|
Question:
#10561
10/22/2002
|
|
Q: |
i was diagnosed with microcalcifications and had a core biopsy and the calcifications were benign. I am 54 and have been on estrogen for 4 years due to a hysterectomy. Should I consider going off my hormones. Can they cause these calcifications to become cancer? |
| |
A: |
there isn't any evidence to say that HRT contributes to the growth and development of microcalcifications. the decision regarding HRT needs to be made based on family history of breast cancer, other risk factors the patient may have and whether other alternatives to HRT have been considered as well as the original rationale for being placed on HRT. Explore this more with your doctor. |
|
Question:
#10562
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
in a clean surgery like a breast reduction at what time should a antibiotic be given before the first incision is six minutes ok? |
| |
A: |
Really anytime during the surgery is considered acceptable. 6 minutes is fine. don't worry.. antibiotic therapy has a long half life-- not a short one like anesthesia. |
|
Question:
#10563
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
I am 31 yrs old with a 20 month old son. I had a fibroadenoma removed in 1994. In 1997 I had a core needle biopsy (negative) done because of pain around the scar area.
In August I had several days of brown spots in my bra and bedsheets. I had an ultrasound done (saw nothing unusual) and took a sample of the discharge (which was no longer brown but clear) and it came back normal. I am still having pain but no discharge 2 months later. I am scheduled for a mammogram and a breast specialist consult but not for 2 weeks. I am so nervous! What could this be? My dr. said it is abnormal and needs to be evaluated.
thanks. |
| |
A: |
could be many things but probably nothing serious... rest easy for the next two weeks and don't fret. it could be a papilloma, or other benign finding. remember that 805 of the time breast abnormalities are benign-- not malignant. take care.. |
|
Question:
#10564
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
I am a 31 year old mother of three. For approx. 1 year I have experienced very painful breasts 2-3 weeks prior to my period. My youngest child is 6, yet with this pain comes clear or milky white discharge, which if I help to "express" the pain decreases ALOT, but that only last about an hour. They often feel heavy as well. What the heck is this.. because I feel like a freak! |
| |
A: |
you aren't alone with these symptoms. Could be hormonal changes still happening or even an endocrine problem. See a breast specialist in your area for confirmation and a game plan how to help control the symptoms. Avoid expressing the fluid though it that is stimulating your breasts to keep making more! |
|
Question:
#10565
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
I am 20 years old and although I have some pimples on my left aerola, I have noticed on my right aerola a small hole. Could this also be a pimple? Is it in any way dangerous? |
| |
A: |
it could be, but check it out... see your gyn or a nurse practitioner who specializes in breast disease. |
|
Question:
#10566
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
My breast biopsy included a finding of "atypical lobular hyperplasia" - how much does that increase my risk of developing breast cancer. I am 48 years old. My father's sister got breast cnacer at age 60 |
| |
A: |
not very much- just very slightly.Your family history would be more significant of a concern. So take proactive steps in reducing your risk by avoiding smoke, alcohol, by exercising regularly several times a week, eating healthy, and getting annual mammograms and clinical breast exams. |
|
Question:
#10567
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
itching skin in the treated area. Is this normal after radiation treatment? |
| |
A: |
yes, it is. ask your radiation oncologist about prescribing an ointment to help control the itching. your skin is trying to repair itself. |
|
Question:
#10568
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
My mammogram screening show there is moderate fibroglandular stroma.There is a questionable nodular density involving the central breast ,left breast in the MLO projection.With no masses or calcification suspicious for malignancy.This mammogram was compared to last years and the year before.Could you explain this to me? |
| |
A: |
mammograms are always compared to previous years because we are looking for a change. for example, stable calcifications are not of concern when we see them on last years mammogram looking the exact same way-- vs seeing more calcifications and they now have formed a cluster would be worrisome. Your report says you have glandular tissue-- not uncommon and usually hormonally related. The good news is no masses or suspicions for malignancy. good for you and good to hear you are smart in going annually |
|
Question:
#10569
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
I am 19 years old and for as long as I can remember my left breast has been much larger than my right breast. I also have red marks close to the nipple on each of my breast in the same exact place. Do you have any idea why this is.
