For an Appointment Call: 443-287-2778 Search  We hope you find this information helpful. This is a free service done during volunteer hours. If interested in supporting this service so it can be sustained, consider making a donation at: http://jhweb.dev.jhu.edu/eforms/form/surgery. Select JH Breast Center Education, Outreach and Survivorship Fund under the option: Please designate my gift.

Category:

Breast Abnormalities and Other Symptoms

Pages: [ << 115, 116, 117, 118, 119 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 >> ]

Question:  #3571 4/4/2006		Q:	OCT 2003 MAMMAGRAM REPORT RT BREAST DEMONSTRATE COARSE BENIGN APPEARING CALCIFICATIONS. NO SUSPICIOUS BRANCHING. ULTRASOUND DEMONSTRATES MULTPLE CYSTS IN RT BREAST ASSES. 2 OCT 2004 MAMMAGRAM MULTIPLE CYSTS IN RT BREAST AND BENIGN APPEARING MICROCALCIFICATIONS. ASSES. ULTRASOUND SCATTERED SMALL BENIGN APPEARING CYSTS IN RT BREAST...1 IS 1.1 X 1.1 X .54 CM AND 1 IF 1.1 X .47 X .34 1 IS 1.1 X .40 CM AND LAST 1 IS X65 X .59 X .47 MARCH 2006 MAMMOGRAM EVIDENCE OF SHARPLY CIRCUMSCRIBED OVOID LEASION AT TAIL OF RT BREAST MEASURING ABOUT 2 CM EVIDENCE OF CLUSTERED MICROCALCIFICATIONS WITH NO PARTICULAR PATTERN. ULTRASOUND RT BREAST WITH MULTIPLE CYSTIC LEASIONS ASSES 2 1- 1.0 X .56 X 1.2 CM 1- 1.2 X .37 X 1.2 CM 1- .43 X .2 X .8 CM LAST 1- 1.3 X .6 X 1.2 CM SHOULD I GO SEE A SURGEON FOR HIS OPINION OR NEEDLE ASSPIRATION. MY DR IS TELLING ME IT IS UP TO ME. I DON'T WANT TO OVER REACT. BUT WHY DO THEY WAIT UNTIL THEY THINK IT IS SOMETHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT TO HAVE IT CHECKED. WHY NOT GET TO IT EARLY. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
		A:	more common to do needle aspiration in mammography.
Question:  #3572 4/4/2006		Q:	Mother at 68 had DCIS - mastectomy. Sister at 45 had INvasive ductal cancer and lobular. no lymph nodes or spread anywhere else. She also had mastectomy. Neither found any other cancer in the removed breasts. Last week, I had MRI screening b/c of family history. I am 48, large, dense, cystic breasts, no children, two fibroidadenomas removed in past ten years. annual mammos and sonos for last six. This MRI report suggests need for two bioposies to be done, MRI guided and then a "marker" left at the site of the nodules. One of the nodules is "at the margin of a cyst in upper outer quadrant, N7, measuring 6 mm. although enhancement kinetics progressive, enhancement with the nodule is heterogenous and T2 signal is dark. The second nodule is at 6 o'clock, N6, measuring 7mm, demonstrating homogenous enhancement and plateau curves. Both nodules are considered indeterminate and due to their small size and complexity of the breast makeup, MRI guided biopsies are recommended. No suspicious enhancement on left breast. No evidence of signal abnormality in surruounding soft tissues of the chest wall or axilla. No lymphadenopathy is demonstrated. Extensive fibrocystic changes limit sensitivity of the exam. Breast MR catetory 4B - lesions with an intermediate suspicion of malignancy." So, I'm scheduled for the biopsies but am seriously considering double mastectomy or at a least reduction because of my family history and how hard it seems to screen my breasts. I am way too large up top for the rest of my body and perhaps the surgery would be better in the long run. What do you make of this report? thanks so much!
		A:	consider genetic testing with your family. this would help to determine how high your risk really is and if doing prophylactic surgeries is the best option.
