Being told that you need to see a Surgeon for a Breast Biopsy to exclude the possibility of Cancer can be a very traumatic experience filled with anxiety and sleepless nights; this page is provided for the sole purpose of providing you with answers to your most immediate and pressing concerns in an attempt to allay some of those fears. It is NOT intended to replace medical advice given in a face-to-face encounter with a trained healthcare provider.
Most referrals for a Breast Biopsy result from diagnostic imaging such as a mammogram or ultrasound and usually carry a BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting And Data System) score ranging from 0 to 6. A BIRADS score of 0 means more imaging is indicated. BIRADS scores of 1 or 2 have close to a zero percent risk of representing malignant findings. Scores of 3 have less than a 2% chance of ultimate cancer diagnosis. BIRADS scores of 4 (A-C, 2-95% chance of malignancy) and 5 (greater than 95% probability of cancer) are typically referred for tissue sampling, or “biopsy.” A BIRADS 6 score indicates cancer has ALREADY been proven.
Prayer, nutrition, emotional support and physical well-being are important aspects of any treatment plan
When I first started this 35 years ago, all breast biopsies were done using an open technique, often in the Operating Room and frequently resulting in the need for additional surgeries if the diagnosis was Cancer. Not so today, with modern tissue diagnoses obtained via minor procedures using core needle biopsies. These image-based minimal invasive approaches are quick, out-patient and accurate, allowing for treatment planning BEFORE any major surgery. Recovery is often within a few days and biopsy results average 1-2 days after the procedure. The biopsy can be performed with guidance via mammogram (stereotactic), ultrasound, MRI or (rarely) wire-guided open technique. Most (66% of) U.S. breast cancer diagnoses utilizing these methods represent localized disease and have a 99% chance of survival.
Megan (left) and Tonya (right) are part of a local Team utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and techniques
My mother was a Breast Cancer survivor, so I am personally aware of the far-reaching impact this diagnosis exerts on patients and their loved ones. My commitment to you as my patient is to see you quickly, assess and diagnose your condition accurately, furnish you with your results as soon as possible, and provide you with any surgical treatment indicated (if cancer) or follow up care (if benign findings). It is my hope that the above information will help make the agonizing waiting a little easier to handle.