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Question:
#2971
6/12/2006
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I recently received the results from my last mammogram, that there is a 'retroareolar density' in the left breast. I know this means behind the nipple. What concerns me is I just found out that this 'density' was noted on my mammogram from 2005, and I was never told about it, the doctors office and the mammogram center both sent me a followup indicating that this mammogram was normal. Now in 2006 I find out that this density has grown, and a diagnostic ultrasound has been recommended. Why wouldn't I have been told about this density in 2005? And now that is has been a year and some growth has been noted, should I be worried? Thanks - and I'm having the ultrasound in the morning. |
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good question. so point blank ask them why they didn't tell you before and investigate it earlier. we hope the final outcome is a benign one. |
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Question:
#2972
6/12/2006
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I am a 34 year old woman, and my youngest child is 4 years old. Lately I noticed grayish, and sometimes green discharge from both my breasts. There is no history of breast cancer in our family. Should I be alarmed?
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alarmed? no, but time for a clinical breast exam and possibly ultrasound to see the cause. |
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Question:
#2973
6/12/2006
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The assessment of my recent mammogram came back with no progressing abnormality. The radiologist noted there is a cluster of pleomorphic, indeterminate calcifications in the imq of the left breast. he noted they appear to exhibit relative stability from previous mammograms of 2003 and 2005. he also noted they were less well defined in 2002. He recommended a follow-up left mammogram in 6 months and gave a bi-rad rating of 3. i have no family history of breast cancer. my father died of colon cancer in 1990. Would a biopsy be warranted or is the 6 month wait reasonable? |
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grade 3 would mean they are not concerned and do not recommend a biopsy. stable is a good thing to read. if still worried take films to another radiologists for a second reading. |
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Question:
#2974
6/12/2006
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I am a 36 year old female, there is history of breast cancer on my mother's side. Last year I had a lump removed from my right breast. I went through my first mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopies. They couldn't determine whether it was a phyllodes tumor, fibercystic or cancer. I would wait 3 weeks to get into a breast surgeon. Our family doctor who we are very good friends with, who knows I'm a hyprocondriac and have very bad anxiety attacks, told me to be in his office the next day. he will take it out.. He took it out and I knew the results in 4 days, it was a fibroadenoma. Thank God. I'm 10 days before my period and I felt lump the size of pea in my upper left breast. I ran to my doctor he felt it and said it's smooth, he can move it around, you have fibercystic breasts. Your going to get your period in 10 days, let's check back in 1 month, because you need your mammograms done anyway. I trust my doctor with all my heart, but I keep thinking in the back of my mind should I wait until I'm done with my period and get my mammograms done sooner, or should I wait until the end of July will it do any damamge by me waiting. I had 2 set of mammograms done last july, and the only thing that they saw that was suspcious was the lump that I had removed. Also, does a mammogram include pictures all the way through the nipple or does it stop at the nipple and its just the breast part with out the nipple?? Thank you so much |
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mammo does include nipple and areola areas. yes. 3 weeks is okay to wait even if this were to be trouble. |
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Question:
#2975
6/12/2006
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i am currently undergoing chemo after having had 2 lumps removed from my left breast. i have felt a thickening in my right breast. my onc felt it too and said she would keep an eye on it but wasn't too concerned. is it possible for cancer to grow in my right breast while i am having chemo? thanks. |
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possible but would be highly unusual. |
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Question:
#2976
6/12/2006
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I will be brief:44yo,estrogen producing, cycling. have had 5 bx over last few yrs, 2 lipomas, 1 fibroadenoma, 2necrotic cysts. Had extremely lg breasts/bk pain, so had reduction 2wks ago...also was felt would lessen production of all these cysts. no fam hx breast Ca. Why all the recent necrotic cysts, and do you think this surgery will induce more? (I have never had trauma to this area other than bx).Thank you for your time. |
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necrotic cells can happen for many reasons and if the area was a small area of necrosis then usually it is not of concern per se. whether you will continue the biopsy cycle though is anyone's guess...some say taking vitamin E and avoiding caffeine reduces cyst production. |
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Question:
#2977
6/12/2006
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I don't know what the little bumps are called around your nipple but on my left breast one of the bumps are kind of swollen and sore. What could this be. |
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could be a small local infection or even triggered by hormonal changes. see your gyn for evaluation. |
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Question:
#2978
6/12/2006
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I had a left mastectomy 2 weeks ago and have received the first part of my pathology report which states the I have ILC, modified Bloom-Richardson Grade 2/3, (tubule formation 3/3, nuclear pleomorphism 2/3, mitotic activity 1/3)
1.1 mutilfocal tumorous infiltrate, primarily located at the upper quadrants (tumour size cannot be determined) see comment.