Question:  #3573 4/4/2006		Q:	Upon annual clinical exam, nothing out of the ordinary found. One week later I had my annual mammogram. Was asked to return for spot compression mammo due to a change noted as assymetrical right breast density. This was then followed by an U/S which showed two very tiny simply cysts. Radiologist said nothing to worry about but reccomended Breast MRI to be super thourough. MRI came back negative showing glandular changes. (no mass or calcifications) I am 43 and right in the middle of menopause. I asked my doctor if the glandular breast changes could be a result of my menopausal hormones, etc. She said yes. Since I received a Birad 3 score, they requested a repeat Mammogram in 6 months and another Breast MRI. Is the repeat breast MRI common for something like this? I really had a difficult time with the MRI test. Also, what about repeat U/S instead? Thanks :-)
		A:	without seeing the films it is hard to say. usually mammo is repeated in 6 months and if the doctor then feels another mri is needed it may be done. its decided by the radiologist.
Question:  #3574 4/4/2006		Q:	I am a 32 year old female. I found a lump for the first time in my right breast three weeks ago. My family doctor thought it was a fibroadenoma. She advised a "wait and see" approach. I wasn't happy to wait and went to a breast clinic last week, although the lump seemed to have gotten slightly smaller in that time. I had an ultrasound at the breast clinic. The consultant radiologist said she could see a number of cysts together. She did a FNA which produced a small amount of fluid. The lab results came back benign and the Consultant breast surgeon said it was "fibrocystic". However, I could still feel the lump immediately after the FNA and it is still there, unchanged in size one week later. I am unclear as to why I still have a lump if it was a cyst and was aspirated?
		A:	good question. so call the radiologist and ask.
Question:  #3575 4/4/2006		Q:	I have had chest pain for 2 years. Initially, I was diagnosed with costrochondritis. 8 months ago, my symtoms changed. My left breast started aching, and I had areas near my armpit on right and left side that feel bruised. I also have sharp pains just below left breast. I have had chest x-rays, EKG's, and a electrocardio that have shown nothing. 4 months ago, I started having numbness in my left arm. I was put through another round of chest x-rays. Nothing. In the past two months, all my symtoms on my left side are now appearing on my right side. I have also had unexplained chills, loss of balance, and I'm in continual pain. I have asked my doctor for a mamo and a ct scan, but she insisted on the chest x-ray first. I am 32 years old. I was totally healthy until 2 years ago. My doctor at the time thought I had a bacterial infection in my chest. I took 2 rounds of medication that left me feeling horrible. I woke up after finishing the last round feeling like someone was standing on my chest. I was sent to the ER to check for pneumonia, which i did not have. The ER physician concluded that I had bronchitis. I was then sent to a cardiologist who concluded it was costrochondritis. The pain has never gone away. I feel scared, b/c my symtoms keep getting worse and i don't feel like my doctor is doing everything she can.
		A:	gee, doesn't sound breast related so am not sure i can help you. perhaps meeting with a neurologist would benefit you.
Question:  #3576 4/4/2006		Q:	I had a lumpectomy done in January 2006, lymph nodes test results were clear, now I'm on my 6th week of radio therapy, the only side effect that I'M having is tiredness, otherwise I feel very good. No changes on my breast, except a little brown skin because of the treament. Type of breast cancer diagnosed was DCIS stage1, hormone positive receptors, I used to take HRT, no family history of breast cancer. I'm concern of my left breast, will I later have DCIS on that one too? Your website is very helpful and informative . Thanks so much for your help.
		A:	if it was DCIS alone then it is stage 0. the risk for the other breast in general is 5% so quite low.
Question:  #3577 4/4/2006		Q:	I am 34 years old with no history of breast cancer in my family. I had my son 8 months ago and did not breast feed. Recently, I found a lump(it feels like a piece of rope) under the areola. It kind of rolls under the skin. It is not attached to breast tissue - if anything it feels like it is attached to the skin - but not even that. It's oblong and feels like it's connected to a soft thin tube that runs along the outer side of my breast - which you really have to try to feel - it's not obvious. If I'm laying down doing a breast exam I can't even feel it. I can only feel it if I pull the skin up and roll it between my fingers. After I gave birth that breast barely ever leaked. Could it be a clogged milk duct even though I did not breast feed? Your help is appreciated. Thank you.
		A:	not sure so see yuor gyn for a clinical breast exam. he may opt to do some diagnostic evaluation as well in breast imaging.
Question:  #3578 4/4/2006		Q:	Final Diagnosis 1) Right Tissue Mass: Breast tissue shows Multiple foci of ductal carcinoma IN SITU (dcis) Papillary and solid papillary type and of moderate to high nuclear grade. Foci of lobular cancerization are present. There is no evidence of microinvasion. DCIS is present in 12 of 68 slides (12/68) and is present at super surgical margin. DCIS is with 0.1 cm of anterior and posterior margins. The rest of the breast tissue showing multiple intraductal papollomas, usual ductal hyperplasia, adenosis, cysts, and duct ectasia. Areas of hemmorrhage and granulation tissue are seen, consistent with prior biopsy procedure. 2)clip Metallic clip. gross only CAP protocol specimem type : Lumpectomy Lymph Node sampling: no lymph node sampling specimen size: 9x9x1.5cm Laterality Right Tumor site: not specified Histologic Type: Ductual carcinoma in situ, papillary and solid papillary type of moderate to high nuclear grade. Microinvasion: not present Pathologic staging pTis, pNX Margins:DCis is present at superior margin and within 0.1cm of anterior and posterior margins. ER/PR studies sent. Page 2 Clinical Diagnosis Right Breast Mass Clinical Information os Tissue Sumitted Part 1 right breast mass part 2 clip Gross 1) The specimen is received in the fresh state, labeled with the patients name and accession number as "right Breast mass with needle Localization", and consist of 9 x 9 1.5 cm lobulated portion of soft yellow-tan breast parenchyma with accompanying x-ray. localization wires present in situ, and attached sutures indicating the superior and lateral margins as per the requisition. The sugical margins are inked as follows: superior=black, inferior=blue,medial=red, lateral=green,anterior=yellow, posterior=orange. Serial section reveal soft lobulated yellow-tan fibrofatty tissue containing dilated ducts with inspissated material and ill-defined nodular gray white fibrous areas. entirelt submitted 68 casssettes page 3 Gorss Section are submitted as follows A-N :Superior breast O-AB: inferior breast AC-AN: medical breast AO-AW: Lateral Breast AX-BF: Anterior breast BG-BP: posterior Breast Gross Deion 2) the specimen is received in its natural sate, labled with patients name and accession number as "CLIP", and consists of a 0.3x 0.1 cm metal. No tissue submitted ADDENDUM Prognostic INDICATOR STUDIES PERFORMED USING PARAFFIN I BG RIGHT BREAST/PARAFFIN HORMONAL RECEPTORS ARE STAINED WITH MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO ESTROGEN RECEPTORS ( ER1D5) AND PROGESTERONE RECEPTORS (PGR 636, DAKO) VISUAL EVALUATION : INSITU CARCINOMA ESTROGEN RECEPTORS: PERCENTAGE OF POSITIVE CELLS -75% INTENSITY OF nUCLEAR STAINING : 2+ pROGESTERONE RECEPTORS: PERCENTAGE OF POSTIVE CELLS THERE A GREATER THAN SIGN( BUT CANT FIND THE BUTTON ON COMPUTER) 90% iNTENSITY OF NUCLEAR STAINING 3+ THEN IT SAYS IN TINY WRITING Other diagnostic reports 1)505 53006 11/30/05 breast , right nipple discharge,: smear negative for malignant cells rare small clusters of epithelial cells , macrochages, lymphocytes and thick amorphous proteinaceous material. If I have a lumpetomy, will I need a snb too? I swear I heard my surgeon said I need one. Is this a precautionary measure. Also, how painful is it to get the dye injected and then how long do I have to wait to go into surgery? Thank you so much for ths wonderful site. You are a blessing.
		A:	no sentinel node biopsy needed with a lumpectomy for DCIS because DCIS is noninvasive disease. it would be done if a mastectomy was done, just a precaution if the pathologist found any invasive cells realizing that the breast would be "gone" and no way to find the sentinel node later. 2 margins are close-- so re-excision probably is planned. hormone receptors positive. all good news.
