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Question:
#5971
11/21/2005
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Q: |
I was 54 when I was diagnosed with Invasive and in situ duct carcinoma, Stage II in July 2004. Lymph nodes, left axilla - 1 node (0.5cm) postive out of 5... The tumor was 1.5 x 1.3 x 0.9 with tubule formation minimal(score 3), nuclear pleomorphism (score 2), mitotic count 7/10 high power field (socre 2), total Nottingham Score Grade II (7 points) Border stellate, discontinuous, necrosis absent, ANGIOLYMPHATIC INVASION EXTENSIVE in one focus of breast tissue, perineural invasion absent and lymphocytic infiltration absent. I was offered a lumpectomy, but because I have 2 sisters who had invasive breast cancer in their 30's who each had a mastectomy and are still alive after 19 and 20 years, I chose to have a mastectomy with expander, aggressive chemo therapy which consisted of 4 treatments each of Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxol over 16 weeks followed by radiation for 6 weeks. Another sister, age 54 was diagnosed August, 2005, with DCIS. I have been taking ARIMIDEX 1 mg for 8 months and am experiencing terrible joint pain in my fingers, wrists, feet, hip and sacroiliac joint (which I have always had problems with). I am at a loss because I have been told and read where Arimidex is a great drug for postmenopausal women. I have also read where many women experience the joint pain, some even have to go off of the Arimidex. I am ER positive and PR positive and immunohistochemical staining with the DAKO Hercep antibody showed invasive carcinoma 1+ indicating a negative result. I am concerned about the levels of joint pain I am feeling, and to-date, have not had a bone scan because my oncologist does not feel I need one at this time. My Chest CT was negative and all bloodwork looks excellent. Do you feel I should have a bone scan to ease my mind? I'm always thinking about metastases to the bone which I know can happen. I would appreciate your input. I do trust my doctors implicitly, but sometimes it's good to hear another view. Thank you, |
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A: |
for peace of mind ask your oncologist about getting a scan. hormonal therapy as you know does cause joint pain. you need relief from it so ask for your doctor to address it. |
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Question:
#5972
11/20/2005
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Q: |
My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast. She under went a mastectomy with radiation and a course of chemotherapy. < 12 months later she was diagnosed again with breast cancer in the other breast. She then had another mastectomy with chemo. She had reconstruction of both breast with abdominal tissue. Her age when this started was 40 yrs old. premenopausal. Her latest lab results from her onocologist show and elevated CA? level. My question is does or will my sister have recurrence of some sort of cancer? Is the level elevated because she has cells that are cancerous but the cancer just hasn't found a spot to "grow" yet such as bone or lungs? My sister is 45 yrs old now. The oncologist stated that one breast cancer was estrogen fed and the other time the cancer was not. What does this mean? What is the likelyhood of cancer in myself or my other sister. We also have two faternal aunts with breast cancer ages 60's. Maternal side has multiple aunts with fibrous breasts and ? one with a lump. Is it prudent to have genetic testing or preventive mastectomies? |
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A: |
it would be good for your sister to get genetically tested and if she tests positive then you and your sister go too and get tested. risk of genetic link higher in women diagnosed premenopausally and had breast cancer in both breasts. not sure which tumor marker her drew. there are several. he might check her with scans if he is concerned. one cancer was fed to grow by estrogen and the other one was not. |
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Question:
#5973
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I have an upcoming excisional removal. If I want a second opinion on the pathology from this surgery, how long in general does a hospital maintain tissue samples and what is the appropriate way to ask and not be insulting. Thank you |
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A: |
this is a common request and shouldn't result in hurting anyone's feelings. if you want to have them sent to us call chanel at 443-287-2778 and she will instruct you how to do this. usually they send a representative sample of the slides, retaining the original set. |
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Question:
#5974
11/20/2005
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Q: |
It is normal for a surgeon to want to look at the mam and ultrasound film rather than rely on the report of the radiologist? I had a mam and u/s a few days ago and the report was category 2-benign findings. My surgeon from a previous biopsy wants to discuss the film. |
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A: |
the surgeon absolutely should be looking at the films if he is considering operating on you. |
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Question:
#5975
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I am 53 with a diagnosis of interductal papillomatosis without atypia. My doctor says sometmes these become malignant, but he recommends watching it. I would like to have it removed. Am I over-reacting? |
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tell him you want it gone for peace of mind. |
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Question:
#5976
11/20/2005
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Q: |
About a year ago I had a papillary cyst removed, this is what the report reads, showing somewhat dialated ducts and cystic spaces both showing moderate epithelial hyperplasia. No evidnce of atypia. Meaning no cancer right? I had to apply for insurance coverage and got turned down because the ultasound results are inconclusive. Can you please explain what they are seeing.
