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Question:
#9571
09/28/2004
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Q: |
I am 25 yrs. old and I started my period the day of my 16th bday. I have had abnormal periods every since then. I had a bout a couple of years ago when my period lasted 3 mos straight. I have been told I could have anything from "abnormal periods" (duh) to endometriosis, to crohns. I get very depressed and miss out on work occasionally. To top it off my left breast is an 36C and my right one is 36A. 5 months ago I started getting a clear, and very small amount of leakage out of my left breast. Should I be worried as much as I am? |
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Time to see your gyn for evaluation of both areas-- breast and pelvis then. have him evaluate your menstrual history and do a clinical breast exam. he may decide to get an ultrasound or mammogram to determine the cause of the nipple discharge. |
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Question:
#9572
09/28/2004
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I am a 33 year old mother of three. About a year ago I found a lump about the size of a quarter on my left breast. I had a mammogram done followed immediately by an sonogram. They said there is nothing to worry about. But now my left breast and down into my armpit hurts all the time and has a reddish brown discharge almost daily. I normally wouldn't worry, but my grandmother(52) died from breast cancer, my aunt (49) is currently fighting it, my mother (44) died from ovarian cancer and my father (57) died from luekemia. Should I be worried? Should I get an second opinion? |
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yes, second opinion time is here. your family history is significant and you have abnormal findings so pursue it. |
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Question:
#9573
09/27/2004
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I am a 36 yr. old female and I had a mammogram done last year. The findings were normal. Today I noticed tenderness in the left breast so I did a self-exam. I found a lump about the size of a marble. I am menstrating right now. Could this be the cause of the lump? Should I see a doctor immediately?
Thank you,
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Don't panic--- immediately is a relative term. but call your doctor and get either a clinical breast exam done or have him get you scheduled for a mammogram to be diagnostically evaluated. |
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Question:
#9574
09/27/2004
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My left breast is a size C almost D whereas my right side is a B cup. Is this normal and will they ever grow to match each other? |
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if you are young and still growing/maturing then give them more time to "even out." If you are 25 years or older though, this is probably how things are going to be. so consider seeing a plastic surgeon about creating symmetry for you. |
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Question:
#9575
09/27/2004
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I had a mammogram and ultrasound because I felt a lump. The radiologist said she saw nothing abnormal. However, my OBGYN got the report and was concern about it. The report said I have "a solid pattern of fibrogranular breast tissue with no evidence or cysts or mass". Does this solid pattern concern you? I still feel the lump ( and a few others). What should I do? |
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bottom line is that you have a symptom without a diagnosis. it needs to be pursued until a diagnosis is made. so pursue it! usually a radiologist gets spot films and/or ultrasound as a follow up to determine what this lump is. |
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Question:
#9576
09/27/2004
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The following is the medical report I received and I am wondering if I should have a biopsy and know for sure!
Right breast:screening mammograms showed nodular densities in the right breast,which had developed since earlier mammograms. Additional mammographic views today confirm that there are several partially circumscribed masses,with most in the upper inner right breast.
Right breast ultrasound: There are multiple benign looking cysts in the upper right breast from 11 o'clock to 2 o'clock. These range from a few millimeters to 1.3cm in diameter. No solid mass is identified. Because of the multiplicity of the lesions, it is difficult to be certain that each density on mamographic follow-up would be prudent.
Left breast ultrasound: Additional views
The recent screening mammograms also showed a tiny cluster of microcalcifications in the left breast at 1 o'clock. Magnification views show that the calcifications are largely punctate. Microcalcifications are seen in this area in retrospect on the 1/21/2000 mammograms, and they have increased only slightly. There are scattered microcalcifications elsewhere in the breasts bilaterally, which look similar in character. The fact that these are multiple and bilateral suggest that the calcifications are caused by a diffuse benign process. Short interval mammographic follow-up is warranted because of the possible interval change.
Assessment: Probably Benign (BI-Rads 3)
Recommendation: Follow-up diagnostic mamogram of both breasts in 6 months to include standard and magnification views of the left breast. Clinical followup with attention to her left breast pain.
