Hi, me again. Sorry. I had my stereotactic mammogram guided vacumn assisted biopsy. It was not as bad as I expected. I asked the radiologist why I was having this 8 months after the mammogram where the problem was actually first seen. They said because once someone has brought it up in the MDT, it has to be followed up. I asked what they were actually biopsying. They said it was an area of architectural distortion. Apparently this can be benign, but given that I already have IDC and DCIS/LCIS, it was quite suspicious. Anyway up to 3 weeks for results.
I wondered 3 things.
If it is cancer, is it likely to be linked to my original cancer with same grade or features or can it be an entirely different grade or type?
As I’ve already had 3 surgeries, will I now have to have a masectomy?
Could this biopsy trigger lymphodema as i have no lymph nodes in that side anymore?
Thank you
Hi bluesatsuma
Thanks for posting.
I’m glad to hear your recent vacuum assisted biopsy went well and wasn’t as bad as you had expected.
If the biopsy result does show breast cancer then it may be that this would be a local recurrence of your original cancer. However anyone who’s previously had breast cancer in one of their breasts has a slightly higher risk of developing a new primary breast cancer in the same breast. The biopsy will allow your treatment team to determine which of these is the case or whether the changes are benign (not cancer). Any treatment for this, if required, would depend on the results and your treatment team will discuss this with you.
You asked about the risk of developing lymphoedema in a previous post and we suggested some ways in which you could reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema. If you have any concerns about swelling in your arm following the biopsy you should contact your breast care nurse or treatment team as soon as possible.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Julie
Breast Care Nurse
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