Breast cancer biopsy?

Question

My aunt just had to get a biopsy on a mass, and I'm wondering if there is any chance that it could come back that it wasn't cancer? She's in her late 50s...

Answer 1

Of course, there is a good chance that they biopsy results will be benign (not cancer).

"About 10% of women who get a mammogram will end up needing a breast biopsy, and most of those biopsies will find benign breast disease rather than cancer."

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Cancer_Risks_of_Benign_Breast_Disease_Clarified.asp

"About 80% of all biopsies done in the U.S. produce benign (not cancerous) results, according to the American Cancer Society."

http://www.medicinenet.com/breast_biopsy/article.htm

"Remember: Just because your doctor wants you to have a biopsy does not mean you have breast cancer. Most breast lumps are not cancer. However, having a biopsy (removal and testing of a suspicious area of the breast) is the only way to know for sure. See a doctor about any changes in your breasts. Even if you do need a biopsy, it is encouraging to know that 4 of every 5 biopsy results are not cancer."

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_6x_For_Women_Facing_a_Breast_Biopsy.asp?sitearea=

Those are pretty good odds! I hope your aunt's results are as encouraging as the statistics.....

Answer 2

Yes, there is a possibility that it could be something other than cancer. If you can go with her for the results or tell her to have someone go with her to get the results of the biopsy.. do not go alone.. I made that mistake, and went by myself... I didn't hear anything after the Dr said "your biopsy results show you have cancerous cells".... my whole brain went blank! After a few minutes, I had to ask the Dr to repeat everything he had said! And then i cried..........

I had early stage DCIS. There is no known history of breast cancer in my family. I am 53. My treatment consisted of a lumpectomy in November 2006 and then after I healed I had 30 radiation treatments. Now I am taking tamoxifen since I was Estrogen positive.

It truly is one of the most devastating things a woman can hear....you have breast cancer... but thanks to early diagnosis and new treatments, many many women are surviving! I plan to be around for a LONG LONG time!!

Answer 3

It could easily be benign.

That is why a biopsy is necessary, to decide if it is or isn't cancer.

If there wasn't a possibility of it being benign, they would just start treating it as cancer without performing a biopsy forst.

Answer 4

Yes.. sometimes mass in the breast can just be a cyst or a benign tumor, among other things, so let her know that and try to relax... say a prayer and know that she did the right thing by having it removed... good luck and God bless..

Answer 5

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