B3 biopsy with vacuum procedure

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi everyone,

I’m posting this on behalf of my mum, who had a mammogram 7 weeks ago which came back with micro calcifications in one breast, she was reffered to the hospital who then did a second mammogram along with a CT scan and the doctor confirmed there was nothing of concern (no lumps) from the scans, but they took a biopsy of the micro calcification which came back as B3, she then had a vacuum procedure in the same appointment for them to test the area around the B3 for cellular changes.

I was wondering if anyone has gone through a similar experience who could share their story? My mum is terrified and struggling to understand what’s happening as we all are, it would be great to know the possible outcomes whether they are all clear or further treatment is required and what that treatment is

We have tried to speak to someone at the hospital but their answers are generic and not helping my mums anxiety levels.

Any information on this topic would be great, thank you x

1 Like
2

Hi cupcake35

It sounds as though this is a worrying time for your mum and its understandable that you are all struggling while waiting to hear about results.

Many people tell us they feel very scared when they are called back following a mammogram, particularly if they need a biopsy and have a further wait for results. For some people the biopsy needs to be repeated if the results are unclear. Waiting for results is a highly anxious time and its not possible to give specific information about what the next steps may be until that result is known.

Breast calcifications are very common and in most cases will be due to benign changes in the breast. Occasionally calcifications can be an early sign of breast cancer, but it can be difficult to know this from the mammogram. Often a biopsy is necessary to be clear about the cause and sometimes this involves a repeat biopsy as has happened in your mum’s situation.

If the biopsy result show that the calcifications are part of a benign breast change or an unusual change (called atypia), your mum will be told if anything else needs to be done such as surgery or follow up with mammograms.

If the calcifications are an early sign of breast cancer, her treatment team will explain what this means and discuss how best to treat this.

Waiting for results can be stressful and cause a lot of anxiety so you or your mum are welcome to call our helpline to talk this through.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).

If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.

To view our opening hours over the Christmas period please look on our website.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

Best wishes

Eve

Breast Care Nurse

Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy

As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.