Hi everyonei am brand new to this group and am hoping someone can help me through some confusion.A long story that I can hopefully cut short.I have had a sore left breast and shoulder now for awhile 3 years or so. Mammogram and ultrasound three years ago showed lots of ducts on the side but no other issues.Due to it still be there 3 years later I recently self initiated an appointment and went to breast screen and had a mammogram to check it out. I was recalled today and had a an ultrasound and mammogram. Spoke to the dr and given the all clear and to come again in 2 years.now here the story gets interesting.....I mentioned to my gp at a visit 4 weeks ago that it was still sore and she suggested a shoulder and back X-ray and ultrasound and mammogram through a imaging place. I thought what the heck I'd do them both. So I had the second tests and have visited my dr ( who wanted to see me within ten days of the results) and she has advised that I need to have a fine needle biopsy in my left breast as the tests shown slightly enlarged milk ducts and some tiny white spots. So so my questions.she didn't need to see me asap only within ten days. Would this mean it's not urgent / critical?why would one screen be clear and the other not??what do the dots mean and the milk ducts?Im feeling to anxious and scared and confused.Pippy

Hi Pippy. One explanation for the small dots is that they may be micro calcifications. Calcifications are common when women get older. Most times micro calcifications are non cancerous, but some women with with early breast cancer have mirco calcifications usually with other diagnostic findings such as a mass on the ultrasound and/or mammogram. This is what happened in my case. Your GP probably wants to be thorough and determine what type of calcifications they are.Good luck with itNadi

Thanks for replying Nadi. I didn't have any other lumps or bumps so maybe a good sign.if it is not good would you say that this is an early detection? Is early detection good for treatment?

@Pippy the earlier detection the better for treatment and results. remember our breasts change with our menstrual cycle so it could be that it is more clear in one than the other of your scans etc. Your GP is doing the right thing by checking it out. I hope for you that it is simple calcifications and nothing else.... come back and let us know. hugs Alice

As the others have said. Hope all goes well with the biopsy. Best to be thorough.

Hey Pippy! So Breast Screen Mammos and U/sounds were normal come back in 2 years right? independent mammo and u/sound showed enlarged milk ducts and spots(calcification) now is it your GP mentioned about a needle biopsy? To be honest because of the conflicting results Id see a breast Surgeon get their opinion then a needle biopsy if required. Hugs Melinda xo

Confused | BCNA Online Network

24 Replies

mum2jj
Member
9 years ago
Great you can see specialist. Hugs. Paula xx
SoldierCrab
Member
9 years ago
@Pippy that would be so frustrating you will find the Specialist can get a faster biopsy if he/she wants it.
I wish I could make it go faster and you have the answers you need, we all would want that.

Hugs and Energy to get through the week before your appointment on Monday.

Alice xoxo
Pippy
Member
9 years ago
Specialist booked for Monday :)

Finally had had a call re biopsy and they said they can get me in, in two weeks. My case is not considered urgent. I cancelled.
RNSW
Member
9 years ago
Getting a biopsy is a good idea! It's always better to have a few tests to know for sure. All the best xo
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Pippy your GP visit sounds positive! Take care
Pippy
Member
9 years ago
Thanks ladies. I shall update you on appointment date on Monday.
what a wonderful community it is here. So greatful for the advice
primek
Member
9 years ago
Fantastic result. I truly believe that is the best outcome and you will then understand a lot more as breast surgeons have the knowledge to explain it all thoroughly, whether benign or othetwise. Hoping you get an appointment quickly. Kath x
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Pippy! Wonderful!! Your GP sounds very thorough and caring! So glad you got that referral excellent! To be honest I found the biopsies useless as they are so hit and miss and my first diagnosis they missed it and so had to have a lumpectomy anyway...so Im like I should have just saved myself the angst and done that. Im lucky in that I have had my Surgeon 6 yrs so have a great rapport and trust him emphatically. If I were to face it again Id go by his opinion if he honestly felt it was something to be concerned from the scans etc., Id do a lumpectomy and be definitive of what it is. The good thing is he may look at those scans and honestly not take it any further because they will pretty much know more about it. Hugs, keep us posted! xx Oh Im in surgery Monday so hopefully I'll catch up on posts when Im recovering. xxMelinda
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hi Pippy, I reckon you wouldn't be human if you didn't worry, just try not to worry too much.!! You're in a good starting place, and it's excellent you're being checked thoroughly. Let us know when your appointment is. Xx Cath
Pippy
Member
9 years ago
Thanks for all your help so far. I now have a referral to a breast surgeon in port Macquarie ( will ring Monday) the GP said this was her recommendation as a biopsy would be like finding a needle in a haystack and potentially just cause scarring. She said that the surgeon would do an MRI and then biopsy if required.
She said after reading the results that it would be unlikely to come back positive but it is best to be safe then sorry in two years time when I do my next test.
she was trying to be reassuring but until it's all done and I have results I think I'll worry.