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Question:
#6571
9/28/2005
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I was just diagnosed with a .5mm breast cyst on my right breast (9:00)at my ultrasound. The radiologist stated it's a cyst filled therefore filled with fluid. He mentioned "uncomplicated" but also said their is a thin line of tissue thru the center of the cyst. My gyno found the lump during a routine breast exam. First and foremost I feel almost "embarrassed" that I didn't find it myself. I'm definitely "lumpy" and "nervous" when I do a breast exam but I cannot feel what the dr. feels and it makes me feel "incompetent" to discover the lumps myself. My dr. doesn't even have the report yet and I've been pouring over the other posted questions and answers on this website. The dr. at the ultrasound does not feel it's necessary to aspirate and for me to come back in 6 mos. I guess my fear is now that I know what it is, why wait 6 mos.? The ultrasound tech(lack of better term) said because the cyst is so small the aspiration would have to be guided via ultrasound. If I notice it to be larger or painful to call. If it does get larger , Will the findings next time be worse? Can it turn into cancer? Will this line of tissue be the "Debris" that is found in complex cysts? A lot of the questions posted give past history on what were cysts that were being "watched" that years later turn into "other more serious breast issues." What BENEFIT do I have for NOT aspirating now? I'm afraid the "stress" of wondering constantly will be worse than just getting it over with. I will be 39 next week. My first mammo and ultrasound were at 35 because my same dr. thought I had a cyst on my left breast. It took weeks to get an appt. with a mammo and u/s and by the time I went in--if there was a cyst it was gone. Should I cut back on caffeine? I heard about vitamin E and I took it for years till I heard a report that it did something to you(can't even remember what it was)? Thanks for the info. and the ability to read that many people are going thru the same or similar problems. |
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not fretting allowed. you got good news. the cyst is very tiny though (probably .5cm rather than .5mm .5mm would make it too tiny to see!) as it is, it is just the size of a pea. that would be hard to aspirate. if it grows it still is a benign cyst. for reassurance you can take the films to another radiologist for a second reading. |
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Question:
#6572
9/28/2005
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Hi. I'm 38 and have been experiencing itchy breasts. While feeling them the other day I expressed some clear to milky discharge.There was more on the right side, and it had a greenish tinge, but I was able to get similar discharge on the left. I had a doctors exam. He sent out slides of the discharge, and sent me for a thyroid and prolactin test, as well as mammo/sono. I had the mammo/sono today and it was clear. No calcifications, masses or duct problems. I am still waiting the other results. My doctor said itching doesn't usually mean anything and he expects the discharge to be benign. Should I feel comfortable with this answer? |
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feel comfortable until you get news otherwise. he is looking to see if your thyroid is stimulating your hormones. |
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Question:
#6573
9/28/2005
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Thank you in advance for answering my question.
I'm 39 yrs old and recently had a mammogram. The results as follow: Bilaterally the breasts are composed of mixed fatty and fibroglandular tissue. There are scattered benign calcifications in each breast. There are no suspicious new mass in the left breast. In the right breast, there is a lobulated focus of asymmetric density, which measures approx. 3 cm in greatest dimension. This is partially obscured.
I'm scheduled for a spot compression and US.
My question is, should I be concerned? or is this just routine? My mother has fibrocystic breasts and my grandmother had breast cancer. I had a baseline 4 years ago, which was negative. Thank you.
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too premature to worry yet. follow through with the additional imaging studies and see what it shows. they may opt to do a biopsy to definitively know. |
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Question:
#6574
9/27/2005
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6/8/01, I was diagnosed with Poorly differentiated infiltrating ductal carcinoma, Stage II, Grade III. Lymph node had metastaic carcinoma with focal extension through the capsule. receptors - ER2-3+, Progesterone 3+ and HER 2/neu strongly staining 3+. Had A/C - Taxol + Herceptin which was started the same time as Taxol, but continued the Herceptin for total of one year. Tamoxifin therapy followed. 7/31/03 Bones scan showed intense uptake in the right posterolateral 5th rib. Went for a second opinion and was told it was a fracture. Continued Tamoxifin. 10/14/04 put on Lupron and Zometa. Pain in Ribs again, 11/23/04 Bone scan, hot spots in another rib on the right and one on the left, also in the right femur and top of right foot. Pet scan showed more, small one in the liver and one on the Iliac. My pain in the Femur has grown, but fortunately, the foot has been diagnosed as a fracture. Started chemo again, Navelbine, in July '05. Still have pain in femur, Oncologist suggested using a cane. Last week, 9/21/05 I started radiation on the femur to rid of pain and met. I am on pain meds, appetite has diminished (not a problem, have gone from 238 to 214lbs since June, needed to!!) However, my urine has been dark orange, I am very tired. The oncologist said that my urine is just very concentrated. I drink more water, still orange in the morning until late afternoon. My battle is getting worse, but I am up to the fight, however the constant reacurrance of the mets and orange urine(which I had before the chemo), weekness,etc is really getting to worry me. Should I seek another opinion? The last time I was told that what my doctor thought was Cancer, was a fracture, but the 2nd opinion was incorrect so I believe in my Oncologist.
