Just a quick question I am sure somebody can answer. How much can they tell from core biopsies ? I know they can tell you if BC but how much more will they know when I get my results tomorrow.
absolutely dreading it
Wendy x x
Hi Wendy56
I have attached a link to the publication “Referral to breast clinic” which has a bit of information about core biopsies
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/referral__lp_feb_08_0.pdf
You could also give our Helpline a call. They’ll be able to offer you some information and support. They are open 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000. Calls are free and confidential.
Take care
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
My personal take on biopsies is that its entirely possible to miss something as they are only snippets of what is really going on.
My own experience was that, having taken at least 10 samples (I stopped counting after 6), plus a 4ml fluid aspiration, as my tumour had a cystic component, the report came back as “DCIS with a 1mm focus suspicious for invasion” with no necrosis seen, when in fact I have Invasive ductal carcinoma WITH necrosis which has spread to at least one lymph node.
On the basis of my biopsy, my GP, who gave me the initial results assured me that it was “very early” “stage 0”, “really precancerous”, and nothing to worry about, despite my saying wasn’t the “suspicious for invasion” part something to be concerned about.
I don’t mean to sound bitter or angry. I am not! I realise he was trying to reassure me, even though he turned out to be wrong. Just saying, until the thing is out and looked at properly, it only gives the information it picks up. My tumour was quite large, and they only looked at a bit of it, despite taking so many samples!
Hi morwenna
thanks for reply have now had my results. Not good 5cm invasive ductal. Really scaring me the size of how big was yours ?
Wendy
Hi Wendy, my tumour was 9cms but initially they thought it was 4-5 coms. Until I had surgery they could only guestimate as to what size, grade and stage it was. I was also very scared and could not control my thoughts. You need to put your trust in your consultant and BC nurses. I have now accepted my diagnosis after 3 weeks and extensive surgery. My way of coping was to remember, this will save my life - as I do know you will think about your life and the future of both you and your loved ones. This condition/disease is so devastating when you are diagnosed. The medical treatments are so advanced now.
I hope this helps you. But I do know what you are going through.
Hi Wendy,
I know what you mean by being scared of the size of the tumour. Me too. mine was 6cm Invasive ductal. Can you believe I have only just had the letter through this morning from the hospital re my response to chemo, which I finished in August!
Getting that unexpectedly has raised my anxiety again about the mass. I have given the letter a cursory glance, but will look at it again later when I am less wobbly.
I will add in the end I had to have a MX, because of the size. The surgeon would not entertain the idea of a WLE. Thankfully, the initial biopsy results proved accurate in terms of size, grade, treatment plan.
This is what worried me most as Morwenna says they are often only a glimpse as to what is going on. on a more superficial level.
Like Caroline60 says I also have accepted my dx, although it has been a long, hard road. I am just only emerging.
I do hope you can take from myself and others that have replied that you can do this! I coped by taking it a bit at a time. Sometimes hour by hour trying to get through.
I too know what you are going through. pm me if you would like a chat.
WS
Hi Wendy,
There is some confusion over the size of mine. The initial ultrasound reported it as 4x3x2cm (approx).
At my surgery, ( breast conserving plus sn biopsy which proceeded to axillary node clearance as positive)the surgeon took out a piece about 10cm long apparently, but left positive margins top and bottom!
I dont have a copy of my report yet, this was read to me by my GP who seemed a little confused at times. I found myself explaining some of the terms to him, eg HER-2. He eventually admitted that I seemed to know more about it than he did!
Anyway, I meet with the BS on Tuesday to have the discussion of “what next”. At this point my preference is mastectomy, I think, particularly if that means I don’t need radiation. I’m not sure of that as I did have the one positive node.
I don’t think I could bear the thought of her not getting clear margins a second time, and having to go for a third surgery!! Also, my sick time is ticking away, and I need to get back to work!
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis windy
Reading the above comments is interesting. I was very much reassured about things initially despite my strong family history. They found calcifications which apparently are normally nothing, or possibly pre cancer. Wish they hadn’t done that, wish I’d expected he worst from the word go. I also think biopsys are just a clue, as of course he can miss what they are aiming for too 
Good luck all xxx
When I came back from my initial biopsy I came on here and read every post about the subject. I realised from reading all the posts that although I would be given a yes or no to BC that what ever they said I had in terms of cancer type, size and grade may change if I needed an op. I was right, they told me after my biopsy that it was IDC, it was 22mm and grade 1 with no obvious node involvement However, after my lumpectomy and SN Biopsy that all changed to IDC mixed with intermidiate grade DCIS a 30MM lump grade 2 and 3/5 nodes affected.
So, I’m thinking that maybe they should change the way they give you results after a biopsy, maybe they should just use the initial biopsy to determine if you have BC or not and then if it is BC then wait till after your op to give you the full results. Maybe that would half the disappointment and shock some of us get when everything changes.
I have just read that back and i’m not sure it makes any sense at all lol
Hi Wendy,
After my cores biopsy I wasnt given any results. The consultant said yes it was lobular cancer and very small. When I had WLE and SNB it turned out to be 4.8cm and grade 3 and in 1 lymph node. I am very lucky cos got clear margins. Am now waiting to start chemotherapy. I think the waiting is the worst. Wendy know you have been through this all before, so thinking of you and sending big warm hugs.
Lee