Hi,
My partner was diagnosed with breast cancer a week ago today and was told that she will need another biopsy to determine the extend of the cancer.
I wanted to know how common is a second biopsy and whether enough information should be from the first biopsy.
Hi Infinite716744
My name is Gemma, and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear about the anxiety and uncertainty your partner is experiencing while waiting for the results and further investigations.
Firstly, being diagnosed with Breast Cancer and getting all the tests and results can be very hard; the time whilst waiting for facts can be very uncertain.
Scans and bloods are always helpful in a diagnosis, but the biopsy helps the doctor decide the grade of the cancer by how the cancer cells look under the microscope.
Knowing the stage and grade helps your doctors plan the best treatment for your partner.
To reassure you, it is very common that more biopsies are required; it is not unusual to need a second biopsy to gather more information. This is incredibly helpful to the team.
It might be worth contacting your partner's breast cancer nurse specialist if she has one; they will be able to explain why a second biopsy is required.
Once they have the information they need, they will sit you and your partner down and give you the facts and plan. The cancer doctor or specialist nurse will give your partner information about your treatment options to help her make a decision about the treatment she wants.
I hope this has reassured you. At your next appointment, it might be helpful to take questions to ask your healthcare team. You may feel embarrassed or afraid to ask these questions. But healthcare professionals are used to all kinds of questions and are happy to help.
Sometimes, we may be able to explain more and support you better over the telephone. Please don’t hesitate to give one of our nurses a call on the support line.
If you have any information or support needs, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.
Best wishes
Gemma, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref-GeS/ Khe
