I think I know what my tests mean?

Public Archive
1

HI there, I think I know what’s happening but I’m not sure…

found a lump and had a mammogram and ultrasound.
The brest I found the lump in…ultrasound showed a fibroadamona and they did a biopsy, the mammogram on the other breast showed micro-calcifications, so they did a stereo localisation biopsy on that side. ( fun afternoon eh! )

The results for fibroadenoma were benign, the other biopsy showed a papillary lesion. They have decided they want to do a ‘wire localisation and wide area excision’ of the area for a proper histological study.
I don’t have the date through for day surgery yet.
…My translation of the above is that the stereo biopsy didn’t tell them much…so they want to take the bit of tissue out for detailed study.
am I right?
my other concern is the use of the term ‘wide area’ just how wide is wide? ( the area effected is 3-5 mm and not possible to palpate ).
I’ve assumed this is just a ‘little bit of surgery’, nothing big …I hope I’m right!!!

2

Hi bhazel

Welcome to the forum. I am sure other members will soon be along to offer you some support.

You could also give our Helpline a call for information and support. They are open from 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000.

Very best wishes

janet

BCC Moderator

3

hi hazel… they often do a wide local excision rather than an excision biopsy… the WLE takes the suspicious area plus about a 1cm margin of healthy tissue to make sure it doesnt have any abnormal cells that cant be seen or felt… the excision biopsy just takes away the lump or suspicious area alone so it could mean a further operation if there are abnormal cells along the edge of the bit they remove.

a papillary leisions are wart like areas but occasionally can harbour abnormal cells which could turn to cancer if left so they like to remove it all and will check it thoroughly under the microscope.

good luck x