|
| |
A: |
it is not uncommon to have one breast slightly larger or smaller than the other. so don't worry about that. As you get older the one breast may "catch up" to the other, particularly once you have a child in the future. When we see an abnormality that is symmetrical on both breasts we worry less than if we only saw something on one breast. ask your gyn about the red marks when next you go for yourt pelvic exam, which i trust you are doing annually. |
|
Question:
#10570
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
I have a family history of breast cancer. My mother had breast cancer at 52, cervical cancer at 24 and lung cancer at 59. My sister and grandfather also died from cancer and my niece had cancer at 5 months old. I am really worried about my risk for breast cancer, especially since my last mammogram listed things like
benign calcifications with 'irregular and slightly asymmetric fibroglandular tissue', palpable ridges, fibrocystic disease. It also listed history of architectural distortion and that added breast density improved on additional imaging. I went to the dr. three months after my last mammogram for a breast exam and my dr. ordered a nipple smear because I have a reddish brown discharge coming from one duct in one breast. Sometimes the discharge is clear or white. I had a ductogram done, which only showed that the duct was dilated. It's been six months since my last mammogram and three months since the ductogram. I think I feel a new lump in that breast and the breast discharge is still there. I hate to be a pain, but I am wondering if I shouldn't ask for a second opinion or request that another mammogram be done.
|
| |
A: |
You would benefit being follwed in a breast evaluation program for high risk women. Your real risk is your mom's history of breast cancer.Having other types of cancer with other family members is not as worrisome. keep in mind that 1 out of 3 people in the US will develop some type of cancer during their lifetime. Having a clinical breast examination every 6 months would be wise. You may want to get another diagnostic evaluation by a mammographer who specializes in breast cancer to see if a biopsy is warranted or not.hang in there dear. fear of the unknown is the worst fear of all.empower yourself with information about what is going on inside your breasts so that you can make some decisions with a breast specialist about how to help reduce your risk |
|
Question:
#10571
10/20/2002
|
|
Q: |
My friend had a lump located on mammography 5 days ago. She is 41 years old. Her family history is positive for breast cancer - her mother died 5 years ago having been diagnosed at age 50 (a lump that had been detected 7 years before). Anyway, my friend went into surgery today for a "lumpectomy" and instead had a complete right side mastectomy (I don't know if radical). She said she was told it was lubular carcinoma invasive. What can you tell me about this diagnosis? Thank you.
|
| |
A: |
First, if a patient is scheduled for a lumpectomy that is what she is to have-- not a mastectomy instead. Gone are the days that women are put to sleep and awakened surprised to find their breast gone. So this is a concern if this is literally what happened... regarding your question now-- invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common form of invasive breast cancer. it occurs about 12-15% of the time in women diagnosed. Depending on the size of the tumor and size of her breast volume and whether it is one isolated tumor or if there are several tumors in the breast determines if she is a candidate for lumpectomy vs mastectomy. The size of the tumor and involvement of lymph nodes also helps determine if there is a need for chemotherapy or not. Usually with mastectomy radiation isn't needed unless the tumor is very large or many nodes are positive for cancer. with lumpectomy radiation is always needed. Take a look in our pathology section of our website for more information on this type of breast cancer as well as visit via our weblinks the NCCNwebsite. |
|
Question:
#10572
10/15/2002
|
|
Q: |
Please send me any info you have on 'INFILTRATING DUCTAL AND LOBULAR' tumor....stage 1. Thank you |
| |
A: |
Visit the NCCN , national conprehensice cnacer network, for definitions regarding these two types of breast cancer. infiltrating ductal is the most common-- 85% of tumors are this kind. Infiltrating lobular occurs with about 12% of cancers diagnosed in the breast. Both very treatable. stage 1 is good news. |
|
Question:
#10573
10/13/2002
|
|
Q: |
I have small pimples on my aerola, which I understand is normal. I am 51 years old. What can I do to get rid of them because they are very unattractive?
