Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 12/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, recently I had a Mammotome biopsy because of a birads 3 on my mammo. A month later I had another mammo. The  area was still there. I was told the US picked up an area not seen on mammo and this is the one biopsied. It was cystic apocrine metaplasia and intralobular fibrosis. No atypia or hyperplasia. They recommended another mammo in 6 months, but I think I want to know something sooner. I'm told my breasts are dense. Do you think an MRI would be ok at this point? If so, should the other side be done also? Thanks

ANSWER: ABSOLUTELY! And both sides since your breasts are dense. A new needle biopsy should also be done either MRI guided or stereotactically based on mammography!
This is something your radiologists should think of on their own!
Good luck!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I talked to the surgeon who did the biopsy right after I read your reply. I asked how dense were my breasts. He said there were areas that were somewhat dense. He says he will push for the mri if that's what I want, but he still seems to go along with the radiologist who said to repeat the mammo in 6 months. I was just afraid of what else might not be showing up, in either breast. Am I being overly cautious since there are no relatives with breast cancer (that I know of)? If these areas are benign, can they get bigger? If it's cancer could they grow enough in six months to cause problems with treatment. Also, if I have the mri, would they do a biopsy at that time? I've read that the mri needs to be done at a certain time during your monthly cycle. I had a uterine ablation 2 yrs ago because of heavy bleeding and anemia. I wouldn't know where I was. I'm 50 yrs, so should be close to menopause. Your answer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again

Answer
Where you are in your menstrual cycle can be determined in the lab. The important thing is to find out if there is any malignancy suspect lesion there. For that both an MRI and a biopsy are important. I think it is better to have this done rather than to wait for 6 months. So my advice is to have it done soonest.