Titanium markers ?

Hi just been recalled and been for a second screening , had a scan and then a core biopsy . I also had a titanium marker inserted . Because of the corona virus situation we didn't get to speak to any nurses and as the nurses were all wearing masks ( quite understandable ) communication was kept to a minimum which means I didn't get a lot of details apart from seeing a small white dot on the mammogram which didn't show up on the scan very well so hence the biopsy . I will get results in a weeks time but wondered what the titanium marker is for ? Is this an indication that something sinister has been found. Thanks for any advice 

  • Hello Milk2sugars
    It's not uncommon for titanium markers or clips to be inserted when a biopsy is taken particularly if a lump can't be felt or the area that needs closer examination can only be seen on ultrasound or mammogram. 
    They are there so that should there be a problem that needs actioning the surgeons can easily identify those areas. However if there's no further action needed then it's safe for the clips to be left in situ and they won't cause any problem. 

    It's usually unsettling for women who have a breast biopsy and with the added situation with covid19 understandably more so. Try and stay positive over the coming week. I'm sure that you will hear as soon as the hospital have some news for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Thanks ever so much for the reply jenn , reassuring to know  then that it might not always indicate a worrying result. Hopefully I'll hear soon. Thank you 

  • Hi there. I have just had exactly the same procedure but there was a host of doctors and a nurse in the room (teaching hospital) so they explained that they had no concerns, the drained cyst had some solid matter in so they were taking a biopsy as a precautionary measure. The cyst collapsed when it was drained and if they ever wanted to do anything again (say in 10 years time) they'd know which one they'd already looked at as it would have the titanium clip in it. They said it was so small I wouldn't need to declare it for an MRI scan. So I hope that's as reassuring as they were to me. 

    Btw, a week after a GP referrral, two hours to be examined, mammogrammed, ultrasounded, a drain, a biopsy and a clip. Long live the NHS. 

  • I've had the exact thing only today, it was explained to me that it acts as a marker for where the biopsy was taken should I need future treatment in the future. But if I need surgery now then it would obviously be removed, along with the tissue they have to remove.

    Hope you're OK x

  • I had the same today . Fingers crossed for all of us 

  • Hi 

     

    I had a titanium marker put in my left breast and I know feel pain two weeks later. What could be causing it? 

  • Hello Pinkchamp

    I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing some pain after recently having a titanium marker placed in your breast. I'd suggest getting in touch with the specialist nurse at the breast clinic in the first instance who will be best placed to offer you some advice and arrange for you to be seen if necessary. 

    I do hope things settle soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator