An interesting thing happened today, something I hadn’t considered at age 22: What kind of biopsy did I want for my breast tumor? One would think the doctor would decide, but the choice, under the table, is up to me and here’s why…
If I opt for the ultrasound-guided biopsy, it’s quick with zero recovery time. They’re in they’re out, ya know?
If I opt for the surgical biopsy, I’ve got some recovery time and probably a lot more pain.
But here’s the magic: if I go for the trendy biopsy (trendy?!), the ultrasound-guided biopsy, then when the tumor comes back benign, insurance will probably not pay for it to be removed because it’s not a threat. If I go for the out of date biopsy, the excisional (surgical) biopsy, then it’s a more traumatic recovery but it’s out which is what I want.
Either way, a biopsy must be done because it’s a “solid, palpable mass.”
