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Question:
#1771
04/13/2005
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I am 21 years old and I found a lump on my aerola about 2 weeks ago. My GP thought it was a Fibroadenoma so she refered me to a Gen.Surgeon , I got an ultrasound done (also I have had a breast augmentation 4 years ago) and he was able to rule out a cyst. Stated it was a solid mass which could possibly be scar tissue but wants me to see my Plastic Surgeon. Even though my lump is not at my incision site and it has been four years ago since my breast augmentation could it possibly be scar tissue? But the Gen. Surgeon said either way he wants it to come out to be safe. Also Gen. Surgeon didn't mention anything about a Fibroadenoma. And how can you distinguish scar tissue from a breast mass? |
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it could be scar tissue or a benign mass or something else. so following through on this seems logical. |
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Question:
#1772
01/05/2005
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I have a couple of questions regarding needle localization with dye. Does the blue dye ONLY stain the area in question? (in my case, suspicious microcalcifications) What is the margin of error that the blue dye will stain an otherwise healthy breast tissue? Also, is it possible that the radiologist might put too little (or too much) blue dye? Is the amount of dye injected standard for all patients or does it vary per case? Thank you in advance. |
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same amount injected. accuracy is based on radiologist's skills. it stains the calcs and area around them. |
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Question:
#1773
03/13/2005
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My ultrasound report came back as "Three subcentimeter nodules identified within the left breast. The nodule located at 12 o'clock apprears solid and is associated with acoustic shadowing. This nodule has a bothersome apprearance. Further investigation is indicated. This nodule would be amendable to an ultrasound guided suction/mammotone excisional biposy. At least two additional nodules identified within the left breast, both demonstrated to be cysts on ultrasound. I have two questions - <1> based on this report, should my concern only be with the nodule at 12 o'clock? and <2> what is acoutsic shadowing? thank you. |
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that area does read as being suspicious so they will want to follow up with a biopsy. the acoustic shadowing is the appearance it had on the ultrasound. pursue this. if you want to come to us just call 410-955-7288. |
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Question:
#1774
01/13/2005
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My ultrasound scan showed a 12mm fibroadenoma. I thought fibroadenomas couldn't turn into cancer, but my doctor recommended a core biopsy and the results were "ductal cells with discrete nuclear pleomorphism", ADH suspected. Now I'm due for an open excisional biopsy. Isn't nuclear pleomorphism only found in cancer cells? Was I mistaken about fibroadenomas not turning into cancer? Thank you so much for your help. |
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nope, also found in benign disease. fibroadenomas don't turn into cancer. the question now is the presence of ADH. they want to ensure there is nothing more serious around the ADH. |
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Question:
#1775
03/30/2005
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I recently had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy and will see the surgeon in a few days. I have been told that the cancer was approx. 2.2 cm on the mammagram and has 2/8 estrogen receptors and 4/8 progesterone receptors. I am fretting alot about having to get chemo. I do accept the radiation treatment and tamoxifin and realize I am lucky to have estrogen receptors. My question is as my surgeon said the estrogen was borderline is chemo needed and could the cancer be smaller that 2.2 cm due to scar tissue etc as shown on the mammo. Does 2.2 make the cancer stage ?
Please answer soon as I am driving myself to distraction with the worry. Thanks |
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chemo is needed. period. based on tumor size alone.... |
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Question:
#1776
03/07/2005
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Is there a comprehensive breast center in the Defiance/Toledo, Ohio or Ft. Wayne, Indiana area? |
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not that i am aware of but check with the NCI at www.cancer.org and see if they have one listed there. |
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Question:
#1777
03/22/2005
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I am 33. No history of breast cancer in family. I had a lump in my left breast for over 10 years; when it was first discovered an ultrasound was done and it was decided that it was likely a fibrodenomia and to leave it alone. Recently I went in for my regular exam and mentioned that it had been hurting lately, only in the week preceding the onset of my period. It was decided that to be extra safe, it should be removed and biopsied. The biopsy came back saying that a) it wasn't a fibrodenoma, b) it wasn't cancerous either and c) a small area of the lump tested positive for "atypical cells", or atypia. Now I'm being told by my breast surgeon that I should not be on the Patch or birth control pills - but she has no studies to back up her opinion. When she ran my risk factors for breast cancer, I came up a .7 (even with the atypical cells), which I understand is low for a woman of my age (the average risk she said was 1). My OBGYN won't perscribe the pill or patch because of the breast surgeon's non-recommendation. I don't understand this at all. Can someone explain to me if/ how going on the pill or the patch will increase my risk of getting breast cancer, and if so, by how much? |
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though taking the BC pill has not been proven to increase risk or cause breast cancer, your situation is different. you have ADH which means you have a higher risk than the average woman of getting breast cancer one day. doctors are going to steer women with ADH away from any form of hormone therapy including the pill. |
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Question:
#1778
12/29/2004
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I am having a breast biopsy due to microcalifications found in my right breast. The reason i went for a mammogram in the first place I was experiencing pain in my Left Breast. I am a little concerned with the local anthestic they give for the biopsy. For I have a lot of allergies to certain medicines. Do you recommend any specific medication that my surgeon can use without having a reaction? Thank You |
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Be sure the doctor knows about all your medication allergies. they are experienced in working around these issues. the most common drug used is lidocaine. |
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Question:
#1779
03/10/2005
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Hello. I had my first mammo in 2001 which was normal. Just went for 2nd 2-14-05 which showed calcifications. BIRAD cat. 4. Yesterday had a stereotactic core biopsy. I know I have to wait for pathology... surgeon took over 20 samples. Would that suggest that he feels there could be malignancy? |
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not necessarily. it means he wants to have an adequate sample to give an accurate diagnosis. |
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Question:
#1780
03/17/2005
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Not sure if this is the right forum to post this on but...I had a mammogram today that showed an elongated nodular density in the far posterior aspect of the left breat laterally and above the nipple line us suspicious for a cyst or solid mass. Thus I have a f/u US sceduled for tomorrow. I'm not concerned about the possible cyst/mass per se, but about some other diagnostic tests that may be related.