Thank you,
Sandra |
| |
A: |
see a dermatologist about them |
|
Question:
#10574
10/15/2002
|
|
Q: |
I have a third nipple and am wondering about having it removed. Who should I see about this (OB/GYN, plastic surgeon, etc.) and what is involved in the process? Or is removal not advised? |
| |
A: |
It isn't necessary to remove a third nipple. If it bothers you then consider a plastic surgeon with some expertise in breast reconstruction because he will be familiar with the structure of this additional "breast." |
|
Question:
#10575
10/13/2002
|
|
Q: |
I have a lump under my right breast and is pushing up on my ribs, & is painful. What is the 1st step to take?
What is a mamo core biopsy?
|
| |
A: |
a core biopsy obtains a piece of a mass to determine what it is--- in this case to determine if it is cancer or not. It is done with a large guage needle or other technology used in a breast imaging setting by a radiologist or by a breast surgeon. See your doctor soon to be properly evaluated. |
|
Question:
#10576
10/13/2002
|
|
Q: |
I have never had a breast problem until last year, I flew to Rhode Island from Tampa, as I was leaving the plane I felt pain in my right breast, when I went into the restroom I saw blood on my shirt. When I returned to Tampa I went and had a mammogram done and they said it was ok. A few months later I flew to Colorado and the same thing happened,I just had a mammogram last month with good results. But today I had the same feeling in my right breast and it is bleeding. The first two times the blood was dark red and coming through my bra and shirt but today it is brownish color, Is this just something that happens or should I get another opinion, when I have the mammograms done they say they have never heard of flying making your breast bleed, I dont know what to think,Has anyone else had this happen? |
| |
A: |
Bloody discharge from the nipple is abnormal and needs to be investigated with more than a mammogram. The pressure in the plane is what triggered bleeding to start. A ductogram should be considered to determine the true cause of the bleeding. a tiny papilloma for example might be what is causing it to occur. See a breast specialist. |
|
Question:
#10577
10/13/2002
|
|
Q: |
My daughter is 2 1/2 years old, I only nursed her for the first six months. But my right breats continues to leak a white sticky fluid from two separate ducts. I had an external exam and both a mammogram and ultrsound over a year ago nothing abnormal was detected. My breast continues to leak, should I have this checked annually? |
| |
A: |
You should be getting clinical breast exams annually. Some women do retain milk for a long time though breast feeding stopped 2 years ago. Ask your gyn to evaluate it for you |
|
Question:
#10578
10/13/2002
|
|
Q: |
Can a radial scar be diagnosed definitively from an excisional biopsy specimen of about 2 - 4 cm. I have read that a RS can mimic cancer both mamographically and microscopically, I am worried about this. I am going to request a second opinion from your institution - will my hospital send only the slides they have, or the extra specimen if any. I read somewhere that sometimes it is easier to diagnose a radial scar if a thicker section is cut. Is that true? What do I need to ask my lab to send to Dr. Argani.
I am worried that you will not get enough material.
|
| |
A: |
Feel free to give Dr. Argani a call at 410-614-2428 and ask him what he wants sent to ensure that we can give you a definitive answer. The talented pathologist should be able to tell you if this is an RS or not with the open surgical specimen that has been obtained. |
|
Question:
#10579
10/10/2002
|
|
Q: |
I recently started a Yoga class. Some of the excercises make my armpit area extremely sore for several days.
I had a lumpectomy and 17 nodes removed 1 year ago. Is it dangerous to put so much strain and weight on the bad arm and could it cause Lymphedema?