Thankyou |
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benign findings. no increased risk. make sure they looked at the pathology report verifying this and just didn't look at the ultrasound report stating you needed a biopsy. |
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Question:
#5977
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I have previously had a lumpectomy with re construction followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy 9 years ago. I also have sarcoidosis for have had this with only lung involvment.
A PET scan has shown abnormality in my Right breast, core biopsies have beeen taken. However it has been suggested that this is a Sarcoid breast. The lump is in the soft tissue area of anterior wall. My question. I have had several scares in the last 9 years, and wish to have an elective mastectomy, whether this is malignant or not. My Mother and Sister died of related cancer, at ages 59 and 69. I am 60 years of age, and have excellent health except for this, and am a practsing specialist nurse. Can I get this surgery done, although it is radical, I now feel it is necessary for peace of mind. I intend to live in Spain in the mountains within 1 year, and this would be a concern, if I have to fly back and for, for mamograms. What say you. |
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A: |
some women, out of anxiety and fear, do opt to do prophylactic mastectomies and it doesn't result in reducing the risk of recurrence to 1%. a nice low number. if you want to come to us for this just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#5978
11/20/2005
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hello,
I am 35 years old, mother of 2. During my yearly GYN visit, the nurse practioner felt something "unusual" in my right breast, that was not felt in the left. (The area does not feel any different to me) I went for a mammomgram today and the radioligist did see a "vague area" that he thought needed further evaluation. So I went to have an ultrasound and both the tech and dr from radiology couldn't see anything via U/S. I will have a follow up appt with a breast specialist/surgeon next week. I am out of my mind with terror, and am just wondering what it could mean to see something on the mammo, but not on the U/S? I appreciate your thoughts - thank you! |
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could mean nothing at all. don't panic. 80% of the time these findings end up being something benign. do not lose sleep over this prematurely. |
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Question:
#5979
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I have had a nipple discharge off one breast for some time. Thyroid ok, Prolactin levels ok, No plugged duct shown on ultrasound. Sent to a Breast specialist. Found a cyst, FNA drained cyst, bloody and particles from aspiration and out of dialted duct. Cytology lab, no atypical cells found. Then another lump discovered under nipple (same breast) and blood nipple discharge off another area of nipple. MRI with Gadolinium contrast done and negative. Scheduled for surgery to remove cyst and get to the underlying problem after that biopsy comes back off tissue being removed. Everything so far, negative, could there still be a chance of a malignancy? |
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unfortunately there is always a chance. but hopefully you will get good news. |
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Question:
#5980
11/20/2005
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Q: |
After a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound the radiologist
classified my abnormality as a bi-rad 3. I have a 7x5x4
mm palpable solid lump in my right breast, a probable fibroadenoma that does not show on the mammogram but is visible on ultrasound. In my left breast there is a small cluster of 3 microcalcifications. I am 54 years old and still in perimenopause. My menstrual cycles are regular. My primary care doctor still wants me to be evaluated by a surgeon for a possible biopsy. I thought a bi-rad 3 reading could just be evaluated in 6 months with another diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. Is it common to biopsy bi-rad 3 readings, or are they being cautious because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 58. |
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A: |
bi rad 3 usually does mean return in 6 months. so ask the doctor why he is being more aggressive in your situation. |
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Question:
#5981
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I sent you an e-mail a couple of days ago. I am 38yrs, when I was 33 they found a cyst which was aspirated and they found some atypical ductal cells, because of that I had several mammos and ultrasounds. They even made a CORE BIOPSY and the result was ADENOSIS. October/05 I had my last mammo and ultrasound and the result of the ultrasound was "a 1.1 cm hypoechoic and heterogeneous region, BI-RADS 3. I am going to have a Follow up in 6 months. My question is should I go for D.I.T.I. (DIGITAL INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING) are these images any better than the one that you get in a Digital Mammo? I am very anxious about my results and waiting 6 months is not helping. Thanks a lot. |
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A: |