The CT of my chest showed areas of patchy increased attenuation, as well as small areas of consolidation of the lung bases which are nonspecific and may represent areas of atelectasis, infiltrate, or BOOP.
In addition, on a chemistry panel, my triglycerides were 321 mg/dl, AST 99 U/L, ALT 107 U/L.
Clinically, I presented to the physician with chronic resp. infections (monthly) x ~ 1 yr (two years ago my CXR showed pulmonary fibrosis), SOB, fatigue, and non-productive bronchitis sounding cough. Some of the resp infections are accompanied by a fever.
I'm a nurse and can't help trying to put the pieces together. I do have a f/u appt with my primary physician and a pulmonogist, but would appreciate any insight you can offer in the meantime.
Thanks! |
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then don't try to "put these together" as they don't sound related really. you have a history of resp problems and these findings are related to that more than likely and not related to what you fear may be met breast cancer. same with your blood work-- probably not connected. remember that 80% of the time the findings on mammo will prove to be benign. hang in there.. take all of this one step at a time and look at the organ systems this time separately and not part of a big puzzle. |
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Question:
#1781
02/19/2005
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My recent call-back mammogram indicated a 10 mm irregularly marginated focal irregular nodule - I cannot feel it and it was not found on ultrasound. The radiologist recommends stereotactic biopsy. My question is, when do I consult a breast surgeon? Now or when the pathology comes in? It seems strange to go direclty to biopsy without having a professional "breast exam" first.... |
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most radiologists do the stereotactic biopsy procedure instead of a surgeon. depending on those results, you would then see a breast surgeon if you need surgery done. |
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Question:
#1782
03/14/2005
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I had a mammogram in Sept. 2004 and they saw microcalcifications which they wanted to watch for 6 months. I went back last week and this time they did magnifications. They saw 3 or 4 "clustered" together.
(bilateral calcifications; one in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast, 2 in the outer and inner aspects of the left breast. Calcifications appear similar from one side to the other.) The radiologist said that there "may" have increased marginally and is recommending a surgical biopsy.
I went for a second opionion, and the second radiologist said that because they did not take maginifications in September they are comparing unlike images and I should wait six months for another mammogram.
My questions are: are 3 or 4 calcifications considered a concerning cluster? What makes sense to do when given such conflicting advice (I am in the process of seeking a third opion)? If I do wait the 6 months again, it's really like waiting a year from the original mammogram and is this a dangerous length of time to let this go? Is it common procedure to compare a regular view mammogram with a magnification six months later?
I am too small breasted for a needle biopsy, so this would have to be a surgical procedure, potentially removing quite a bit of breast tissue for someone my size.
Thank you.