My appointment is in October and I wonder if I should ask to have a biopsy? I want to know for sure and not wonder for six months. The breast surgeon I saw said the calcifications were so small he didn't know if he could biopsy them. Do you think I should get another opinion or am I being too concerned? Also,I have pain and soreness in my left breast and under my arm. Thank you so very much for reading this long note. |
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For peace of mind, get another opinion from a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. one radiologist may read this as benign and fine and another may say something different. I'm merely reading the words written by a doctor and not looking at the films here so this doesn't suffice as a second opinion as none of this Ask an Expert does, frankly. so take the films elsewhere and get a re-read of them. |
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Question:
#9577
09/27/2004
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I recently had my yearly mamogram. They found a superficial cysts which is commonly known as a dirty cysts. The wall lining has some thickening in it. How concerned should I be with the fuild in the cysts? |
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usually cysts can be easily aspirated in breast imaging and the fluid sent to pathology for evaluation to answer that question definitively. |
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Question:
#9578
09/24/2004
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I had radation to my left breast in addition to chemo. I finished radation treatment in June 04. I now have a rash with hives on the left side of my breast in also on my chest area which has no spread to somewhat to the righ side also. The left side breast is also swollen. I have been back to my chemo doctor, my radation doctor, my surgeon and also to a dermotolgist. Have been given antibotics, an allergy medicine but still don't have relief and the doctors have not given me answer if this is normal after radation or not. Would greatly appreciate to find out if this has happened to anyone else. |
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Gee, without the opportunity to clinically exam you it is impossible to comment. you may want to seek a formal second opinion though from another breast specialist to see what their thoughts are on this. |
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Question:
#9579
09/24/2004
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Two weeks ago I had an open surgical
biopsy with a needle location procedure
in a suburban hospital outside Atlanta.
I asked for aenastesia since I faint easily but since the needle location was in a different building the aenastisiologist refused any cooperation.
The radiologist prescribed a valium pill which I threw up have way through
the procdure.The needle/wire was placed without aenastisia since the local numbing of skin was not what I was after.After the wire was placed I fainted twice during the following x rays.
I was then wheelchaired into another building where I finally received aenastesia for the surgery.
I was told that I will be a candidate for more biopsies in the future and I would like to find a doctor or hospital preferably in Atlanta which can perform the above procedure with
a light anestesia also during the
wire location. I am a very healthy 49 year old female with no aenestesia risks. Please help me - it was babaric!! |
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wow..sounds like you had a close encounter of the unpleasant kind! usually these procedures are tolerated well with local anesthetic. using anesthesia, even lightly, can increase resp risk for the patient because she needs to have airway monitoring done as a result of the anesthetic administered. if you need biopsies in the future sit and talk with the radiologist before the procedure about how your anxiety and pain level can be safely controlled. |
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Question:
#9580
09/24/2004
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I had a routine yearly screening that came back with a dense area the doctor told me. They set up another mam and an ultra-sound if needed. Well I saw the mam and it had a spot circled that seemed perfect round about the size of a dime. After the mams they performed an Ultra-sound but the Rad. said he did not see what they were looking for. Well now my MD wants me to see a surgeon. What good is seeing a surgeon when the spot was not detected by Ultrasound or can not be felt. Should I request to have the films read by someone else? |
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yes, do. hopefully you'll never need a surgeon is a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging can better decipher what this is and diagnose it. |
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Question:
#9581
09/24/2004
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I am 35 and has for about a month now had pain in both breast,I am a size B. The pain is in the area beneath the nipple. Wearing a bra gives some comfort, otherwise it hurts at a touch, what could it be. |
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hhhmm. don't know. so see your doctor for a clinical breast exam . he may refer you for mammography or ultrasound to decipher it. |
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Question:
#9582
09/24/2004
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I am a 25 year old female who recently presented to my OB/GYN with bloody discharge from the nipple of my right breast. Because of my age, my doctor really didn't know what to think it was, but after a mammogram, ultrasound, ductogram, and surgical excision, the final pathology was intraductal papilloma. I wanted to know if you have ever heard of anyone as young as I am with this before, and if there are any implications I need to be aware of for later on in life to look out for. There is virtually nothing available in my internet research of someone my age with this diagnosis. Thanks so much for your help! |
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yes, many women your age are diagnosed with intraductal papilloma and have then surgically excised. not uncommon. glad it was benign findings for you too. |
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Question:
#9583
09/23/2004
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Lately I've had pain on and off in my left breast.It just started about a week ago. Also last nite when my husband was sucking on that nipple, it was o.k. for a little bit but then it sent pain all the way through my breast. It stayed painful for a little bit. My period is not for another week and a half and I am on the pill. Please help me out because I am starting to worry. Thankyou |
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The breast is a sex organ as you know and therefore has many nerves in it. sometimes they can "act up"-- it the pain persists, see your gyn for a clinical breast exam. he might recommend a mammogram or ultrasound. |