Question:  #3579 4/4/2006		Q:	can drinking to much caffine make you have breast tenderness? and sore to the touch/
		A:	yes
Question:  #3580 4/4/2006		Q:	my mother was diagonsed with Kidney cancer in 2001. She had the kidney and some renal tissue removed.In 2003 she was diagnosed with stageIII breast cancer and had a masectomy to remove her right breast.She could not tolerate the first meds and was on Tamoxin for 3 years.She was also diagnosed with diabetes at the same time.She gained a lot of weight. This past year she was having a lot of back pain which she thought was arthritis or a pulled muscle and finally went to the doctor this last March. AFter a series of tests including an MRI, ultrasound and two catscans, she was found to have metastasis to her liver,remaining kidney,lung and then her spine.They did immediate surgery on her spine to remove the cancer and alleveiate the pressure to prevent paralysis.We are awaiting the biopsy report for the type of cancer although the oncologist thinks it is breast cancer. My question is: she is 72, for my dads sake, who is in denial, what are her chances of living past the next couple of years? They are not good planners and we would like to help them to make the best possible decisions for her care and future. Thank you for your response.I am not getting any answers that satisfy me here.
		A:	honestly... low probability. she has advanced disease... and other illnesses to boot which further complicate her body's ability to fight this. time for a family meeting with the doctor.
Question:  #3581 4/4/2006		Q:	I am 38 years old and have two children (5 & 2 yrs). I finished nursing my younger child about a month ago. One week before my period I had a painful small lump in my breast (it felt the way breast engorgement used to feel) this continued until my period arrived. The pain then went away, but the small lump persisted. I saw my doctor for a routine physical two weeks after my period. She felt the lump and described it as "lentil sized." She wants me to get a mamogram and a sonogram, but told me that I should wait three months as I just stopped nursing one month ago. My maternal grandmother died of breast cancer and my mother has had benign lumps removed. Waiting is causing me anxiety. Is it truly necessary to wait?
		A:	a breast that has recently been lactating really can make it difficult to accurately assess a breast problem so the need to wait makes sense.
Question:  #3582 4/4/2006		Q:	I have a 14 year old daughter who has come to me with this question. Why are her breast leaking fluid. She is on her mentral cycle and she does take two types of medication; depakote and risperdal. She has been given a pregnancy test and the results were negative.
		A:	could be hormonal changes. her young body is pumping a lot of hormones right now. take her to see your gyn for evaluation.
Question:  #3583 4/4/2006		Q:	My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec. '04 at the age of 41. My most recent mammogram showed a 6 cm generalized area of increased density in my right breast. On the "MLO view in the inferior portion of this there does appear to be a 4 mm well circumscribed nodular density which requires a spot compression mammogram." What does this mean?
		A:	first the dimensions sound funny--- 6cm and 4mm... something isn't matching.
Question:  #3584 4/4/2006		Q:	I have had pain in my left breast. Mammo showed increased density. Us negative. MRI showed asymmetric glandular parenchyma which corresponds to the mammogram. Should I be concern and what about the pain?
		A:	they will probably investigate this a bit further... to help ensure that it is nothing of real concern.
Question:  #3585 4/4/2006		Q:	My mom had breast cancer on the right side in 1984 and had a mastecetomy. In 2003 she had breast cancer on the other side and also had mastectomy. 1 week ago she had shortness of breath and was taken to the hospital. They found fluid around her lungs which was not an infection. They did CATscan and found lesions in her rib cage. CATscan of her brain was fine. Is this treatable. Thanks for your help
		A:	no doubt they will take measure to treat it--- it isn't curable though. she is dealing with stage 4 disease. the mission is control now, and to treat it as a chronic illness.
Question:  #3586 4/4/2006		Q:	Thank you so much for answering my question before. I did go to the doctor they said that my lump in my armpit is a cyst. Have you ever heard of this before? It is not visible, you can only feel it when you press slighlty on the area. Thank you for this great and reliable web-site.
		A:	cysts can occur in the armpit since it is a sweat gland area. usually this is confirmed with an ultrasound of the armpit.
Question:  #3587 4/4/2006		Q:	Would you recommend a fibroadinoma approx. 7 millimeters be removed if it was found to be benign.
		A:	depends on where it is located in the breast and if it is obstructing the view of anything behind it. it is tiny. not unusual to leave them alone.