Signed...Help in Indiana! |
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seek a second opinion. having a fracture doesn't necessarily mean it still wasn't in some way cancer related. hang in there. |
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Question:
#6575
9/27/2005
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im a 16 year old girl, so firstly i know it is very rare for lumps to develop into cnacer at such a young age, but it does happen and im scared the doctors are ruling this possibility out completely. i found lumps in my right breast only, back in april. Since then i have been to the breast clinic once or twice. The doctors or experts here have examined me physically and have sure enough point out the lumps in my breast yet when i went for a scan they showed nothing. the doctors disagreed with eachother, one would say there were deffinate cysts, another would just refer to it as tissue growth. but i know its something because it is large round lumps in my breast. im going back on monday for the third time for the same test ive had twice already. i just need an expert to reasure me somehow. please write back soon. Thank you for your time. |
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feel confident this isn't something serious. cysts are common and are benign. lumps are common and for someone your age who is being checked frequently cancer should be far from your mind. think "benign." |
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Question:
#6576
9/27/2005
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A week before my period, my right breast has what looks to me,as a dry patch, and it icthes. This only appears a week before my period, after that it goes away, then comes back a week before my period. I am 40 years old, what is going on? |
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could be hormonal changes but you need to show it to your doctor when it is happening so book an appointment based on when you can predict it will occur again. |
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Question:
#6577
9/27/2005
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I am a 26yr.old female who has had cervical cancer for almost 7yrs. I am now facing something I know nothing about. At my last visit I was told I have a "fibercystic breast". What does this mean? I was also told that "it" may be rapped around nerves (one side is continuously numb,the other half of the breast in searing pain). I have just signed a contract w/a modeling agency and am concerned I will be on leave too long and loose this opportunity or worse loose a breast. I feel like everyone is being so vague and would like some straight talk. Thank you for your time. |
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be calm. all it means is that you have lumpy bumpy breasts. doesn't mean anymore than that. a huge majority of women do. not sure why he alarmed you. |
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Question:
#6578
9/27/2005
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My mammogram reports a palpable nodule of definite hypoechoic solid 2.3x.9x2.3cm. There is no calcifications present, it is bi-rads 4. Is it good that there are no calcifications present? What does 'bi-rad category' mean? |
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its good that it is a definitively defined mass, assuming that is what you meant. bi-rad 4 means that a biopsy is recommended. 20% risk of it being trouble. |
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Question:
#6579
9/27/2005
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Had a biopsy performed on a 1.2*0.2 cm mass:
"Left breast mass. Core biopsy: fibroadenoma with associated lobular neoplasia (atypical lobular hyperplsia and lobular carcinoma in situ ); adjacent breast tissue with lobular neoplasia ( Atypical lobular hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ); no invasive carinoma seen. see comment.
Comment: The lobular neoplasia involves the fibroadenoma as well as the adjacent breast tissue."
He said these are termed ADH, ALH, and LCIS. He recommended removal and biopsy, meaning 'search for something else' from what I can tell. He also mentioned checking margins - which I think means to see if it is everywhere or not.
He seemed to take a very conservative approach, just removal and biopsy. Since the mass was not detected by mammogram- I pursued the MRI before the excision. Which is right ?