1.2 Ductal carcimona in -situ present, multifocal, solid and cribriform patterns, nuclear grade 2/3 without comedonecrosis.
1.3 Lobular carcinoma in-situ present, multifocal, nuclear grade 2/3
1.4 Microcalcifications present, multifocal
1.5 Perineural invsion present
1.6 Lymphovascular invasion present (small vessel invasion)
1.7 Nipple and skin negative for invasive carcinoma
1.9 Positive for metastatic carcinoma in 2/15 axillary lymph nodes indentified.
1.10 Results of hormonal receptor and her-2/neu studies to be reported separately
2 Atypical ductal hyperplasia and atypical lobular hyperplasia in non-neoplastic regions
Comment: Most of the tumorous foci are multifocally distributed in a broad indurate fibrotic zone measuring 1-x8.5x2.5 cm (Secions 3-14), mainly ocated at the upper inner and outer quadrants. Howeer, foci of infiltrating lobular carcinoma are also found in the random rections (15-18) taken fro the upper quadrants outside of the above indurate zone. Thus, the specific tumour size cannot be determined precisely. I haven't seen a medical oncologist yet but would like to know your opinion on what my RX should be. Thank you very much. |
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anticipate a healthy discussion about chemo given positive nodal status. ask about results of ER receptor and Her2neu which will influence treatment planning as well. |
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Question:
#2979
6/12/2006
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could stretch marks on the breast cause the skin to look differently? |
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yes |
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Question:
#2980
6/12/2006
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is true puckered/dimpled skin always puckered and dimpled? |
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not always. sometimes it is based on the position of the arm. for example, if may only pucker and dimple when the arm is raised. |
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Question:
#2981
6/12/2006
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im sorry i dont know which caorgary to use
my wife has just been told she has dcis (non-invasive) behind her nipple
the surgen has give us two options wide local excision or masectomy
is there any treatment for this that dosent involve surgery
also he says she will lose the nipple is this required
i would appreciate an swift reply to this as i am very worried |
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surgery is a necessity. yes. nipple and areola need to be sacrificed since this is where the cancer originated. nipple and areola can be rebuilt though. consider coming to us if you want. 443-287-2778. if she opts for wide local excision, radiation would be needed. if she does sking sparing mastectomy with reconstruction then no radiation needed. |
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Question:
#2982
6/12/2006
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this question is about lung cancer stage 3b. How long would you have had it to be that far along? |
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gee, don't know... this is a breast cancer board. check on www.hopkinsmedicine.org for lung cancer information. |
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Question:
#2983
6/12/2006
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I had an excisional breast biopsy in February for a small fibrodonema. It was benign and the entire tumor was removed. I am to return to my surgeon in August, but my breast is still somewhat sore (no pain) and slightly swollen (no bruising). Is this normal- I know they told me it would take three months, but I am wondering if I should call. What are your thoughts? |
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some women's breasts are very sensitive and complain of pain for many months following surgery. swelling though is unusual. |
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Question:
#2984
6/12/2006
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I called Hopkins 2 weeks ago about setting up an appointment for evaluation of DIEP (mastectomy with immediate reconstruction). I had the impression from the conversation that it will take quite a while to get an appointment as there are only three plastic surgeons. I have not gotten the return phone call yet setting up the appointment.
I am running out of time to get this scheduled because my breast cancer can't wait months and months to move forward.
What do you advise in this situation? What is the usual "turn around" time from inquiry to surgery?
Thanks for this wonderful forum and your personal commitment to all of this. It is simply amazing. |
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the turn around should be the same day to get information about when your appointment is with the doctors. wonder if for some reason your call didn't reach chanel?? in any case, call her now. 443-287-2778. if any problems call me at 410-614-2853. we usually say patients within a few days. |
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Question:
#2985
6/12/2006
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Hi there, my girlfriend has stage 4 BC, mets to liver and brain. She has been doing well, but recently is experiencing numbness, mucscle weakness on the left side of her body. Her lastest CT shows that one of the lesions on the right side of her brain is now 3.6(mm,cm??) They have upped her dosage of decadron to 4mg 2X a day. She has already had WBR and some. My questions are: what is the maximum dosage of decadron they can prescribe one person and does this sound like the beginning of a downward spiral for her. Her doctors have used the word "pessimistic" with her, so sounds like they are not too positive either. She still hasn't accepted that she may die.
Thanks for your time.
Sandi |
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she sounds very ill and sounds like the disease is progressing more now. dosages can be higher for steroids but this may not address the problem. ask for hospice involvement now. |
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Question:
#2986
6/12/2006
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A double mastectomy has been recommended. I am evaluating immediate reconstruction options. I had an evaluation for DIEP and was told that I am not a candidate, primarily because I take prednisone and this can cause the vascular tissue to be of a poor quality (difficult to do the micro surgery). I have other health issues (BMI 28, take IgG for hypoglobulemia) and am 63.
Does this mean that I am not a candidate for other types of reconstruction? I will not consider implants, but was interested in muscle-sparing procedures. These seem all to require micro-surgery.
This makes me sad.
Thank you for this forum |
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consider coming to us for evaluation then.. call 443-287-2778. i know we have done diep with others who were on steroids in the past. so let's see what we can do for you. |
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Question:
#2987
6/12/2006
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I am 68 year woman diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in the upper outer right breast near the axilla. The tumor size is 8mm. It is grade 1, er and pr positive and there is no vascular invasion. However, I did have 1 sentinel node positive for cancer cells along with the notation that perinodal extension was noted. The other 2 sentinel nodes and 12 other nodes were negative. I saw an oncologist who recommended radiation and arimidex for five years. She suggested chem but said that it was my decision about chemo. I am reluctant to do the chemo because of so many horror stories about chem. A friend just recently died after only 3 chemo treatments to treat a lung cancer caused by asbestos. Can you give me your thoughts on this. It is so overwhelming. |
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there are many different chemotherapy drugs. the ones for breast are different than for lung and other organs. most women do well with chemo and continue to work while receiving chemo. having a positive node is concerning so think more about chemo and get a second formal opinion about it. |
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Question:
#2988
6/12/2006
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I'm currently 21 years old, I have large breasts. Since I was 14 I've had cysts and very lumpy dense breasts. At 14 the pain of the cysts would sometimes be unbearable- though my doctor said it would subside, and not be a problem. I'm worried because I"m 21 and still suffering from the same problem- in addition to severe pain (to the point of tears, and I can't touch them, or walk around without a bra). My doctors say it's nothing to worry about (since I'm so young), but I just want the pain to stop. What's going on (cancer?), and Is there something I can recommend for them to do (mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, medicate?) I go to Hopkins, so if you have specific information, that would be great. thanks. |
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consider making an appointment with our breast center for evaluation. i'd recommend seeing Connie ziegfeld. call chanel to schedule at 443-287-2778. let's see once we have examined you what the issues are and how to address them. |
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Question:
#2989
6/12/2006
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This isn't exactly a question, it's a comment to the radiographer who wants to know what the reason is for avoiding the arm after mastectomy. I'd like to add that you might run into informed women who have had simple mastectomies or only a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy, and who refuse to let you mess with their arm. That's because the risk is in those situations is LESS than for a modified radical with lots of nodes removed -- but it is NOT ZERO. I have lymphedema on the side where I had a prophylactic mastectomy, no nodes removed, and I know MANY women in the same situation. We were never warned -- in fact, we were told we were not at risk. So there are some grass-roots efforts underway to make ALL women who have had bc treatment aware of their risk so THEY can decide what precautions they want to take. It's a small, slow process to get the word out, but we do hope you'll see the effects of it in your patients who opt to protect themselves from this difficult and life-altering condition. Thanks for listening, and expecially THANKS for helping to spread the word. |