Thank you very much. DeeA |
| |
A: |
You are at risk of lympedema unfortunately for the rest of your life... go easy on straining it. ask your yoga instructor for special yoga moves that don't strain your arm |
|
Question:
#10580
10/10/2002
|
|
Q: |
I am a 44 year old mother who recently was told my mammogram was abnormal and it appeared there was microcalcification evident in the films. I was told this by a receptionist over the phone at my family doctor's office and was then asked to make an appointment for further tests. Obviously this is of concern to me. Would you please explain to me exactly what microcalcification is, involves, and the most common prognosis for someone with no history of problems or breast CA in the family. Is this condition most often benign or not necessarily, and if benign, is surgery necessary? |
| |
A: |
Micrcocalifications (see other Q & As in this section about this as well as in breast imaging section) can be malignant or benign. Their pattern, if clustered tightly together, makes them more suspicious for being early stage breast cancer. Until a biopsy is done (usually stereotactically) you wn't know what you are dealing with yet. Usually , if cancer, it is very early stage and this demonstrates the value of mammography |
|
Question:
#10581
10/10/2002
|
|
Q: |
I have a lot of scar tissue because of three operations on my left breast because of breast cancer. I am in a lot of pain and it is in my arm and hands and fingers they go numb and hurt. I have a lot of pain under the arm where they took lympphnodes out. It is taking over my life. Please advise me if you know of some Dr. that could help me. |
| |
A: |
you are battling with neuralgia caused by scar tissue and would benefit from two things: seeing a rehab medicine therapist who specializes in breast cancer patients; also seeing a pain treatment specialist who might be able to do some nerve blocks to help deaden this pain. |
|
Question:
#10582
10/10/2002
|
|
Q: |
I HAD MICROCALIFICATIONS ON MAMMOGRAM IN FEBRUARY. HAD MAGNIFICATION DONE AND RADIOLOGIST SAID NON MALIGNANT APPEARING. WENT BACK TO OB-GYN AND ASKED DID HE THINK I SHOULD SEE A SURGEON AND HE THOUGHT I WAS OVER REACTING. SAID IF EVERY WOMAN WITH CALCIFICATIONS WAS BIOPISED THEY WOULD BE LINED OUT THE DOOR. ANYWAY NOW 7 MONTHS LATER I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SURGEON ANYWAY. DO YOU THINK I'M OVERACTING. NO HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER FATHER HAS LYMPH NODE CANCER. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP |
| |
A: |
Calcifications can be benign or malignant and a talents radiologist who specializes in breast imaging can usually tell the difference-- they look different-- have a different pattern and when enlarged on film have a different shape. so don't assume that they are mailgnant when most calcifications are in fact benign. |
|
Question:
#10583
10/10/2002
|
|
Q: |
Recently, I've noticed that there are many pimples around my nipple on the the darker area. When I squeeze these pimple-like things, there'd be some white discharge. Is there anything I should worry about concerning these pimple-like things? |
| |
A: |
often times these are associated with hormonal changes. if you haven't seen your gyn doctor lately you might want to pay him/her a visit. These are not uncommon findings though |
|
Question:
#10584
10/10/2002
|
|
Q: |
I am a two and 1/2 year, stage 1, lymph node negative, ER positive survivor. I was 43years old at diagnosis. I recently had some blood work done because I have not been feeling up to par for a few months (flu like symptoms off and on). My blood work was fine except for a positive ANA. More blood work was done to check for rheumatoid arthritis (these tests were fine). Somewhere on a medical website, I read that a positive ANA could indicate the presence of cancer especially breast, lung, skin and a couple of others. My PCP and oncologist never heard of this but I have spoken to one survivor who had a positive ANA and her docs ignored her until she pushed for some scans and it turns out she has three lung tumors. Because my tumor was relatively small, I get the feeling my doctors feel I have such a great prognosis that they may not be as diligent about following up testing. I'm experienced enough at this to know that everyone doesn't fit into statistics. If I was a typical statistic, I shouldn't have gotten breast cancer in the first place. My question is---Is there any truth that a positive ANA could indicate a recurrance?
THank you!