Question:  #3588 4/3/2006		Q:	Iknow this sounds ridiculous, but my husband sent me an e-mail and he and friends INSIST this is true. I say it is totally ficiton! The article is saying that Johns Hopkins Unversity conducted research and it shows that giving a man oral sex and swallowing greatly reduces your rate of breast cancer!!!! PLEASE tell me this is totally fiction. Johns Hopkins SURELY is NOT doing research like this in this day and age where people can get serious illnesses from oral sex!
		A:	we have not conducted such research to my knowledge.
Question:  #3589 4/3/2006		Q:	My 36 year old daughter has just gotten an abnormal mamo back in March 2006. I took her to a breast surgeon who scheduled a stereotactic biopsy. My question is if the bio comes back benign, does the less than 1 centimeter have to be removed or should it be removed.
		A:	depends on what the pathology is-- what kind of cells are found-- whether it would still need to be removed or not.
Question:  #3590 4/3/2006		Q:	Hello again, I wrote a month ago about a red mark on my breast, I have had a punch biopsy, a sonogram, a mamagram, a surgical biopsy, three courses of oral antibiotics, one course of iv antibiotics, steriods injections. The breast surgeon has said it is not cancer. everything has ruled it out. I still have a pain in my left shoulder, pain under the breast, the red mark has now gone to a color of reddish brown and is still four inches and oval or roundish in shape. I have been told to go back to my General Doctor. Help what is my best course of action. Still worried
		A:	then consider coming here. 443-287-2778.
Question:  #3591 4/3/2006		Q:	I have had hardening, discoloration and severe pain in my breast and area from underarm to breasts since December. Due to this pain, it's hard to bathe this area and sleep at night (prone to sleeping on stomach). I have had a mammo & U/S this year. The mammo showed bilateral fibroglandular parenchyma and the sono didn't show anything out of the ordinary. There is also clear discharge out of one breast upon pressure. Any suggestions on further testing?
		A:	consider a second opinion elsewhere taking your films to another radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and is part of a comprehensive breast center.
Question:  #3592 4/3/2006		Q:	how long does it take for you to get your breast biopsy results. are they suppose to call you right away if it comes out that you have cancer? or benign. i had a breast biopsy done and is already six days and nobody called me yet. thank you
		A:	depends on where you have it done and how it is done. here core biopsies are back the next business day. we communicate with the patient the time we will be calling her and tell her either way what the news is.
Question:  #3593 4/3/2006		Q:	what is the difference between a axillary node and sentinel node biopsy? i had the SNB using the blue dye, any reason why that was used over the axillary node biopsy? surgeon's choice perhaps? or was there another reason? also, when i had bc in Sept 0f 2003, i had a lumpectomy followed by bachy therapy, and chose nothing beyond that for treatment do you think i shot off my foot?
		A:	sentinel node biopsy examines the guard node. if no cancer in it then no axillary node dissection where more nodes are harvested is needed.
Question:  #3594 4/3/2006		Q:	I was diagnosed with fibrocycstis breasts in my mid-20s. I am now 44. A recent routine mammogram indicated increased fibroglandular tissue in the right breast; I was referred for a cone compression view and ultrasound. I just got the results, which indicated "fibroglandular tissue, no cysts, no solid mass and no convincing evidence of malignancy". However, they suggested another ultrasound in 6 months. Why would a repeat ultrasound be necessary? What exactly is an "increase in fibroglandular tissue" and is this something I should be concerned about? I would really appreciate getting an opinion.
		A:	any time there is any change, including these vague findings, the standard of care is to repeat in 6 months.
Question:  #3595 4/3/2006		Q:	I am stage 2 B her positive. I completed chemo and am in the 3rdd week of radiation. I am also on Herceptin. I had a racing heart episode on Wednesday after working out. I had 3 cups of coffee that morning. And in retrospect I had been drinkling a lot of caffein in the few days prior. This happened one other time in December. Similiar scenario- I had a huge frappacino and was doing my Christmas shopping racing through the mall carrying 2 large bags so heavy I had to drag them. At that time I had been on chemo for 3 months and had just started taxol herceptin about 2 1/2 weeks prior. At the time they thought it was due to dehydration too much caffein plus I had been on a decongestant with form of adrenalin. My oncologist said at that time it was too soon for it to be caused by the hearceptin. I called 911 when this happened recently. Now he has stopped the herceptin untill I am evaluated by a cardiologist. Ny question is can herceptin cause this? I think I either had this problem before or I was just pushing myself too hard. I had completed taxol about 1 month before and was in my 2nd week of radiation. I had been under a lot of stress preparing for my children's birthday etc... Also can herceptin cause indidestion and gas?