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technically the only way to get lymphedema is if there is some disruption to the lymphatic system. prophylactic mastectomy should involve removal of no nodes at all. no need to touch them. we do a lot of prophylactic mastectomies here for BRCA positive women and of the hundreds and hundreds done i've never seen a case of lymphedema. again, no nodes removed. |
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Question:
#2990
6/12/2006
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I am 37 and recently had a baseline mammogram. My complaint was lump w/pain in my right breast (also history of fibroidcystic breasts & a benign breast cyst removed 12 years ago from left breast). The report from the radiologist mentions a "palpable lump" and "confluent glandular tissue" in the spot that I complained about. They recommend an ultrasound (which I will have soon). What does all this mean? Should I insist on a biopsy as well? Thank you for any light you can shed to this worried new mommy. |
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its just a vague deion for the lump and believed to be glandular breast tissue and not something serious. |
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Question:
#2991
6/12/2006
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Hi. I am a 2 year survivor of breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and went for the genetic testing. I had one gene that had a mutation, but they told me it was not suspicious. Whatever that meant. My question is, while going through chemo, my periods stopped. After chemo, they came back, for about one year and a half. For the last 6 months, I haven't had a period. I am 46 years old, and I thought it could be menopause, my mom says to get it checked out, I am too young still for menopause. Should I be concerned? Thank you. |
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you aren't too young for menopause. see your gyn to get it checked out. blood test will help to determine status. ask for informaiton in writing about your genetics results. |
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Question:
#2992
6/12/2006
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My mom age 60 breast cancer, grandma age 72 breast cancer, one aunt age 50 bilateral breast cancer , another aunt age 52 tubular breast cancer, none have died from their breast cancers. I had a brother at age 23 who died from adenocarcinoma colon cancer. I am starting genetic testing, should I test for BRCA1/2 or work on colon (HNPCC)? Are there any studies at all to show that these are related in any way? Thoughts? |
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begin with BRCA 1 and 2. there is a link to colon in some cases. |
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Question:
#2993
6/12/2006
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I am 68 year old woman recently diagnosed with invasive ductual carcinoma. The size of my tumor is 8 cm. It is er and pr positive, grade 1. When the sentinel nodes were removed the first one was positive for malignancy. The other 2 including the other 12 were negative. There was not vascular invasion. This reading was negative. Perinodal extension was noted. I am wanting to do the radiation and take arimidex for five years. One oncologist told me that chem is up to me. I am reluctant to take it because of the horror stories I have heard about chemo. By not taking chemo how much does this reduce my 5 year survival rate? My tumor was located in the upper outer right quadrant near the axilla and I feel this is why it was in the first lymph node. I really feel that it is not an aggressive type tumor. Let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks |
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8cm tumor, if all infiltrating cancer, is huge and usually a ticket for chemo. along with postiive nodal involvement makes it even more important to consider it. ask your doctor to use www.adjuvantonline.com to show you the benefit for survival % by doing chemo. |
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Question:
#2994
6/12/2006
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Can I lift weights of 10 pounds with the arm that has had lymph nodes removed? |
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get permission from your surgeon to do so. some say it is okay if you build up gradually. others say no. |
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Question:
#2995
6/12/2006
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Can one use a sauna after having lymph nodes removed? |
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most advise not to. |
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Question:
#2996
6/12/2006
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Q:
I have been diagnosed StageII B Invasive ductal carcimona, ER/PR negative; HER-2/neu negative; high proliferation; two positive lymph nodes and 16 negative. I had a bi-lateral mastecomy and currently doing chemo which consisit of every other week for 8 treatments of (4 adriamycin and cytoxan and 4 of taxol). Is there anymore treatment I should get or is this the traditional method for the cure? Is there any new research that I should be talking to my doctor about?
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ask if the Her2neu was done as a FISH test. make sure you've had scans done to assess bone, liver and lungs before chemo gets underway. ask if ER and PR are truly "zero %" or if there is any positivity.
A: Yes Her2neu was done as a FISH, liver lung and bones were scanned no cancer found. It says negative and negative on my report for ER and PR but will need to ask? Is there anything else I need after this? |
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sounds like you've got everything covered. take care... |
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Question:
#2997
6/9/2006
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I'll try to make this as short as possible, my situation is benign compared to most but I am still confused, any help would be appreciated! Thanks for a wonderful service.