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Question:
#9584
09/23/2004
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I have moderate parenchymal density in the subareolar and upper outer quadrant regions of each breast with numerous bilateral calcifications. In the 12 o'clock region of the right, these have increased in number and while generally are benign in appearance, several are pleomorphic and indeterminate. No discrete masses are seen. Right breast ultrasound indicated a lobular hypoechoic mass with numerous internal echos with a smaller,definitely solid appearing mass immediately posterior. No other masses, either solid or cystic were identified. There is no evidence for abnormal vascularity associated with the above described mass. The conculsion was right breast masses and pleomorphic calcifications at 12 o'clock. The masses are mammographically occult and not typically benign by ultrasound. Biopsy has been recommended to exclude malignant association. What does this mean for me? It this highly suspicious for breast cancer? |
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it is suspicious for cancer based on what they have written but highly suspicious? don't know... pursue it though. get a biopsy. if you need us you know we are just a click away. |
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Question:
#9585
09/23/2004
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My mammogram report states that there is a nodular density which measures 5mm in the inferior lateral left breast. What is the likelihood that it is breast cancer? The breasts show no other additional lesions, dominant masses or calcifications. I have been on Activella for 1.5 years. |
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That's a vague deion at this point and not enough information for anyone to make a judgement about. the doctor usually does some additional spot films and possibly ultrasound to answer the question more specifically. remember though that in general 80% of findings are benign. |
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Question:
#9586
09/23/2004
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I was just diagnosed with a 7+ cm fibroadenolipoma in my right breast. Seen as 2.5 cm on mammagram and 7+ cm on ultrasound. What is the typical treatment? On right mammagraphy, 5mm oval shape--not found with subsequent ultrasound. Any ideas? Also have new diagnosis of Endometrial Hyperplasia. Any relationship? Just to get a second opinion. |
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no relationship with uterus. Unusual to have a lipoma in the breast. see a breast surgeon about it. possibly removal if it is blocking the view of seeing things that may be behind it on a mammogram. |
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Question:
#9587
09/22/2004
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Hi, I am a 34yr old woman, I have a recuring tiny,white, what looks like a pimple on my right nipple. This has happened for the second time. The first, a Dr at a clinic simply used a needle to break the pimple and it disappeared. I am married, have no children. Can this be serious or may it be linked to hormonal changes. I have scheduled an appt with my gyno in 2 weeks. Anything I should be doing in the meantime. Thanks alot!! |
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this is not uncommon. glad you are seeing your gyn for proper evaluation. |
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Question:
#9588
09/22/2004
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I am 36 yrs old and just had a screening mammogram. My report said I had asymetric density in the upper outer left quadrant and that there were diffuse calcifications. They suggested spot compressions and ultrasound. Should I be worried? |
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don't worry yet because there isn't enough information to worry... the additional films will help determine if a biopsy is needed. |
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Question:
#9589
09/22/2004
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I am a 29 year old mother of a 7 year old. Within the past 3 months, I have noticed that my right breast is more sensitive and my nipple is sore/tender sometimes. I have even had a sporadic shooting pain in my right breast. I have done self exams and don't find anything. Is this something to be concerned about. Thank you for your time and answer. |
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its an abnormal finding for you so it needs to be checked out with a clinical breast exam by your doctor and probably a mammogram or ultrasound. so call your gyn and follow up. low risk of it probably being something serious but you need it addressed and it would be good to be pain free! |
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Question:
#9590
09/22/2004
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I'm 20, going on 21, and as bad as this is, I'm never been to the gyno or seen a doctor for a mammogram. I plan on going to one this year but I have one question. My breasts, all through high school and freshman year of college (14-18/19), had been a size C/large C and I noticed that right before my sophomore year they started to shrink, almost a cup size. They seemed to almost get back to size during the end of the year and during the summer again. Then, come summer of my 20th, right before I began my junior year, I noticed that they started shrinking again. Now, they are no longer full or firm, just limp and like a small B, if that. I haven't really changed my diet and I have lost any weight. Could stress, depression, or certain medications be the reason? I know this probably isn;t serious, I just find it very odd and I'm curious as to why this happened. I'd like for them to return to their C size or even a large B just so things fit again. It's almost an inconvenience. I'm mainly just curious since I haven't found much on the internet about significant fluctuations in breast size. Thanks so much. |
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Glad you are seeing a gyn this year. its time. usually breast size fluctuation is more common month to month and is hormonally related-- yours sounds seasonal and i'm not sure what that could be.doesn't sound alarming though. your gyn will do a clinical breast exam and help decipher this for you. make you appointment. |
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Question:
#9591
09/21/2004
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My 47 year old sister was dx with breast cancer two months ago. I'm 49 and I'm a having a biopsy tomorrow due to a suspicious finding on my sonogram. I have a cyst with a solid lesion hidden behind it. I have fibrocystic breasts, as did my sister. This is the first mammogram I've had in three years. I'm terrified that the one I had earlier missed something because they didn't do a follow up sonogram. The lesion is also asymetrical and hypoechoic. The radiologist suggested it could be a fibroademona, but I thought was more common in younger women. I haven't had a period in almost 6 months and do not use HRT. |
