Last Tuesday I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) breast cancer in my left breast.I have had two core needle biopsies on my left and right breast. I'm still waiting for the results from the biopsy on my right breast.I have an appointment with the breast surgeon tomorrow (Monday).I'm worried that the biopsies have damaged the duct wall and caused the cancer to spill out of the duct into the breast.Does a core needle biopsy break the duct and cause the cancer to spread?The radiologist who performed the second biopsy was very rough, and he inserted the needle at least six times into my breast (there are six holes/scars in my breast).I live in Victoria and I'm a public patient. My local hospital is terrible and I don't feel supported by the breast surgeon. She is very unprofessional. I'm afraid that I don't have the same chance of survival as a private patient who can afford to see a breast surgeon of their choice.I'm terrified that the cancer has spread because of the biopsies.

DCIS is precancerous cells,so not invasive. . It is considered stage 0 and there is some talk about even if it should be called cancer. Ask what type of biopsy you had. I had the same question, can you spread from a biopsy? It was explained to me that the needle is like a vaccuum and when they click it it takes a small amount of flesh and sucks it up then released onto the slide for pathology. The breast may be a little inflamed from the trauma of it but it’s not usually the case that it would spread.

Everything is okay. Apparently I don't have cancer.My doctor (GP) got it wrong. It's not her fault. She didn't understand how to interpret the results. It did put me and my partner through hell though!I saw the breast surgeon today. The right breast is completely clear. In the left breast, there is a tiny amount of DCIS in the duct but she doesn't consider it enough to be called cancer.She wants me to have an MRI to check everything. And then she's going to remove the DCIS in an excisional biopsy so she can see what it is. They are not sure what type of carcinoma it is.She said the DCIS could take years to develop into cancer. She said I could even go back to using my hormone patches if I wanted to. Thank God! I can't stand my menopausal symptoms!I told her about my experience with the radiologist, and how she didn't send them enough of a report. She took it well and she apologised. She seemed uncomfortable but I needed to tell her. As for the needle biopsy breaking the duct, she said it's a valid concern but it doesn't happen. That's all she said about it. I was wondering if breast surgeons think that there is a risk of it happening but they decide to go ahead with it anyway.Yippee! I don't have cancer! I'm going to have some cake and ice cream to celebrate!

Talk with your breast surgeon and if at all possible take someone with you. You need to make clear that you are unhappy with the procedures to date. Rough handling by people who should know better is distressing but may not mean you are at greater risk. Cancer cells can spread a number of ways, or not.If you are unhappy with your surgeon, talk toyour GP about how to seek a second opinion. It’s important to your successful treatment that you have confidence in your medical team. Best wishes.

@terrifiedme I was worried about exact same thing. My breast care nurse explained that cancer doesn’t spread like that . Ask your doctor tomorrow and let us know 🤞

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/ductal-carcinoma-in-situ-dcis/

DCIS question: Does a core needle biopsy break the duct and cause the cancer to spread?

MrsMorrisey
Member
10 months ago
I’ve had two surgeries and have two more rads to go. I reckon the biopsy was probably the most painful out of all the procedures.
Had a little cry afterwards 😢
herplv
Member
11 months ago
Yer it's going like it now
June1952
Member
11 months ago
As long as the black went to purple and then to yellow you know it is getting better. All takes time for the body to process bruising and that area is not one we really 'exercise' so the body has to work harder at it. Like any deep bruising, it is probably just time - but see your GP if you are concerned.
herplv
Member
11 months ago
The ice pack and panadol didn't work for me. I still came out black purple and yellow.
Katie46
Member
11 months ago
I got a lot of bruising from the biopsy, more than from the actual lumpectomy 🤷‍♀️ I was numbed up, so the procedure didn't hurt, but it was sore after. I used ice packs and panadol. The bruising took quite a while to disappear.
herplv
Member
11 months ago
Like I have wondering the same thing.
Plus after 4 weeks of biopsy I am still sore... I been given some pain relief, but once I take it goes, but the pain comes back 😭
brightspace
Member
2 years ago
Sorry about the ups n downs with consults n testing
Its early days yet
It will take a while to have the results from the excisional biopsy procedure
Sometimes the results do change
And therapy will be recommended
Still a lot to take in
All the best
Bright in hope
iserbrown
Member
2 years ago
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/ductal-carcinoma-in-situ-dcis/
Keeping_positiv
Member
2 years ago
Some breast surgeons do not consider DCIS to be cancer. I hope you can get clear answers from the breast surgeon.

Also if you are going through the publuc system you can ask the breast care nurse to come to the next appointment with you to see the breast surgeon. I hope you can get clarity very soon. Wishing you well.
GinGin
Member
2 years ago
@terrifiedme, will you consider going to a breast surgeon (private) to explain the results to you (second opinion). You will need to pay for the consultation fees which is about $200 to $300 before Medicare rebate. If you do, arm yourself with all the questions you may have and get a peace of mind.

Most GP doesn’t know how to read these pathology results. Mine will not even attempt and she was honest with me. She even drafted a few questions she wanted answers before I met my breast surgeon.

I hope you don’t have cancer. 🤞