He said I don't have cancer, I'm not convinced I'm getting the real picture. |
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you have cells that are markers for increased risk but no evidence of cancer. the standard of care is to obtain more tissue from this area to verify that no cancer is there. don't know what he means about margins though.it isn't necessary to have clear margins on this type of biopsy. |
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Question:
#6580
9/27/2005
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I am 40 years old and after having nursed my daughter for 3 1/2 years, at which time I believe we were down to just nighttime nursing, I developed an itchiness around my left areola (she actually didn't nurse from that side as often). At first, it appeared as if what I believed were my Montgomery glands were inflammed, but that soon stopped and the region was just itchy, especially at night and during showers. I saw a lactation consultant/midwife about five months after these symptoms at a time when the itchiness had actually diminished quite a bit; she could find no signs of an organism but noticed a slight pigment change around the areola (where I had scratched before?) After a stressful move, the itchiness returned and I saw an ob/gyn to get another opinion and an order for a mammogram (we stopped nursing totally 3 months ago). He thought it might be a fungal infection (which I've never had and my daughter never had thrush). I've read about Paget's disease and although I've never had symptoms appear directly on my nipple (always on the areola or on the skin around the areola), and I've never had a real sore, I'm still concerned of the symptoms of itchiness. I'm also concerned that from what I've read, a mammogram might not pick up on that disease. My questions: would Paget's disease symptoms (such as itchiness) come and go? is the nipple itself always involved? can we not start with ultrasounds for screening (especially for those like myself who have had 2 mammograms before age 40 due to benign lumps found)? could this be hormonal (my areola on that side seems to be changing size - growing/shrinking - almost every day, with various bumps coming and going)? Thank you for any consideration. |
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pagets involves the nipple and areola area. usually the itching and scaliness comes and stays and if left untreated progresses to get worse. |
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Question:
#6581
9/27/2005
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Hi, I'm an 18 year old female and I'm worried about my right breast. I have recently noticed that it is bigger than the left one and what appears to be a blood blister has appeared over the night. I only realised it was there when there was blood on my bra. It has slight brusing around it but I know that I have not knocked it...it bleeds for no reason (it is still here) and I do have some shooting pains in this breast. I thought I found a lump but cannot be sure. What shall I do? |
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tell your mom first and get an appointment with your doctor or gyn doctor for clinical evaluation f it. don't panic. not something to be scared about but does need to be taken care of. |
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Question:
#6582
9/27/2005
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I have heard that benign breast conditions increase the risk of cancer. Are there some benign conditions that increase the risk more? If so, which ones? Thanks |
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previous biopsies that show mutated cells. |
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Question:
#6583
9/27/2005
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I'm 41 years old,I had my first mammogram last year an they found a cyst, they followed it up with a ultrasound and decided to have a biopsy, during the biopsy they found another three cysts. Anyways the results were benign, after that I been having a mammogam/Ultrasound every 6 months as a follow up, to see if everything stills the same. I just had an ultrasound last week, I received a call from my doctor saying that I need to make an appoinment with a surgeon because the results of the ultrasound were abnormal. On the report it doesn't say anything like that, they only recommended to have a bilateral mammogram. Also it says Short term follow up is performed for a right breast nodule measuring 4.4 mm x 7 mm and is unchanged within the 11 o'clock region. My worry after all is why the Dr. wants me to see a surgeon, there is anything that I need to be worry about. |
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good question. don't know why the referral to a surgeon though. consider taking your films for a second reading by another radiologist. |
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Question:
#6584
9/27/2005
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hey, I have noticed some irregular shaped, brown blotches below my left breast. I didn't have these spots before. Do you know what it could be? |
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don't know without seeing you. so call your doctor and get a clinical breast exam. smart to follow up on it. |
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Question:
#6585
9/27/2005
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recent mammogram test results, "Stable nodules in both breasts. Repeat in one year." I am 59 and have had normal memmograms since age 40, should I be concerned about this recent memogram? thanks |
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stable is a good word to see. if concerned, get a second opinion reading. |
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Question:
#6586
9/27/2005
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In 1999, i had a lympoma removed from left breast side. approx 3 months later i notice a milky white discharge from nipple only when pressed a certain way on the breast. i immediately whent to doctor and they checked the discharge. came back ok. i had mammorgrams done every year since 1999. i am 44 now. this year's mammogram showed suspision and went back for more picts and ultrasound. also had tested discharge in 2002 with ultrasound for second opinion and was ok. well had lumpetecomy which was positive for invasive ductal carcinoma .6cm and adjacent intraductal carciminoma (cribiform, solid, 15%). i had to have 2d surgery to get clear margins. grade1 well differiented, er+/pr+, her2 negative. had sentinol node biopsy (4 taken out) - all clear with additional tests (brain, bone, abdominal, etc.) for metasis (all negative). have no family history at this time of breast cancer. completed imrt radiation therepy for 34 treatments. on tamoxifen (premenopause) 20mg. daily and taking multi vit, garlic pill and vit c daily.
should chemo have been recommended? is prognosis good? getting a mammo on the breast in nov (6 month from last)? should 2d opinion be sought? mammo and path said NO calcifications noted. is that good or bad? thank you for taking time to answer/clarify.