thermal imaging is research only. digital mammography is not research but has now been proven to be superior to standard film mammography.the bigger issue is that you had ADH on a needle aspiration without having an open excisional biopsy done to determine if cancer was or wasn't there. core biopsy isn't sufficient to determine this. need to follow up on that. |
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Question:
#5982
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I have had a lumpy area in my left breast for seven years. Doctors said I had hyperplasia (no atypia). Six months ago, the lumpy area doubled in size, biopsy showed normal tissue, mammogam showed an area of high breast density. I am concerned about my risk of cancer, due to high breast density. Should I be looking at preventative measures? I am 36. Thanks. |
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A: |
density doesn't make your breasts more prone to make breast cancer. it can make it harder to find on traditional mammography. so ask about digital mammography, designed with this in mind. |
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Question:
#5983
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I am 27, with 1 child. I breastfed for 5-6 months, longer on left breast, stopped 2 months ago. Recently, I noticed left nipple retracting a little when I lift my arms. I have a history of fibroadenomas and dense breast tissue, with several surgical biopsies in the past. I currently have a few "lumps" in both breasts that are being "followed" every 6-12 months by ultrasound. I am concerned about slight nipple retraction and am noticing that my breast tissue is much less dense now. Is this a typical chance after pregnancy and nursing? I am scheduled for an ultrasound next month but should I be very worried and push that up?
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nipple retraction not typical after breast feeding. so you are doing the right thing in pursuing this. |
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Question:
#5984
11/20/2005
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Q: |
Hi. I have a question regarding my baseline mammogram that I had done last week. I received a call back within 3 days of the mammogram and they said "we found something in the left breast and want you to come in for another mammogram and possible ultrasound". That is all they said. I understand that a readioligist can tell the difference betweena a cyst and cancer, so my question is why do they want me to come in, unless the suspect something? What could they see that would need additional imaging other than cancer? Thanks! I am really freaked out! I am 43, no family history of breast cancer. |
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don't know since they didn't provide more information. they told you just enough to alarm you. remember that most of the time these additional imaging that is done finds that all is well. don't panic until they give you definitive information that deserves worrying. |
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Question:
#5985
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I am 40 years old. My mother had breast cancer at this age. 2 years ago, I had a mammogram which showed a spot that ultrasound could not explain and I had a stereotactic biopsy, which came back negative, showing blood products of bruising.
I am now showing an area on the same spot on the same breast where I had the biopsy- the tissue on this breast and the other breast are asymetrical.
The doctor said that her concerns are not high, but that she recommends having a surgical biopsy.
Opinions while I wait? Thank you. |
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we'd need to see you and see your films to be able to comment if this makes sense or not. you are welcome to come to us. just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#5986
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I HAVE JUST HAD A MAMO DONE AND THE RIGHT BREAST HAS A SPICULATED APPEARING DENSITY WITHIN THE MEDIAL UPPER QUADRANT. AM GOING FOR MORE MAMO FILMS IN A FEW DAYS. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED? |
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A: |
hhmm. the term "spiculated" is a worrisome term. it usually doesn't mean an increased risk that this may be breast cancer. so pursue it as you are. they will probably do a core biopsy to give you a definitive answer. |
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Question:
#5987
11/20/2005
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Q: |
My mammogram show that my brest have heterogenously dense fibroglandular parenchyma, what does that mean. |
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lumpy bumpy breast tissue that was noted to be equal on both breasts. nothing alarming here. |
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Question:
#5988
11/20/2005
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Q: |
