DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m 56 and missed my last mammogram so now my doctor wants me to get extra tests and hinted at having a possible biopsy. He says it doesn’t hurt but I fear that the site will open up any bleeding inside, causing the potential cancer to spread into my bloodstream and the rest of my body. Can you give me any advice?

DEAR READER: I’m unclear of your situation. Was your last mammogram a routine screening or are you being monitored because of a breast lesion?

In the case of a routine screening, further testing and biopsy are not standard, even if the appointment was missed, unless an area of concern appears. If you have a known lesion that is being monitored, further testing — to include an ultrasound and biopsy – are common in cases where the [Read more...]