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things sound favorable and good prognosis based on pathology results. |
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Question:
#6587
9/27/2005
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i was diagnosed with a fibroedema? and i was wondering if they can be caused by hormone imbalances also will i have the lump for life unless i have it removed and can they get bigger |
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sometimes they are stimulated to grow with estrogen but don't think they are caused by hormonal imbalance. |
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Question:
#6588
9/27/2005
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hi there i am a 25 year old female.I've been diagnosed with a left breast hamartoma which measures 6cms in diametre, this diagnoses was done first a year ago and then again two months ago and i was told that its benign.I am currently planning to get pregnant again. My question is, is there any chance of it turning into cancer with pregnancy & also is it wiser to have the baby before having it removed or should i have it removed first. I'm very confused and stressed PLEASE HELP |
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these don't turn into cancer per se. something they grow during pregnancy. talk with your gyn if he wants it out now or later. |
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Question:
#6589
9/27/2005
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About 2 months ago, my right nipple started itching. After about 2 weeks, I felt a grape sized lump just to the right of my nipple. My Gyn sent me for an ultrasound which verified the 2.12 cm. lump, then I had an MRI 3 weeks ago. Impressions are: Bilateral simple breast cysts, Diffuse bilaterally symetric parenchymal breast enhancement, most likely hormonally related. I was on my 2nd day of cycle during the MRI. Since then, my right nipple is still itcing, and several large lumps seem to still be there, different locations on different days. My GYN recommended no caffeine,(have cut back to one cup a day from 2-3), 400 IU vit E. I am wondering if I should pursue this any further, especially since it hasn't gotten better yet. I am 44, no kids, small breasted, no family history of breast cancer on my mother's side, some on my father's side. Thank you. |
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worth pursuing . yes. |
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Question:
#6590
9/27/2005
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I recently had a mammogram with findings that led to a biopsy recommendation. The report noted a cluster of calcifications and faint nodular density on the left breast. Comments about the calcifications state they are "mostly round". The right breast also showed calcifications, but they were all round, and I think more diffuse. They were not concerned about the right breast. There are no lumps or masses that can be felt when physically examaning either breast. I was referred to a surgeon who is recommending a surgical biopsy. I was not referred to a radioligist because that would be considered a "self referral". The hospital where all the testing was done does not have a comprehensive "breast care center". My question or concern is with the recommendation for a surgical biopsy when I think the chances for cancer are very low. Although my understanding is that the surgical biopsy is the most cautious approach, I get the feeling that going to a surgeon to determine the best course of action may have resulted in a biased view point. I suppose the same might be true if I had consulted the radioligist. Is there some way to feel that a patient can get a non-biased recommendation using input from a team consisting of both a radiologist and a surgeon? Would I be more likely to get this type of consultation if I were to go to a breast care center? Does this surgical approach seem to aggressive in a case like mine - or do calcifications pose issues that are better addressed surgically? I would appreciate any guidance you could give me. |
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with more than 90% of biopsies being able to be done without a surgical incision, it is worth your while to go to a breast center and get a second opinion. usually stereotactic biopsy can be done to get the answers needed. |
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Question:
#6591
9/27/2005
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After having an ulrasound and mammogram, I was told I have a fibroadenoma that is 2.3cm. I have pain associated with it, is it true that if there is pain it is not cancer? Should I get it taken out? my maternal grandmother had breast cancer. I am 33 years old. |
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10% of the time there is pain with breast cancer. you have been told though that is appears benign so focus on that. usually a fibroadenoma of this size and causing pain is surgically removed. |
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Question:
#6592
9/27/2005
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I had lumpectomy & lymph node disection 20 years ago. Clear margins ,18 nodes removed . Had radiotion no chemo .A year later I had insitu carcinoma in left breast.biopsied and removed/ Radiation again no chemo.A recent momo ( a lump which I found )showed a round mass in the upper inner quadrant anteriorly.Sonogram showed a solid mass 11 mm.at 9 0'clock.anteriorly.Am I a candidate for another lumpectomy? I also read about CO2 laser surgery as an alternative to needle biopsy. Where can I find more info on this? |
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laser ablation remains research and at this point in time the research protocol still requires surgery to be done to verify that the laser treatment worked in essence. eventually perhaps they trial will show that it does work and no surgery will be needed but we aren't there yet. you don't yet know what this is. ask if they plan to do a core biopsy. if benign then they might leave it alone. if malignant then the breast can't be radiated again and usually mastectomy withr reconstruction is done instead. |
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Question:
