u/MoonPowerTiare

June 10 - I was having achy breasts since the beginning of June, similar to the feeling of clogged ducts when I was still breastfeeding. This prompted me to do a self-check, which led to me finding a solid lump in my left breast.

June 15 - Consulted with my OB and raised the issue to her. She confirmed the presence of a moveable nodule, and gave me a referral for a breast ultrasound.

June 17 - Ultrasound was done for both breasts.

June 18 - Got my ultrasound report: A lobulated, solid, hypochoic nodule is in the left breast 2-3:00 position, Zone B, measuring 1.0 x 1.1 x 0.6 cm. This corresponds to the palpable structure in the area of concern (lesion A). BIRADS Category 4: Suspicious findings. Suggest biopsy of Lesion A in the left breast.

That same day, I consulted with a breast surgeon. She reviewed the images and examined my lump. She told me right away “I don’t think it’s cancer.” Her recommendation was to monitor and go back for another ultrasound after 6 months. I told her that I’m worried about letting this lump stay in my body, and asked if I can have it taken out, so she scheduled me for an excision biopsy.

June 20: Excision biopsy was done with local anesthesia. Prior to the procedure, she did another ultrasound to find the exact location of the breast mass. She also commented that the mass kept on “running away” from under her fingers.

July 1: Histopathology report was ready. MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION:
Microsections show a large breast lesion composed of compressed and dilated tubular glands with myoepithelial cells, set in a fibromyxoid stroma. Some cystic lesions are closely associated. However noted are 2 foci of compressed tubules with hyperchromatic, angulated nuclei and almost no cytoplasm. Visible myoepithelial cells are not apparent. Mitotic figures are increased. The margins are benign fibroadipose tissue. DIAGNOSIS: Areas suspicious for invasive carcinoma in a background of complex fibroadenoma. Immunohistochemical stains p63 and ki67 are recommended to rule-out presence of invasive carcinoma.

You can just imagine how my anxiety was through the roof upon reading the initial diagnosis! Another waiting game began as the additional tests were done.

July 10: FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Immunohistochemical stain p63 revealed intact and numerous basal cells amongst the atypical glands, KI67 is less than 5% which is most compatible with complex fibroadenoma. ICS are with good working controls.

This sub has been a great source of comfort to me during the biggest health scare of my life. I hope that sharing my experience can help other ladies who are going through something similar.

Hi, ladies! Tomorrow I will undergo excision biopsy procedure with local anesthesia only. My breast mass is measuring 1cm based on ultrasound. Most of the posts I’ve seen in this sub were done under general anesthesia. So for those who had the same procedure, I would really appreciate it if you can share your experiences (how much time did it take, did you feel pain during the procedure, aftercare, recovery etc.) It will be my first time having surgery, and the fact that it’s gonna be done under local anesthesia worries me a lot.