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Right now you are dealing with fear of the unknown. the greatest fear of all... take this a step at a time. we will hope you get benign results. If it turns out to be cancer, remember that 85% of women are long term survivors today... you are welcome to contact us if we can help you in anyway. just email Lillie Shockney at shockli@jhmi.edu |
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Question:
#9592
09/20/2004
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what is the difference between a masectomy and a prophylactic masectomy |
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prophylactic mastectomy is done to prevent breast cancer usually... it is done on healthy breast tissue that is cancer free and doesn't involve needing to check the sentinel node/axillary nodes for disease. it is commonly done as a skin sparing procedure keeping the outer skin of the breast and hollowing out the breast, then replacing what is hollowed out with some form of reconstruction-- implant or fatty tissue from elsewhere, like the tummy; mastectomy is done for breast cancer and can be done as a total simple (no nodes taken), total simple with sentinel node biopsy, or modified radical mastectomy which is a mastectomy with an axillary node dissection. most of the time skin sparing is still an option unless tumor is large, involves the skin or other medical reasons prevent it. |
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Question:
#9593
09/20/2004
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I have dark green fluid coming out several areas of the right breast nipple. It is leaking without manipulation. |
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Time for a mammogram and ultrasound. may be a cyst. get it checked out, including a clinical breast exam. |
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Question:
#9594
09/20/2004
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i was recently diagnosed with fibrosis breast disease and i know that is common for women to have this,but my left breast has hurt me for about six months.the pain is almost to much to handle at times, the lumps that i feel are extremely tender and it is hard to where my bra but i cant just let then hang either, my doctor told me there were to many cist to remove and a mascectomy might have to be thought about. what do you think. and im only in my thirties and very scared. thank you. |
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wow.. mastectomy is a huge step to treat cysts. consider seeing a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and see about having the cysts aspirated and drained in a breast imaging setting. see what relief that can achieve before doing major surgery that involves removing your breast. |
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Question:
#9595
09/20/2004
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I just had a mammogram a little over a week ago and the results were negative. But one day at work I noticed that my left breast was getting sore. When I got home, I examined it and it was so tender I could barely press down. I did feel a rather large lump and it was so tender that I almost fainted. The lump has gone down some in two days and my breast is still tender. The lump is still there. My menstrual period isn't due for another week. Should I be concerned? |
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well, its something abnormal so see your gyn for an examination. he mght order an ultrasound to determine what it is. |
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Question:
#9596
09/20/2004
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can you tell me where I can get a 'free publication' on benign breast disease? |
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Check with the Komen foundation as well as with the American Cancer society. |
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Question:
#9597
09/20/2004
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I recently found a lump about the size of a nickle round and it is very hard. It is sore to touch and is a little red around the area. It is under my left breast seems a little more on the torsal than actually on the breast.. I have an appt. this week. Do lumps feel sore to touch and get red like this? It feels almost like a boil underneath the skin... tks |
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usually reddened sore areas are cysts or abscesses. glad you are seeing your doctor to get it evaluated and taken care of. |
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Question:
#9598
09/20/2004
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Q: |
I'm 56 yrs. old 10 yrs+ HRT and have been noticing the veins in my left breast (around the nipple area and beyond) will turn very blue and tender. Recently, I noticed pain in my chest after strenuous activities and the blueness will follow. Thinking this was heart related, I had the complete heart test check up and everything came back ok. Could a hiatal hernia cause such symptoms? |
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hernia and blueness of the nipple aren't linked. the blueness are veins that are more highly vascular after activity. see your gyn for a clinical breast exam and your family doctor for evaluation of your other symptoms. |
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Question:
#9599
09/20/2004
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I had a baby 2 1/2 years ago. My milk dried up after three months feeding. Lately my right breast has hurt very bad both cyclic and not. Last night I couldn't stand it anymore so I examined myself and saw a lump on the side of my nipple, inside the breast. I messed with it and this whitish discharge came out. It popped almost like a pimple and the discharge came directly from my center duct in the nipple. Then it bled for a while. I'm scared. I'm only 26 but cancer is prominent in my family.
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don't panic... probably a benign disorder based on your deion, but needs to be checked out and taken care of. see your gyn doctor this week and then get an ultrasound for evaluation of this. it may be a cyst of breast abscess. pursue it but relax. |
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Question:
#9600
09/20/2004
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i have just finished chemo through which i suffered with low white and red cellcounts and extreme exhaustion.am supposed to start radiation next week.now feel lump in other breast. had sonogram. radiologist suspicious.will probably have biopsy. first cancer was stage 2, node negative,estrogen receptive,clear margins and high irregularity. is it possible to develop a cancer while undergoing chemo? |
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yes, unfortunately, it is... and it is possible it has been there and now has grown, not responding to chemo. it may even be a different pathology frankly. that is not unusual to see. |
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