Some 80% of lumps biopsied turn out to be benign, so it really is not
yet time to panic.

Biopsies come in a variety of forms and are nothing to be scared of.
The simplest is a fine needle aspiration, which basically involves
sampling any fluid in the lump, and examining any particles that stick
to the needle in the event that the lump is solid.  This is really
little different from having an injection.

More sensitive tests of solid lumps are done with a core biopsy, which
actually removes a thin strip of tissue about 1mm diameter.  It is also
a quick and simple procedure, and just requires a sticking plaster and
causes a small bruise.  It's about equivalent in injury terms to
scraping your knee.

Where the lump is deep, difficult to find of not detectable by feel,
they can use x-rays or ultrasonics to insert a wire close to the lump,
which is then used to guide the biopsy tool.  This is somewhat
uncomfortable and awkward, and involves a lot of lying on a special
table and being poked at while the surgeon effectively plays a game of
battleships.  I suppose you could compare that to a dental procedure in
terms of discomfort.

If the results do come back positive for cancer, (and remember most
don't) then exactly what follows depends on the size of the lump and
microscopic details observed, but they will perform an operation to
remove the lump, and also one or more lymph nodes from under the armpit.
 They will then examine these microscopically and decide on further
treatment on that basis.  This would commonly mean a course of
chemotherapy followed by a number of daily radiation treatments to the
operated site; and daily hormone therapy tablets for five years thereafter.

Good luck, I hope it's nothing too.

Tim Jackson

I too hope that it is nothing. But one thing I have learned (with some
difficulty) is to try to stay calm until all the facts are in and studied.
Warm thoughts for you.
Greta

Hi, MsBrainy,

Couple comments interspersed below.

As Tim said, odds are excellent that the lump is benign.   Any betting
person would put down a pack of money on it, given the odds.  But, in the
unlikely event that it does turn out to be breast cancer, you'll be OK.
These days, BC is usually caught early, when odds of permanent remission are
also excellent.  And treatments for more advanced stages are also steadily
improving, and probably not as onerous as popular media might have led you
to believe.    I'm getting on toward seven years out from a Stage III
(locally advanced) BC, and no evidence of disease (NED) at this point.

The needle-type biopsies really aren't a big deal, discomfort-wise.   And
they deliver peace of mind.   So, your doc may *not* think it's serious . .
. he may simply be ultra-cautious (which is good), and not want you to have
continuing worry.

Most of us go through scans similar to what you're doing, but it varies
based on results of each.   In less dense breasts, mammograms may deliver a
more unambiguous view, and certain images on a mammo are more cancer-like
than others.

I had mammograms, then a fine needle biopsy.   This led to surgery
(mastectomy in my case; most have a choice).   Along the way, they found a
suspicious area in my other breast.  Right before the mastectomy, they did a
wire-location procedure (similar to what Tim described) to flag the location
for the surgeon.  While I was having the mastectomy, the surgeon followed
the wire & did a lumpectomy on that other breast, sent the lump off for
tests while I was on the operating table, and did the second mastectomy (as
per our pre-surgery agreement) when it proved malignant.

If you want to learn a lot, members of this group usually recommend "Dr.
Susan Love's Breast Book", available from Amazon or at most larger
bookstores.  It covers breast cancer very well, but also describes the
various benign conditions that can affect breast health -- the kinds of
conditions that it's much more likely you have.

I'm sending positive wishes your way.   Please keep us posted about how
things are going with you -- we especially loooove to hear good news, but
are here to help in any way we can in the unlikely event the news isn't all
that you hope for.

Take care,

Ann T.
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Fluid is usually a good thing ( no cancer) ....good luck with your
ultrasound.
Alex