Any chance that 1cm spiculated mass (bi-rads 4c) be postoperative scarring, or fat necrosis?

september18

mamma :1cm spiculated mass seen at 10 o'clock, 3cm from nipple

ultrasound: 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.9 cm round, hypoechoic mass at 10 o'clock, 3cm

4c was given, and biopsy is scheduled.

I had a biopsy 2021 at 10 o'clock, 5cm for a 1.3 cm mass which turned out to be fibroadenoma. I was over-poked during the biopsy as I can see from computer screen since it was done by a resident student at Stanford (teaching center)

The specimen labeled "R1 right breast 10 o'clock, 5 cm from nipple" is received in formalin and consists of four soft tan-yellow cylindrical cores of tissue that vary from 0.4 x 0.2 cm to 1.3 x 0.2 cm.

Given the locations, any chance this new "1cm spiculated mass seen at 10 o'clock, 3cm" a  postoperative scarring, or fat necrosis, because of precious biopsy done 3 years ago?

I am very scared, and please pray for me. thanks!

moderators

Hi @september18, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

Considering your past experience, it's completely understandable that you are feeling scared. Hopefully other member will chime in soon with their own experiences and support. Meanwhile, here are two articles you might find useful about fat necrosis, from our main site:

Fat Necrosis and Oil Cysts

Breast Skin Necrosis After Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction

We hope this helps! Wishing you all the best,

The Mods

.

september18

Thanks.

And any recommendations for good breast surgeon/oncologist in Bay Area, CA? If within Stanford Health Care , that is better, since all my record (images) are there.

Stanford is very slow though. Difficult to schedule imaging, and get appointments with doctors quick.

Appreciate any help, advice, and support.

exbrnxgrl

Hi September,

I can’t help you with doctor recommendations as I belong to Kaiser (I am in San Jose). I will say that having to wait to schedule appointments is very common as breast cancer is not an emergency. Yes, of course it feels like it when you are the one waiting for answers, but the wait will not impact you medically. Most breast cancers have been growing for years before they are large enough to be detected so a few more weeks will not impact your health. I’m hoping for the best but wanted to let you know that it is likely not Stanford being slow but that this is typical for a serious, but not emergency level, medical situation. Take care

september18

very anxious and scared. can't stop thinking of those worst cases after searching internet.

how do you guys handle it?

exbrnxgrl

September,

I don’t coddle adults so forgive my forthrightness. While I understand your worries, we have all been there, two of the best things you can do are:

-Stay away from Dr. Google. He is totally incapable of diagnosing anything and is unable, most importantly, to say anything about your individual circumstances. The internet cannot in any way address your case or know anything about you. If diagnostics were as simple as a google search, why would we need tests and doctors?
- Breast cancer is very complex with many possibilities and variables. If this turns out to be bc, it appears small and localized. The vast majority of patients with small localized bc are treated and do not recur. BTW, breast cancer that is confined to the breast is not terminal so please don’t let your mind go down paths that are not likely to be your path. Very few people , about 6%, are diagnosed with stage IV, the only stage that is terminal, at initial diagnosis so worst case scenarios are unlikely.

This is not a medical emergency, though it may personally feel like it. The waiting will not negatively impact your health.Living with uncertainty is never fun so try to distract yourself in anyway you can and stay away from Dr. Google! It’s a beautiful day in the Bay Area so enjoy it.

tb90

Yes, we have all been there and some of us (me) were just like you. I too couldn’t stop worrying about worst case scenario and only a life threatening flood could have distracted me from thinking about it. I recall being at a demonstration for drains and how to manage them when the instructor was asking how we were doing. With humour, I asked whether planning my funeral was an over reaction? The group laughed but it started a conversation about how we were all fearing the worst. Fearing the worst crosses cultures too. I just returned from facilitating a strategic planning session with Indigenous Elders (Canada) and met two Elders who had experienced breast cancer. We shared our initial fear and panic. And then we shared our regrets for decisions we made based on that panic

Exbrnxgrl (auto correct won’t have leave me be) is correct. It’s not an emergency and if there is anything I wish I had known then, it is not to panic and that no matter the outcome of tests, there is so much hope and time with this diagnosis. I have faced greater threats since that has put breast cancer into prospective.

But like a mother attempting to teach and guide you through my words of wisdom, I know it is often fruitless. We have to go through it ourselves and do it with the resources we have. Telling you not to worry is useless. But if you can get some relief and peace from knowing that you will be ok for a very long time regardless of outcome and know that you can get through this because all the wonderful women on here will guide and support you, I am offering that. That is all I have.

We get it. You are in great company. ❤️

september18

Thanks exbrnxgrl and tb90 for all the comfort. Appreciate you talking to me and thanks for the company.