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when faced with a difference of opinion pack up your mammograms and take them to another radiologist for a second opinion. someone who specializes in breast imaging. |
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Question:
#1783
12/31/2004
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I'm 45 years old and I've just had an aspiration biopsy (after an ultrasound showed a 12 mm fibroadenoma in my right breast). The pathology report reads "ductal cells with discrete nuclear pleomorphism,suggesting atypical ductal hyperplasia". I've been scheduled to have a surgical biopsy. Would it be possible to have a percutaneous needle biopsy instead? Does "discrete nuclear pleomorphism" mean that cancer cells are already present in the lump? Thank you very much. |
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When ADH is found on a core biopsy the standard of care is to do an open excisional biopsy and obtain more tissue so that it can be determined if there is any early stage breast cancer present. doing another core biopsy would not be sufficient tissue sampling. |
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Question:
#1784
03/15/2005
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I had SCNB done last week. Got a call today from nurse saying "biopsy was negative and to repeat mammogram in one year". I should be pleased - my concern is the lack of information and casual report. Up until now, no one - D.O., radiologist, surgeon - told me not to worry that it was probably benign. In fact, their responses had me concerned. Should there be more report info for me or is a "one sentence response" adequate? After a month of h*** you would think there would be more to it. Thanks in advance. |
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usually more detailed information is provided so call and ask about this. that's a pretty brief report. |
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Question:
#1785
01/05/2005
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My friend had a mammogram and her doctor wanted her to have another so he could check 2 very small spots that it picked up they are black in color and her appointment is not for 2 weeks to get the results. what could this possibly be? |
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80% of the time it is something benign. we hope she falls into the 80% |
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Question:
#1786
04/03/2005
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I am 59 years, no family of BC (mother was one of six girls - oldest is 94 and youngers is 79). My recent mammogram results said: The breast fibroglandular tissues are heterogeneously dense. A 5mm area of grouped punctate calcifications are present at 1:00 o'clock just about the left nipple (which has been inverted since 1999 when I had my last mammogram - they found nothing then as to why it inverted.
IMPRESSION: BI-RADS category 4 (b) - suspicious abnormality requiring futher evaluation. (intermediate suspicion for malignacy)
I had a surgical consult last week because core biopsy would be difficult as the calcifications are small and faint.
Is it good the calcifications are small even though the the BI-RADS category is a 4(b) and what are the changes of this being a good outcome for not having a malignancy? What is a 4(b) category - I've only found what a 4 is but not the (b) part of it on the net?
The surgery is Friday April 8 and I would like to have some idea what the likely outcome would be and not be too surprised. What is the usual treatment/s, if it is malignant? |
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20% risk in general of it being cancer. the doctor can tell you however how concerned he is that you would fall into that 20%. usually lumpectomy with radiation is key part of treatment. hang in there. if you wish to come to us call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#1787
04/20/2005
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Whay does the word HYPOECHOGENICITY mean in relation to a mammogram? |
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the amount of light emitted through a specifica area that has an abnormality in it. |
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Question:
#1788
12/31/2004
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I HAVE HAD AN SURGICAL BIOSPY IN LEFT BREAST IN 99 AND IT WAS FIBROCYSTIC TISSUE. NOW THIS YEAR ON NEW DIGITAL MAMMOGRAM FOUND A FAINT CLUSTER OF PLEOMORPIC MICROCALIFICATIONS NO MASS AT 6 O'CLOCK AXIS. DOES THIS MEAN I HAVE CANCER? I HAVE TO GO FOR A STEROTACTIC BIOSPY, BUT I AM PETRIFIED OF THE RESULTS! |
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The stereotactic biopsy results will determine if this is early stage breast cancer or not. if it is, it has been found very very early. so don't panic. a cluster of calcs is more concerning than scattered calcifications in the breast. when caught early, and if it does end up being breast cancer, there would a a good chance it would be noninvasive. so hang in there and occupy yourself with other things until the biopsy is done. even with worse case scenario, the probability is that you will do well. we will hope though that you get benign results. |
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Question:
#1789
01/12/2005
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I have a ruptured implant on my left breast and they have discovered 2 lesions, they want to do a us guided biospy is this normal and a safe procedure in this case? |
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if done by skilled hands that are experienced with this type of problem. yes. |
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Question:
#1790
03/18/2005
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Hi, can you interpret a biopsy report in a way that I can understand what it means? The final impression states:
Left breast biopsy. A massive tissue infiltrate of abnormal Lymphoid-Type cells which suggest a Lymphoproliferative Disorder (Large Cell Lymphoma). Thanks for your help, |
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gee, the report implies that this is breast tissue that was biopsied but instead was a lymph node and that the node may be lymphoma. |
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Question:
#1791
03/22/2005
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On a mamogram itshowed that I had a "growth" that is 10mm x 8mm x 6mm at the 1:00 position on my right breast. A foloowup with an ultrasound showed the "growth" to be 15 mm x 13 x 11 mm as well as another ":growth" (4.6 mm x 2.9 mm x 4.6 mm)under the areola. I would like the sentinel node checked before doing a biopsy or removing the growths. Is it possible to check the sentinel node to see if any cancer cells are present in the node before I proceed with anything else? Can the sentinel node be checked without removing the actual node? I realize that if a core needle biopsy is performed on the "tumors" and if they are cancerous that cancer cells could be spread throughout the blood, etc. |
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it would not be appropriate to be doing anything with a sentinel node when they don't know what these masses are yet. they need to confirm one or both are cancer before embarking on messing with your lymph nodes. takes this one step at a time. you are getting ahead of yourself and hopefully you will get good news they are benign. |
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Question:
#1792
03/20/2005
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My wife just had a biopsy performed and the biopsy needle pierced the lung and it collapsed a small bit. I am wondering what harm this could do to the lung concerning the introduction of cancerous tissue to the lung, and what other complications this might produce. If it is possible to email me any information if my question will not be posted I would appreciate it. Thank you. |
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they are probably not concerned about breast cancer spreading in this manner. but her lung function needs to be assessed to ensure that it has healed and she has no residual respiratory problems. |
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Question:
#1793
03/15/2005
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mamo was done dec.04. IN jan 05 had soreness in lymph nodes under arm . While doing self breast exam noticed when checking nipple of left breast bright red blood. After galactogram biopsy was performed. Afraid of what results will be. any input will help |
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you are dealing with fear of the unknown and until you get the results it wouldn't be fair to be guessing what it might or might not be. so hang in there. hopefully they will find it to be a papilloma. |
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Question:
#1794
03/05/2005
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What is a breast hamartoma? Do I need to have a biopsy? If so, what kind? I am being sent to a general surgeon next week. The Radiologist's report states "PROBABLY BENIGN". Should I be concerned? The term "probably" does not set well with me. It was noted on the original mammo that the lump was 4.5 cm. On the 2nd mammo and ultrasound the lump was said to be 3cm. My breast is very sore. I need advice. Thanks for your help.
