Worried - Repeat biopsy

I had breast cancer in my right breast 6 years ago and had been well ever since. 6 months ago I then  had reduction surgery on my left breast to even put the size following my cancer treatment. Again, all seemed fine. 

I recently went for my annual mammogram and was called back as they said that there was a distortion in the left breast (where I have had reduction surgery). They said this could be scar tissue/fat narcosis, but they couldn't tell. I then went in for a further mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy. I have since been told that the biopsy has come back clear, but this does not match the imaging and so I need a repeat biopsy. I'm now worried that they are convinced that I have breast cancer, but am really confused as I was sure it must be scaring from the recent surgery. How worried should I be? 

  • Hi Edna 1 and thank you for your post.

    It’s completely understandable that you are feeling worried and confused.

    You have been through a lot already, and being called back for more tests can feel unsettling.

    After breast surgery, such as a reduction, the breast tissue can change.

    Changes like scar tissue or fat necrosis   after breast surgery can look unusual on scans. This can make it hard for doctors to be sure what they are seeing.

    Your first biopsy being clear is reassuring.  The reason they want to repeat it is because the scan and the biopsy result don’t quite match.  

    When this happens, it is safest to do another biopsy to make sure nothing has been missed. They most probably want to biopsy another area of the scar tissue to be absolutely sure of the first result.

    This does not mean they think you definitely have cancer. It means they are being careful.

    Many people in this situation find it is only scar tissue, but the extra biopsy is the safest way to check.

    In the meantime Anxiety UK and Every Mind Matters have useful tips and advice on how to cope while waiting for your results.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support

    It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    I hope you know more soon and everything is okay.

    Kind regards

    Tina