Has anyone had a biopsy and marker placed during breast appointment?

[woodenbatandball]

I am 42 and have had a fibrodenoma, which was biopsed in 2018 all was fine.

Since then I have gone to the breast clinic in 2021 (all fine) 2023 (was diagnosed with fibrocystic changes. I have been today as I felt my fibrocystic changes had changed but couldn't be sure.

Mammogram was fine and nothing has changed. The lady doing the Ultrasound said she wanted to do a biopsy as she can't be sure the tissue hasn't changed since my last ultrasound. She did a biopsy and a placed a marker (which I've never heard of before). The specialist wants me to go in next Wednesday, but has said 'we don't think it's anything serious' he just wants to check why the tissue is more lumpy/dense in this area. He said worst case scenario if it is something we will have caught it early! He was very pragmatic and reassured me having a face to face appointment does not mean bad news!

Has anyone had a biopsy and marker before?

I had a biopsy and a marker put in a couple of months ago. The consultant also said she didn't think it was cancer and, even if it was, it would have been caught early. They were right - the biopsy came back fine.
I think you should be massively reassured by them saying that. I've had bowel cancer and, in my experience of that, I was never given false reassurance!
I hope it all goes well for you. Waiting for the results is hell but, given what the consultant said, you should try not to worry too much ( easier said than done!)

Thank you so much @corlan I really appreciate this. The specialist was reassuring, but the radiologist wasn't so clear and I've suddenly panicked about why they put a marker in there. I had to go and get another mammogram done after (to show where the marker was) and the lady asked me if I was alright and then I started crying! (Think I assumed I'd just get the OK and walk out) she was lovely but her concern then made me worry if there was something more serious. But as you said I think the specialists I saw at the end wouldn't have sugar coated it. So glad yours was benign and so sorry to hear about your bowel cancer are you ok now?

I'm good thanks. No evidence of cancer at the moment.
I don't know why they put a marker in when they take a breast biopsy. They never did it for the bowel. Maybe it's just more likely to stay put in the breast?

Yes. I had this done yesterday. The marker is nothing to do with how serious or not they think the issue is.

It is purely so they have an exact mark of where the biopsy was taken from. It will show up on future mammograms.
It helps them because if they note any changes in the future they can see exactly how close or far away from the biopsy/original issue the change is.

I'm guessing because mammograms are done under compression and breast tissue is so floppy/repositionable it would be hard to know if you had the exact same orientation of breast tissue and so exactly where the biopsy had been done otherwise!

My radiologist said she wasn't too worried about my issues (microcalcifications) and I got the impression she was 50/50 as to whether it was benign or very early cancer so that is why they did my biopsy.

I get my results next week.

Do check your letters/paperwork from your appointment. Mine has a phone number for breast care nurses which you can phone any time during open hours to talk to someone for information or reassurance if you need it

Sending you very best wishes while you wait for results. x

I had biopsies and 3 markers put in my right breast about 6 years ago, then 3 years ago I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in my left breast. The right one is still fine

Thanks for all your lovely replies. The specialist said the changes were '3' on the scale meaning they are probably benign but wanting to check that there isn't anything else going on in the tissue. Hate the wait but so thankful the breast clinics work so efficiently @corlan I'm glad all is OK at the moment @EducatingArti thank you for highlighting what the markers are for! It makes sense and think it's what the radiologist said but in the moment everything gets a bit hazy!

Sorry I meant to tags wrong @Flopsythebunny thanks for the reply and so sorry. To hear what you went through on your right breast @EducatingArti sending loads of hugs and support I'm meant to get my results next week. Let me know how you get on xxx

I understand the haziness. I'm not feeling particularly anxious or panicky right now ( though obviously concerned to some extent) but finding it really hard to think straight or focus!

@EducatingArti I feel the same! I'm trying to focus on the positives that were said rather than catastrophise but sometimes easier said than done! Sending a massive hug. Have you got a date for your follow up?

Yes. Next Tuesday morning

Loads of luck @EducatingArti let me know how it goes. When did you get your appointment through? Xx

They gave me my appointment when I was at the clinic yesterday. Have you not had a date for yours yet?

He was very adamant he wanted to see me next Weds afternoon! They said someone would send me a letter or call me. I might ring them tomorrow xxx

@EducatingArti just wanted to send you a massive supportive hug for tomorrow. Xxx

Thank you so much! I'm in bad already tonight and going to hibernate under the quilt in a minute and listen to a talking book. Trying not to think about tomorrow yet and just take it as it comes.

@woodenbatandball
Thanks again for your good wishes. I got an all clear at my appointment today. Everything normal and back to 3 yearly screening tests. Still have the titanium marker in for futon reference.

Ooh, 3 posts in a row.

I really hope you get equally good news tomorrow.

future reference, not futon reference!🤣😂🤣

Oh such brilliant news @EducatingArti apparently I get a phone call tomorrow lunch. I hate the wait. So glad you got a good result and can hopefully relax and enjoy the rest of the week.

I had a marker put in my right breast a few years ago as there was some calcification noted. They did a couple of biopsies to double check all was OK and it was.

This was 3 years ago. As it happens, most recent mammogram showed a non-invasive tumour in my left breast - but the right one where there were possible changes showing last time was absolutely fine. What's happening in my left breast is nothing to do with previous changes in my right breast where the marker was put 3 years ago so it certainly doesn't mean you'll go on and develop cancer there.

Just an update I got the all clear. Biopsy was benign. I just have cystic boobs and need to take Evening Primrose Oil. I can't praise the service and doctor enough, he was incredible. To the point if something had been wrong I would have felt very assured to have him treating me. He said I can come back whenever I want.

Good news on your results. I went through this last year, got the all clear although i have to have my mass temoved as its large and fast growing. The marker is purely to flag that that particular lump/mass has been examined and biopsied. It means they don't have to go through the whole procedure next time you have a breast check up and they see the mass.

I had a biopsy and marker done in 2023 as they were fairly sure that I had a small tumour, which turned out to be right. It was good as seeing the surgeon then wait for the marker then another surgeon appointment meant I got my lumpectomy sooner rather than later which showed a tiny (7mm) tumour which was completely removed by the operation but I had 10 days of radiotherapy as well to be sure.

Hope you get a good result. But it sounds like you're being well looked after xx

So glad you got the all clear.too!

Thanks @weegiemum it was all good.
I'm sorry they found a tumour with you but sounds like you were well taken care of. Are you ok now? X