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this is a benign finding and is large (4.5cm is large)usually is surgically removed, especially if causing pain. |
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Question:
#1795
02/16/2005
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My core biopsy showed that I had a 1.5cm lump at stage one. I am thinking of having a lumpectomy rather than having a mastectomy. What do you think? |
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1.5 cm breast cancers are considered small and if isolated to just this single focus of disease most women are good candidates for lumpectomy. if you wish to come here just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#1796
03/11/2005
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my report came back as such. the patient returned for magnification views of cal left retroareolar region. theses ear to be linearly oriented. they do not layer they are clustered and no otherr calllfications are identifiedin the left breast biopsy is suggested because they are retroareolar theeeeeeeeesy excisional biopsy is recommendedd birad category 4 suspiciuous abnormality what does all this mean do i have cancer or is there a asmall chance i do or i dont |
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20% risk of it being cancer based on birads 4 score. |
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Question:
#1797
12/22/2004
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A 9 mm area of clustered indistinct calcifications was found in my left breast at 1 o'clock in the posterior depth of the superior region (12/17/04. Additional mammogram (12/20/04) confirmed clustered pleomorphic calcifications that appear suspicious of malignancy. The radiologist said she did not think they would be able to reach it with a stereotactic biopsy. My doctor later informed me they would be able to, and scheduled the biopsy for 1/6/05. Should I be concerned that they will not get a definitive sample--should I ask for an incisional biopsy so they can get it all? My surgeon said "not to worry, they are tiny." This made me worry more! PLease let me know your highly respected opinion. Thank you! |
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Be sure you are in the hands of a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and does a high volume of stereotactic biopsies. the sample removed should be xrayed to ensure it contains the calcifications that are presently seen on the mammogram thus ensuring that an adequate sample was obtained. |
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Question:
#1798
01/12/2005
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Hello -- In 1997 My mammogram showed breast calcifications in the left breast. A core biopsy revealed the calcifications to be benign. My mammograms have been normal until the other day. The mammogram, and the magnified mammogram, show some spread out areas of calcification and a small cluster in the left breast. I'm not sure of the exact location of the cluster. I am being scheduled for another core biopsy. Everything I read suggests that clusters are indicative of cancer. Is this always the case? Do folks have calcification clusters that are benign? Are there statistics on that? |
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they can be benign or malignant so don't panic yet... |
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Question:
#1799
03/15/2005
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i had a biopsy done showed breast calcification pre cancer cells the doctor wants to remove the cells he did not due a biopsy onthe lympnode in same breast i dont know f i should have this done or not since he did not biopsy the limpnode also or do any other checking to see if there isay other cancer in my body help please for im supose togo tomorrow for the operation and im not so surei should something is telling me no get anothe opion or test to show the biopsy that was removed. thankyou |
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you mentioned this is precancer, so if that is correct, don't be focusing on cancer yet... sounds like you might have some abnormal cells and he wants to get more tissue from that area to verify that the abnormality is limited to just being precancer as you phrased it. no need to check nodes or look elsewhere unless he confirms with this new surgery being done tomorrow that there is more reason to worry. |
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Question:
#1800
04/08/2005
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I received results from an excisional breast biopsy - sclerosing adenosis and ductal hyperplasia. My understanding is that this is good news - these are both benign conditions which do not increase breast cancer risk. Am I understanding this correctly? |
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yes, if the word "atypia" didn't appear. |
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