B3 Leison - Surgery Needed

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to hear from other people in this position.

I had some clear nipple discharge and was referred to my local breast clinic. I didn't feel a lump and they didn't either but I have history of breast  cancer in the family so I was sent for an ultrasound. While I was there she found a growth and took 2 core needle biopsies and left a marker.

I got my results yesterday that said it wasn't cancerous but the cells were abnormal and so I would need an excision biopsy to remove it and then it would be sent for final pathology.

Its just the one lump but I forgot to ask how big it was.

I'm relieved but now a little confused that it still needs to be checked further. I'm also nervous about the surgery.

Has anyone else had a B3 lesion and or had this surgery that can offer me some advice?

Thank you so much.

  • Hi Maggie2020, I have been in a very similar situation to you over these past few weeks, but with a positive outcome - so I thought I'd share my story, as so many posts on here end up with a sad outcome, but thankfully that's not always the case. 

     

    I've always had small, lumpy, bumpy boobs, so if I had a tumour the size of a golf-ball I honestly wouldn't spot it.  However, I had been getting increasing pain in my right breast for some months, finally to the point where I had to go and get it checked out.

     

    Following mammogram and ultrasound, I got a vacuum biopsy which revealed a B3 lesion (microcalcification cluster).  Biopsy results came back with atypical but NOT cancerous finding, flat epithelial atypia, plus lots of cysts /fibrocystic tissue, columnar cell changes.  

     

    Last week, I had a second procedure, a vacuum assisted excision, to remove the remaining area of concern.  Biopsy results came back this week with more of the same - flat epithelial atypia, cysts, but NO cancer.  I've been told my risk of getting cancer has increased because of the FAE, so I'll need an annual mammogram going forward.  I feel reassured that I'll get more frequent monitoring now, so that I can stay on top of my wee bumpy boobs...

     

    It's so stressful waiting for results, and I was linking every other small ache and pain over the past few weeks to my sore boob. You try to be logical and focus on other things, but it's so hard.

     

    Sending you, and the other women on this thread with B3 results, a big virtual hug and best wishes for a healthy and happy outcome.

  • Thank you so much for your reply with such positive news. It was so reassuring to hear.

    I am pleased for you that all the worry ended with a good outcome and after such a scare it is nice to have regular check ups.

    I hope you are staying well.

  • Hi Maggie, it's been almost two weeks since my excision procedure, and I'm pretty much back to normal - a bit of bruising and the odd twinge of pain, but that's about it.  To be honest, I found the vacuum excision easier than the original biopsy -  maybe I was more mentally prepared for it!  Hope your procedure goes well too next week, and you don't have to wait too long for your results. I'm sure you'll be glad to hopefully be able put all this behind you, ahead of the Christmas holidays.

     

    Hope you're doing ok in the meantime - look after yourself.

     

    Take Care

     

    C

  • I hope your surgery has gone well today.

    Take care.

  • I hope your surgery went well and you are recovering quickly.

    Take care.

  • Hello Maggie,

     

    all went well thanks. I am now at home, feeling much better but yesterday I was a train wreck :neutral:

     

    I had asked for local anaesthesia but the surgeon said that because the area to remove was quite big they could only offer me general anaesthesia. 

     

    now in two weeks I will receive the results - another long wait but I want to be positive! 
     

    I can see your surgery date is December 3rd? Good luck Maggie, and if you have any questions contact me. 

     

     

  • Hi Maggie, hope your surgery went well yesterday.  Take Care. C

  • It did go well thank you and I was able to come home later that evening.

    I'm a little sore if I move around, but generally I'm feeling quite well.

    Unfortunately, I can already feel that I am not going to enjoy the next two weeks of waiting.

    I hope everyone else's results have come back with the results we all are hoping for.

  • Glad it went well.  Hope you don't have to wait too long for your results.  Look after yourself.

  • I got my results and it's benign.

    I have been thinking of you all and I hope you are all well.

    Take care.