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BRACA2 and now mri guided breast biopsy

Chonty1982
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Hi,

I was diagnosed with BRACA2 in december. About 6   weeks ago I had my first breast MRI for monitoring. It came back as there being something suspicious on it. So I was called back for further tests. They did an ultra sound and another mammogram and decided it was a lymph node in a bit of an odd place. I was told it was   nothing to worry about and so I happily went on my   way. Then a week later got a call saying actually after a discussion they have decided they want to do a         biopsy on it using the mammogram. They were unable to get to it very well and I'm not quite sure what happened but they decided not to biopsy it but did put a clip in it. The parting words were "dont lose sleep over it" so I didnt. I was thrilled. Fast forward another week and    they have compared the mammogram with the mri and the lymph node they were looking at is NOT what     was found in the MRI. So I now have to go for a MRI guided biopsy in Bristol ( I live in cornwall). When they talked about the lymph node they said things like "oh it's high up I'll n the skin which is a good thing" but now they are saying its really deep in my breast tissue. So of course I cant help thinking that must be bad!! I know this is a really stupid question but how worrying is this? Does an MRI throw up lots of things that are not cancer? Is there a percentage of MRI guided biopsy that are cancer and that  are not? Its felt like a complete             rollercoaster!

Thanks

Chantelle 

  • Hello Chonty1982,

    There's no way of knowing at this point and it seems like further tests are needed. When you are worried that you may have cancer, it can be tempting to look for answers, but this can end up increasing anxiety rather than making you feel better. The only person that can diagnose you is your doctor so don't be afraid to ask questions. They are there to help. 

    Best wishes,

    Moderator Anastasia

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    Hi Chantelle,

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear why you've joined us. Please don't worry about the clip. This is normal procedure. Putting a clip in your breast is a way of being able to locate the lesion when carrying out surgery. 

    An MRI can show up changes in soft tissue. They are going to carry out a biopsy guided by MRI. This should show them the right area to take the biopsy from. I'm sure that there is a percentage of biopsies which are benign and another which are cancerous, but I don't know the figures. As Anastasia has said it is impossible to tell what the outcome is likely to be for you, which is why you are having more tests. I know that this is a stressful time whilst you are waiting for an answer. Try to keep busy to help pass the time until your appointment comes through.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years and find it helpful to write down a list of questions for my consultant in advance of any appointment. This ensures that you don't forget to ask anything important. The chances are that if the mammogram shows anything up, it may give a clearer view and help your consultant to carry out a biopsy. The result of a biopsy will show whether or not there is cancer present, what type it is and what grade it is. Many lumps are benign cysts or fibrous changes, so there's no point in worrying yet.

    Have you got a date for your MRI yet? You've certainly got a long journey to go to get this test, but I hope that your appointment comes through soon. Anastasia is quite right. Avoid consulting 'Dr Google' in the meantime, as this will only scare you further and serve no useful purpose.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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