my question is if its ok to have a mammogram even if i'm only 32 years old. i'm afraid coz a lot of people i know said that i have to bear with the pain. i had a breast ultrasound and there were findings. HYPOECHOIC NODULE WITH SUGGESTIVELY BENIGN SONOGRAPHIC FEATURES< BOTH BREASTS. The right breast shows a 0.89 x 0.62 x 0.88cm hypoechoic nodule with well defined margins at 9 o'clock position. The left breast shows a 1.0 x 0.67 x 0.99cm hypoechoic nodule with well defined margins at 9-10 o'clock position. All the quadrants and retroareolar areas of both breast and axilla areas are unremarkable. No ductal ectasia nor skin thickening noted. The pectoral muscles are unremarkable.Please help me to decide if i will do the mammogram examination or if you have any other suggestion. My mother in-law said not to do the mammogram, instead do the biopsy. i really have no idea , and i want to know from the expert, LIKE YOU! Thank you and GODBLESS. |
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mammogram will help the doctors in determining if a biopsy is needed. |
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Question:
#5989
11/20/2005
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Q: |
my question is if its ok to have a mammogram even if i'm only 32 years old. i'm afraid coz a lot of people i know said that i have to bear with the pain. i had a breast ultrasound and there were findings. HYPOECHOIC NODULE WITH SUGGESTIVELY BENIGN SONOGRAPHIC FEATURES< BOTH BREASTS. The right breast shows a 0.89 x 0.62 x 0.88cm hypoechoic nodule with well defined margins at 9 o'clock position. The left breast shows a 1.0 x 0.67 x 0.99cm hypoechoic nodule with well defined margins at 9-10 o'clock position. All the quadrants and retroareolar areas of both breast and axilla areas are unremarkable. No ductal ectasia nor skin thickening noted. The pectoral muscles are unremarkable. |
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first, a mammogram isn't bad as you might be imagining it to be. the findings on your ultrasound appear to be 2 findings that are well circumscribed. ask the radiologist what he recommends be the next steps for you. |
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Question:
#5990
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I have a tender spot in my right breast at 6 o'clock, when I press it, it stings.
My Doctor has advised me to have an ultrasound/ mammogram.
That will not be happening until next week, in the meantime to put my mind at rest could you please advise what you think may be the problem ?.
Thank you |
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gee, having a tender area could be a zillion different things. no way to know without seeing you. you are doing the right thing in pursuing it and remember the odds are in your favor that it would not be cancer per se. |
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Question:
#5991
11/20/2005
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Q: |
About 3 years ago I had an ultrasound that showed something that was after the doctor and the radiologists went back and forth- decided it to be "a possible infection"..something in the lymp nodes?(age, I heard was also part of their decision-I was 28...and overheard them)and the lumps in the breast they didn't say anything aboout them...the concern was the lymp nodes... Well it's been 3 years now and the lumps are still there.(in the breast and arm pit area)..If this were an infection would they have not went away or something? Also now I have this strange mole that has come up below my knee that has a grayish white tint around it...the mole thing itself is a brownish with gray..I have been looking at sites and I really can't tell if it looks like melenoma or anything -but my question is :could those two things be related...And do you have any suggestions of what the lymp node thing could be since they haven't went away... |
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knee problem and breast/armpit probably not related. request to see your family doctor about the spot on your knee. request a diagnostic evaluation in breast imaging regarding your breast and armpit. an infection can in some cases result in nodes enlarging and staying that way for years. |
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Question:
#5992
11/20/2005
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Q: |
I am not pregnant, I have not had sex in 4 months. I am also on the depo birth control shot,sometimes my breast leak milk and I will have tiny white bumps on my nipples that sometimes looks like dried up milk. Can you tell me why? Is it because I am on the shot, I have beem on it for five years. |
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yes, could be so call your gyn and make him aware of this. he may want to alter your shots, ie, the dosage you are getting. |
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Question:
#5993
11/20/2005
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Q: |
Hi,
I am 56 yrs old, and I had my yearly mammogram in February of this year. I was told I had a dense area in my left breast and a diagnostic mammogram would need to be done. I have always had dense breasts so I never thought to much about it, until I started reading the info on the internet that women with dense breasts are at a higher risk for breast cancer. I was unable to return for the follow up mammogram at the time so I called and a message was sent to the head radiologist. She said it was not urgent that I come back in and it was up to me when I did. The reason I was unable to return was lack of money. I belong to an HMO and I now live 600 miles away. I hope to be able to go back in January for the other mammogram. I am really concerned and would like to know if the radiologist can look at the film and gage the risk of the density being cancer? Thank you for your time.
