Biopsy accuracy & 2nd opinions

Teresa · Guest

[i][color=darkblue][/color]Almost 2 mo. ago a lump was found in my breast . 3 cm w/ microcalcifications . After more tests I was sent to a local Surgeon . He and the Radiologist felt that the growth looked very suspicious . The surgeon wanted to do a stereotactic vac. assisted biopsy but because the Hospital wouldn't allow him to perform it himself he decided to just do a FNA . The site wasn't cleaned and nothing appeared to be sterile . He didn't even hold the lump between his fingers. He just drew a circle on my breast and inserted the needle . The report was inconclusive and this Surgeon wants to excise the " tumor " as he referres to it . He says that waiting any more than 4 wks would be " a threat to my health " . I made an appt. at Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center to get another opinion . The Surgeon called and told me that his feelings were hurt . This guy is new in town & I'm wondering if he is a " quack " . I am really nervous about my upcoming appt. now ( 29th ) Do you think the Specialists at Wake Forest will do something more invasive than a FNA ? Should I request that they do ? How accurate is a FNA ? I need for this to be over . I can't sleep , am nauseated all of the time and my 2nd Grandchild is due next mo !!! What should I do ? - Teresa[/i]

Guest

I'm no doctor, but I've sure seen a lot of them now that my wife has been dx with BC. This guy sounds terrible, and I would DEFINATELY get a second opinion. I can't imagine a doctor phoning to say that they're insulted. They should be thankful that you're going to get the best care possible.

Half of the battle for my wife is having doctors that she feels comfortable with. I think a doctor's attitude is very important for the peace of mind of the patient.

From what you've written, this guy sounds like a quack.

penelopez · Senior User Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 165

Hi Teresa,

I get bad vibes just reading about that doctor! Always listen to your gut feelings. It's VERY unprofessional for a doctor to call you and say you have hurt his feelings! A GOOD doctor will WELCOME a second opinion. I think it's wise if you stick with the cancer center. I hear they have excellent reputations.

Regarding the FNA - I had that done after I found the lump in my breast. It came back negative but the surgeon said we still had to take the lump out, "just to be sure." It's a good thing. I had the excisional biopsy done and they found it to be cancer. My surgeon said that the FNA can have a high false negative rate. Sometimes the needle only gets a tiny specimen and the test is not accurate.

Good luck and prayers to you. I feel for you and hope that all turns out well. I think you'll be in good hands at a cancer center or a big teaching hospital.

Hugs,

Margie

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Hello

Thanks for posting. I agree that no doctor should feel inferior or insulted if the patients seeks other opinions. I am not sure why he felt that way, but I do not think that was very professional to call you to say that. If I, as a patient, do not feel comfortable with certain doctor, I would certainly seek other providers.

regards,
leo
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MNlady13 · Guest

I would run not walk to another doctor for a second opinion. The heck with the doctor's hurt feelings. This is your body and your life. If his shorts are in a knot because you want a second opionion, too bad. Ego has no place in making sure patients get the best care and are comfortable with their decisions, IMHO. Good luck. Keep us posted, please. Lauri

Teresa · Guest

I want to thank you all for your replys . I have been worried about the likelyhood of a false neg. report . Also I have found out that this Surgeon left the practice that he was in & came to the small town I live in to escape trouble due to an " altercation " w/ a patient . I am thankful that he only did the FNA !!! The Cancer Center at Wake Forest comes highly recommended and I wish I had gone there in the first place . Maybe this would all be over with by now . In any case I would appreciate your thoughts & prayers when I go to see these Specialist this Fri. I will let you know how things turn out for me . Thanks again . - Teresa Smile

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