		A:	i haven't seen it do this, but the cardiologist will be the best person to help decipher this one. hang in..
Question:  #3596 4/3/2006		Q:	i am 23 years old .for the last 2 days i am watching white secreations coming out from both my nipples after applying pressure.please advice
		A:	so could be hormonal changes for some reason. time to call your gyn and get a clinical breast exam.
Question:  #3597 4/3/2006		Q:	I ask previously would my fibroadema turn to cancer, your response was no. My question is why am I still having moderate breast edema with severe breast pain and is there any treatment for this condition? Thank you in advance.
		A:	your surgeon would need to evaluate you to determine what the cause of the pain and swelling is. a benign mass however doesn't "turn into" cancer.
Question:  #3598 3/31/2006		Q:	At 37, I have been aware that I have fibrocystic breast disease for almost 20 years. For the last year, my breasts have ached terribly for the two days prior to my period (the same type of aching as the "let down" feeling a nursing mother feels, especially when she has waited too long to nurse), but the pain has stopped the day after I begin menstruating. This past cycle, starting my flow did not stop the pain, and it got worse for about a week. Then, I went on antibiotics for 10 days because of a sinus infection, and while it did not go away, the pain lessened. When I completed the course of antibiotics, the pain began to increase again and my right breast began swelling. My nipples have also beek dry and flaky, and my breasts itch. I saw my doctor, and had my first mammogram, as well as an ultrasound. I was also placed back on antibiotics (Ketek) with a tentative dx of mastitis until after the radiology studies could be done. The final reports are not in, but the preliminary readings state that there are "fibroglandular changes" in my breasts, but no masses. The glands under my arm, along my clavicle and in my neck continue to be swollen after four days on antibiotics, and the swelling and pain have only lessened a small amount. The ultrasound showed nothing. My question is this: Is it reasonable for me to push for a biopsy? I do not feel that the Ketek is doing anything, and because my youngest child is 8, and I am not/cannot be pregnant, mastitis seems unlikely even though I realize it's not impossible. There have been two women in my life within the last two years who were diagnosed with IBC. The difference in outcomes for the one who was blown off at first versus the one who was taken seriously? Amazing.
		A:	rather than push for biopsy, get a second opinion.
Question:  #3599 3/31/2006		Q:	I just entered my question. But I forgot to say thank you for this site. I never knew anything like this existed for us. Really, thank you.
		A:	you're welcome
Question:  #3600 3/31/2006		Q:	In 2005 I had a mammogram at a new facility where we recently moved. Despite my requests (2) the facility was unable or unwilling to contact the previous facility where I had a record of mammograms dating from 1998. I had a written email stating the name, address etc. All they had to do is request it. I was scheduled for another mammogram in March 2006. Prior to my appointment I contacted them and they mailed my reports directly to me so I could bring them in with this new appointment. There findings using ACR BI-RADS Category O states that I need additional imaging. Impression: 1) Focal asymetry in left breast. Spot compressions recommended. Ultrasound may be recommended. 2) Calcifications in left breast require additional evaluation. Magnification views are recommended. 3) Area os architectural distortion in right breast require additional evaluation. Addl projections recommended. Spot compression is recommended. Ultrasound may be recommended. This is directly related to the films I brought in with me. They were professional and direct. When I called to find out what this all meant I was told they were not anything to be concerned with. That the doctor did not instruct them to handle my report as urgent. When I asked when I could come in to have the additional tests done they said they had not openings until the end of the Month (April) because they doctor was going on vacation. I went and picked up this recent report along with Hoag's. (They took out the radiologist's reports on all three years) and just gave me the film.s Please advise me as to what I should do. Should I go to another doctor and ask for another mammogram?
		A:	go elsewhere so you have answers now... you need to have more diagnostic evaluation done-- additional imaging-- to have a diagnosis of what this is.