#6593
9/27/2005
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I am a 60 yr. old female.My recent mamo results: FINDINGS: scattered fibroglandular density is present in both breasts. Dense benign califications are present in the bilateral breasts. No neodensities, dominant masses, spiculated lesions, suspicious microcalcifications, or skin or nipple changes are evident to suggest malignancy. OVerall appearance of the breast tissue is stable.CATEGORY 11-benign findings. WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?? |
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it means they saw nothing of concern on your mammogram. celebrate. |
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Question:
#6594
9/27/2005
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I have had pain and tenderness in one breast for three months; two lots of antibotics. I've had two beast exams and a mammogram-which show nothing. At present I've been on an anti-inflamitory for four days. The discomfort comes and goes but never ceases. Should I be concerned and ask for more invasive testing? |
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ask for furthe diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause. |
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Question:
#6595
9/27/2005
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I had a chest xray done for SOB by my allergist, and the radiologist noted shadowing under the right nipple, this is new because I had a cxray done a year ago that was neg. I called my gyn and asked if this was significant because I also have had swollen lymph nodes under my right breast that are becoming increasingly more painful, they have been this way for about 4 months, I had a breast reduction two years ago and do experience alot of pain in both, but I figure it's scar tissue. I go in later this week for a breast exam, but, I'm a nurse and have been ill since Jan. with signif. weight loss and other issues, and sometimes it just sucks knowing what I know. I appreciate any input, Thanks in advance! |
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Being "in the field" can be dangerous for our mental health anyway. take this a step at a time. you are doing the right thing in seeing your doctor. he will probably get mammogram and ultrasound done and possibly additional tests. hang in there. |
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Question:
#6596
9/27/2005
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I had been diagnosed with Fibercystic breasts a few years ago after a discharge problem. This past week, my left breast became very painful but manageable. I went to the Dr. on Friday and she believes I may have Mastitus. She sent me home with Antibiotics. 0n Saturday evening I wound up in the emergency room in intense pain. They prescibed warm compresses and Vicodan for pain. By Sunday, large amounts of light green liguid was draining from the nipple. I do have an Ultrasound scheduled...holding off on the Mammo because of the pain. I am just really concerned that someone is missing something. what do you think? |
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what you are describing does sound like an infection. follow up wth your doctor who prescribed the antibiotics to have her see you again. |
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Question:
#6597
9/27/2005
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I have a small spot next to my nipple that looks bruised and is sore. I haven't had any trauma to the area. I had a clear mammogram about 6 months ago. Should I be concerned? Thanks! |
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if it doesn't go away then call your gyn and get seen. better safe than sorry. |
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Question:
#6598
9/27/2005
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I recently went for a 6 month follow up because of a 6mm ovoid nodule. It is unchanged from the prior study and appears to represent a benign process. I went to my surgeon and she said it was too small to do a biopsy and she suggested I follow up again in 6 months. My question is wouldn't it be better to have it taken out and tested to confirm that it is benign. |
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depends on how suspicious it looks. so consider taking your films elsewhere for a second reading and opinion about it. |
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Question:
#6599
9/26/2005
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Q: |
My 5 week old daughter has a 4cm mass under her right nipple. The Dr. has advised an ultrasound asap, as he is not sure what it is (although he does not believe it is an infection). What are possible causes? |
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not sure... smart to pursue though with ultrasound that will provide the answer. don't think bad thoughts. and don't think breast cancer on an infant. |
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Question:
#6600
9/26/2005
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Q: |
I have been treating a very small area of psoriasis on the outer rim of the areola of my left breast, as it flares up, with Dovobet, or, 1% topical cortisone. I first noticed is last winter (January 05), it waxes and wanes as my other small psoriatic patches do as well. I have it on my right breast too, not so large an area tho. In the past week I have noticed that I have a burning sensation in my left breast, and the look of my breast when the nipple goes erect is different (not inverted, almost like an extra "plateau", below the nipple). It looks normal when not erect. No skin rash on nipple. I have an appt. with my Gyne on October 25th (one month away) to get it checked out. Of course, an internet search only comes up with references to Paget's Disease of the breast and is scaring me. Should I stop treating the patch of skin now & let him see it "au naturel"? I know it could be one of many benign things, trying not to panic. Thank you for your reply. |
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if you've been self medicating and self diagnosing. stop. speak to him on the phone and see if he can refer you to a breast specialist. |
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