|
| |
A: |
That isn't a test we usually do here. If you suspect you have recurrence talk with a medical oncologist about a further evaluation. More common tests done are CA 27/29 |
|
Question:
#10585
10/10/2002
|
|
Q: |
i have dcis with high nuclear grade NG3
surgeon says not necessary to take out a lymph node but will take one out and test it if it makes me feel better. please advise? necessary? unnecessary. also they want to put me on tamoxifen. i have a family history of uterine and ovarian cancer. should i still take tamoxifen? kim |
| |
A: |
For women with focal DCIS--its located in one spot in the breast and not described as being "extensive" then there usually isn't any need to do lymph node assessment-- not even a sentinel node, since DCIS is noninvasive breast cancer. Regarding tamoxifen, you might want to get a second opinion. Keep in mind too that there are tests that can be done to monitor women for uterine problems-- transvaginal ultrasounds-- and that the risk of uterine cancer is very low with this drug. |
|
Question:
#10586
10/10/2002
|
|
Q: |
I have some odd symptoms, one is a hyper sensitivity to the right breast. The nipple on that breast can be erect for no reason, while the left one is not. It is like a tingling sensation? The one breast will also be cold at times. where the other one isn't. I have pain. Intermittent. not a bad pain. .ache like. in the one breast. I have proaction problems, which I take dosinex for. And I hypothyroidism and am taking synthroid for that.. And all blood tests are normal.. So that is under control. I had these same exact symptoms 2 yrs ago but along with it had bloody discharge.. At the time i had a biopsy done.. they found two large blue- domed cysts and papillomatosis. I never had that bloody discharge again and my hypersensitive lessen or left.. Now it is back .. and i have pain.. that seems to radiate down my arm even. Help! I am getting an ultrasound on Thurs, but i have to wait til 31 of oct.. before i see doctor. Have you ever heard of those symptoms? I am 43. |
| |
A: |
Breasts are subject to do funny things at odd times. You are doing the right thing in getting an ultrasound which is scheduled for today. Ask the doctor doing the ultrasound to tell YOU what he/she sees on the screen as it is being performed. This is your patient's right-- you shouldn't have to wait until the 31st to learn that the test results are today. These symptoms are not what are seen with cancer usually so rest easier if you are worrying about that. Let's take it one step at a time--- get the ultrasound and ask the doctor is opinion as its being performed. |
|
Question:
#10587
10/08/2002
|
|
Q: |
Shortly before I was diagnosed with Breast cancer, I noticed that I was bruising quite a bit. Is there any relationship between cancer recurrence and bruising? |
| |
A: |
No there isn't. Hope you are doing well now... |
|
Question:
#10588
10/06/2002
|
|
Q: |
I had a biopsy, which detected no cancer! My primary wants me to go for a 2nd opinion. I have an irritation on my right breast that will not clear with antibotics or various creams. It looks like a really bad case of poison ivy which covers the aerola. Do I need to be concerned or just put up with the itching and oozing? I would like your opinion, I do not want to have testing if it not necessary. Thank you advance for your time. |
| |
A: |
There are several forms of breast cancer that can manifest themselves with symptoms similar to what you are describing. One is pagets disease of the nipple; the other is inflammatory breast cancer. Was a skin punch biopsy of this tissue done? yes, do pursue getting a second opinion, especially since it persists and didn't clear with antibiotics. If you haven't had a mammogram and ultrasound very recently get that done as well. |
|
Question:
#10589
10/06/2002
|
|
Q: |
I had a mammogram and ultrasound on my left breast.It showed sonography of this lesion to be part hypoechoic with acoustical shadowing and other areas appear cystic.Suspicious density of upper outer quandrant.I will have stereotactic biopsy done. Years ago I had cysts on my left breast.I'm concerned about cancer. No history in my family. Thank you for your answer. |
| |
A: |
Based on the deion it does sound suspicious. The biopsy will give you the answer you need. If it is cancer, don't assume a death wish. 85% of women diagnosed today are long term survivors like me. More than 80% also are good candidates for lumpectomy too and can save their breast as well. If you learn it is cancer and want to be treated at Hopkins you are welcome to do so by calling 410-955-8964 ext 4071. Take in a deep breath and let's wait for the pathology results. You were smart to get a mammogram--- this is proof of that. We will take the rest of the news a day at a time... |
|
Question:
#10590
10/06/2002
|
|
Q: |
I experience very sore breast usually 2 to 3 weeks before my cycle. What causes this and is there anything I could do to stop this from happening. |
| |
A: |
The soreness is normal and is associated with hormonal changes happening as your body prepares for ovaluation and then menstruation. Some women have had luck with taking vitamin E to reduce this discomfort. Most commonly ibuprofen or some other over the counter anti-inflammatory usually resolves the problem too. If it persists without relief discuss it with your gynecologist who might recommend other medications. |
|
