "suspicous of carcinoma".

I discussed with my surgeon and he suggested to repeat the ultrasound in another facility. The radiologist in the second ultrasound told me that the suspicous lump is basically a collection of small cysts.

I went to another sergeon for second consultation. She did needle biopsy in her office and sent it for lab. I got the result today and it was a real shock. It says "the result is consistent with duct carcinoma".

Now I am confused. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[japdip]

It isn't where the biopsy is done that matters so much. The specimen obtained is studied under the microscope in the Pathology Lab. I would probably tend to go with the Breast Specialist as they do more breast work than most General Surgeons. I'm in no way speaking against Gen. Surgeons as I opted for a G.S. to do my own surgery and had a choice of several Breast Surgeons. I will say that only a very small amount of tissue can be obtained by needle biopsy. The Path report stating "consistant with duct carcinoma" seems to lack something unless there was much more detail to it than you posted.  I'd still get all my films and reports together and get a 3rd opinion if at all possible.   Good Luck ...

[womanfromcanada]

Thanks alot for your answer. The first sergeon who told me to do another ultrasound is actually specialist in breast. The second surgeon who did the needle biopsy in her office is a general surgeon.

Is it possible that the result of the biopsy is wrong? How accurate is the needle biobsy in doctor's office?

As you suggested, I would go for a third opinion.

Thanks again.

[japdip]

If you receive opposing opinions with a 1st and 2nd consult you are entitled to seek a 3rd opinion. Perhaps a different type of biopsy would serve you better. Such a small amount can be obtained with a needle biopsy. OR, you might select a Surgeon in whom you have confidence and request a Surgical Biopsy (excisional biopsy) where more tissue can be submitted for Pathological examination. Was there some problem with the first Surgeon you saw ?? the one who suggested a repeat Ultrasound at a different facility.  I can certainly see why you would be confused. Maybe you should take all the films (mammogram and the two Ultrasounds) to yet another Surgeon or Breast Specialist for them to be reviewed. I hope I haven't confused you even more by making more than one suggestion. You definitely deserve an answer to this confusing situation.    Regards .....