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he really can't... he will determine if this looks concerning or not by comparing the new images to the old ones and seeing if the area looks bigger, more dense, any other changes. |
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Question:
#5994
11/20/2005
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Q: |
hi im a 41 yrs old just had my first mammo and ultrasound finding 5x3mm hypoechoic avascular soild appearing lesion which is probably benign lesion such as fibroadenoma.Can you tell me what does this mean and what will be the next step for me to do concerning this. thankyou |
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A: |
if they believe it is a fibroadenoma then it is possible that nothing further will be done other than repeating the mammogram in 6 months. remember this type of mass is benign. |
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Question:
#5995
11/20/2005
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Q: |
Jan of this year I developed shinges of the face and eye. Three weeks later, found out my sister was dying of metastic breast cancer to lungs, bones and liver. She took no treatment over a seven year period and died as result of this.
She never told anyone about her disease and even at the end would not say acknowledge she was dying.
She had invasive ductal carcinoma plus Pagets disease also.
I discovered a small bruise with a small lump on my breast just prior to getting shingles. That was January. It now feels itchy and tender at times in that area - mid, front breast.
Can't take any more heartbreak at this time.
If it is cancer would waiting another few months until I feel able to cope make much difference if it is cancer?
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A: |
frankly, in order to cope you'd be better off knowing now and getting definitive answers. so go to your doctor. hopefully you will get good news and it will be something other than breast cancer. if not, then get underway with treatment. don't follow in your sister's footsteps. |
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Question:
#5996
11/20/2005
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Q: |
In a previous question that you answered for me you stated that breast pain could be hormonal.Could it still be hormonal if only one breast has pain? My recent dx was ILN (intramammary lymph node) I continue to have pain,no needle biopsy or aspiration was done.What should be my next line of tx? Is there a blood test that can be done for hormonal imbalance and would hormonal therapy help? I'm a little nervous about hormone therapy, what would be the safest? Can a ILN turn cancerous and when,if at any point should a core biopsy be done? Thank you for all your previous help and for this website. |
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A: |
hormonal changes can cause pain in just one breast or in both. a blood test probably won't tell you if that is the cause though. just noting the cyclicle pattern to it usually is how it is confirmed. your body contains thousands of lymph nodes. having an inframammary node doesn't mean there is something wrong with it. everyone has them there. the only way to know if it contains something of concern is through biopsy or additional scans. usually the doctor will recommend doing another xray in 4-6 months. |
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Question:
#5997
11/20/2005
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Q: |
My mother in law has inflammatory breast cancer. She found a lump and it grew at an extreme rate. She had the redness and soreness. Her doctor diagnosed her and said it is stage 3. What does that mean? I do know that it hasn't spread to any organs and that her HR2 is negative. I truly want to know what we are up against. I know that her doctor is treating her right because of the reading that I have done. Still not clear on the stage 3 part.
Thank you |
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A: |
inflammatory breast cancer is classified as a stage 3 from the start. it carries a high risk of metastasizing and is known for being aggressive. chemotherapy is the first line of defense and hopefully the breast will start to look better-- less red and softer-- as she goes through chemo, which then is usually followed by surgery if the breast condition inproves. mastectomy is the treatment. radiation then follows. hopefully it will be hormone receptor positive so hormonal therapy can be offered. |
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Question:
#5998
11/20/2005
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Q: |
Is it true that applying castrol oil on the breast helps reduce the size of fibroadenoma?
Thank you. |
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A: |
no. doesn't work at all. old wive's tale. |
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Question:
#5999
11/20/2005
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Q: |
SINCE MY MAMMOGRAM IN 2002 I HAVE A LYMPH NODE THAT HAD DOUBLED IN SIZE, MY MOST RECENT EXAM IN OCOTBER 2005. I ALSO HAVE HAILEY-HAILEY SO COULD THAT BE THE REASON FOR THE FLARE UP OF THE NODE? I AM GOING TO HAVE A STEREOTATIC PROCEDURE SHORTLY FOR THIS. THE NODE IS IN THE 9:00 POSITION. JUST WHAT AM I IN FOR? |
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A: |
sounds like if you are having a stereotactic biopsy they are biopsing your breast. to biopsy the lymphnode in your arm pit would be done in ultrasound with a needle doing a fine needle aspiration. that said, the stereotactic biopsy in general is well tolerated. takes about 40 minutes. local anesthetic used. good luck. hope you get benign news. |
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Question:
#6000
11/20/2005
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Q: |
My friends daughter had a lump on her breast. The Dr said it was just fatty tissue and not to worry. Should they have done a biopsy
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A: |
don't know without seeing her. if she wants to come to hopkins just have her call 443-287-2778 and she can be evaluated by us. |
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