I am 25 years old found a new distinct lump a couple months ago (breasts are generally lumpy but this was new and different feeling from the rest). Gyn sent me for ultrasound. Ultrasound/radiologist says "two simple cysts, one 4mm and the other 6mm sandwiched next to each other". My mom and both grandmas had breast cancer so I was emotionally/mentally bothered by these new lumps and decided I wanted them aspirated, this is the first time ever I have found a new lump in my breasts.
Gyn does not aspirate so I just had appointment today with a surgeon specializing in breast surgeries/cancer. Before he tried to aspirate them, he asked me to come for a follow up in 2 months. Then, he got on with the aspiration and after it was over told me "not much (not any??) fluid came out - they seemed to be very fibrous, so I collected a few cells and we'll send them to the lab". I pressed him and asked "does this mean it was not a cyst?" and he did not directly answer my question.
So my question: In laymans terms, what did he mean by "fibrous" and can one have a cyst where hardly any fluid comes out? He did say that because the cyst/s was small, only about 8mm, fluid might be hard to aspirate, however he did make a point to say "except I did have the needle right in there and nothing came out" (guided by ultrasound, that is). After all this he said he wanted me back in 3 weeks, not 2 months. He did make sure to say "it is nothing to worry about".
In layman's terms, what did he mean by the lump being "very fibrous" - does that mean it is NOT a cyst? I am confused and when I pressed him for more info he didn't really say anything that I understood and I don't want to spend 3 weeks not knowing what he meant. I am just a little bit concerned as I have a family history of breast cancer/problems. |
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cysts should be aspirated in ultrasound by a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. so consider revisting this issue with at a mammography facility. fibrous simply means dense breast tissue. doesn't mean much more than that. |
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Question:
#2998
6/9/2006
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I had a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast located in the upper outer quadrant near the axilla. One sentinel node was positive and the other 2 sentinel nodes were negative along with 12 other lymph nodes. It is noted in my pathology report that perinodal extension is noted. What does this mean. Is chemo always necessary when only 1 sentinel node is positive. I saw an oncologist and she recommended radiation and arimidex for five years. She said the chem was my choice. I don't want to take chemo. What do you think? |
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depends on your age and other factors but usually for women who are healthy they recommend chemo for any nodes being positive. this node had some disease outside of the capsule of the node. hormonal therapy is helpful for it would be relatively common to expect a discussion and recommendation about chemo. |
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Question:
#2999
6/9/2006
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I am 59.5 yrs. of age. I have had microcalcifications on MGM in Nov. 2005 with a repeat MBM with magnifications in May, 06. A stereotactic needle biopsy was recommended. (Hx - Dec. 1994 had a surgical biopsy due to microcalcifications in other breast with no malignancy or atypical cells noted). Two days ago I had the stereotactic needle biopsy & no malignancy was found however there was a small focus of atypical cells. How is this managed - follow more closely on MGM, e.g. every 6 mo., or a surgical biopsy that could take the surrounding tissue(I have a titanium marker placed in the affected breast at the biopsy site placed during the stereotactic needle biopsy). Thanks. |
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standard of care is to do a surgical biopsy since 25-30% will have accompanying the atypical cells the presence of DCIS, noninvasive breast cancer. so follow through on this. if you want to come to us just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#3000
6/9/2006
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Hi. Thank you for this service. I am 42, no family history of bc. 1st baseline mamm 12/2003 @ 40.(films were lost).I have hg dense breast, 2nd mamm 2004 requested ultrasnd-went to Mayo for ultra sound: they said it was nothing. No mamm in 2005. April 06 went in for mamm & ultra sound. I have a lesion 2x1x2 walnut size 9:00 position against chest wall-near breast bone, indefinte margins & possible shadowing. No change in lesion since 2004 films & ultra. Same size etc. Surgeon recommends ultra guided biopsy. Is this the best test at this time? He said my lesion is breaking all of the rules! :) thanks! |
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its important at this point to probably get a tissue biopsy. doing it as a core biopsy is ideal since it doesn't involve an incision and provides the necessary information needed to confirm it is benign. |
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