28 yrs old large connected mass w/ microcalcifications

Daisey4522

Hello,



My name is Ginger. I am 28 years old. My mother was diagnosed with
stage 4 breast cancer at her first mammogram (age 40). It was a complete
shock as she did not feel a lump, have any symptoms, and there was no family
history. She was given 24 months and made it 18 months (with treatment).




My right breast has always felt much different than the left. It's
larger, the nipple is inverted, and at times I have felt lumps. When I
was 22 years old I felt a lump and was seen by a PA in a military hospital.
I will never forget what that PA said to me. She told me "you
must have magic fingers" and just brushed me off. But after several
minutes she too found a lump. I was referred, had a sonogram, and then
had Core needle biopsy. The results came back as a benign tubular adenema.



In December 2012 (almost 2 years ago) I told my OB/GYN about pain I was
experiencing in that breast and also that it’s lumpy and different. She just told me to take Evening Primrose Oil
for the pain (mistaking it for menstrual related sensitivity).



Because of past experiences I have had with doctors whenever I bring up my
right breast and the possibility of cancer (they tell me I’m too young to have
cancer and don’t take me seriously) I just let it alone. I have been feeling pain this year, even
shooting pain up my breast towards my arm and two large lumps. I showed this again (on Thursday) to my
OB/GYN explaining that this is not menstrual related pain. She felt the lumps (they are large now, at
least the size of a grape from the feel of it) and was much more serious. Her reaction actually scared me. She wanted to consult with the radiologist,
but I would definitely need a sonogram.



Yesterday I went to have the sonogram.
The woman doing the sonogram said that it is protocol for the Dr to come
in and re-do the sonogram and answer any questions I have. She went to get the Dr, but came back in a
hurry saying they were on the phone with my Dr at that moment to get an order
for a mammogram… I had my first mammogram (actually not bad at all). After the mammogram they had me wait and then
called me back. The said that (1) they
now found 2 lumps in my other breast (left) and (2) There is a lot of
calcification, like grains of salt, in my right breast so they need additional images
(they wanted to do a close up of the calcification, I am guessing to see the
pattern). All in all, I probably got
8-10 mammographic images of my breasts. Then they wanted me to go back to get a
sonogram of the left breast since they found new lumps there too.

After this, I was
finally able to speak to the doctor. She
told me that what they see in the right breast is actually all connected (not
what I wanted to hear). So what I
thought was 2 lumps is all connected and that there is a spot of calcification
on the lump (and I have pain). I spoke to the nurse by
phone today and she said it was breast tissue within breast tissue. Does anyone know what that means?

The radiologist wants
to do an ultrasound guided biopsy of the left breast (breast I am least
concerned about, but I can imagine finding any lump would be tough on anyone),
and a Stereotactic Biopsy of the right. The
earliest they had is a week away (the day before my 3 year wedding anniversary)
and they said that the results would take 3-5 days.

I could not sleep the
entire night. I woke up with extremely
red puffy eyelids. How am I going to wait 2 weeks for
results? So I called today and they were
able to schedule the Stereotactic Biopsy for tomorrow and leave the less
concerning ultrasound guided biopsy for next week.



I do best when I know what is likely and what I should expect. Not finding out at each step that it’s worse
and worse and worse.



With that said, I also try to expect what is most likely but be positive if
there is a little hope.



Can anyone suggest ANYTHING that would be a connected mass with calcification
on the mass? To me, this indicates that
I have a invasive cancer (it has spread, thus being the connected mass) and the
microcalcifications on the mass only strengthen this diagnosis. I know that only the biopsy will tell me for
sure, but I feel I already know that it’s invasive cancer and I know it has
been there a while, so I feel such little hope. I feel that it’s very likely that I have
invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

Has anyone had
anything similar to this? What was your
diagnosis (whether it was good or bad). I
understand that I will simply have to wait for the biopsy results, but I will
sleep better at night knowing what it most likely is (even if it’s the worst
case scenario) and having at least one thing that it COULD be that is benign.



I understand many of you will give me statistics of my age and that most
biopsies are negative… but given my circumstances, I would say it is extremely
likely that this is going to be an invasive cancer and I am thinking stage 3 or
4 since it has been there so long and obviously spread…

This is especially hard
without having my mom or anyone else to talk to. I feel so bad for my husband. He did not sleep at all last night and he has
no idea how bad this thing can get – I watched my mom die of breast cancer,
first hand.

I’m sorry for the length, but it feels good to be able to write it all out.
If you have read it all I really appreciate
it. If you have anything to offer me
(honestly, even if it’s just that you agree it sounds like an invasive ductal
carcinoma, etc) please leave me a comment. The not knowing what to expect part is what is
the hardest.  

Thank you,
Ginger

angelaisscared

Oh, Ginger, you have to stop going to the worst place! You sound like me! You truly cannot make any predictions and to even have staged yourself! Try to be positive as it truly could be so many other things! You do have your young age on your side and even with your mother's history doesn't mean that is your destiny.

Keep positive--try! I am scared too, as I have a biopsy this Friday. I've come a long way with my fears in the past few weeks! Good luck and keep us posted.

Angela

Moderators

Dear Ginger, welcome to the BCO Community. We're sorry
you have to be here, but so glad that you've found some comfort in knowing you
are certainly not alone.

We understand that waiting for test results can be agonizing. You may want to read our page on Anxiety. It contains some helpful tips on ways you can manage anxiety.

We appreciate what you are going through as the waiting is very hard but we certainly hope that the calcifications are just the common benign type.

It sounds as though your medical team is being responsive and
acting properly to assess what they've found, and that's a great. It is better to have a range of appropriate tests to confirm exactly what your problem is. Anyway, we
recommend you to read the article What
Mammograms Show: Calcifications, Cysts, Fibroadenomas, from
our main site. It reinforces that there are many other benign masses, including
some that are especially common among young women.

All the best with your test tomorrow. Keep us informed.

The Mods

Daisey4522

Thank you both for your responses.  I saw the responses immediately after you posted them, but I have not been feeling well enough to return to respond until now.  

I really appreciate the links, I will definitely check them out today.  The anxiety is the hardest thing to deal with at this point, as I wait my biopsy results.  I think watching my mother go through everything first hand, makes it even worse -- because I know if the results are not in my favor, I know exactly what challenges lie ahead.  At this point, I'm trying not to focus on those points and trying to find some hope.  With that said, I was able to find something that might explain my results -- that would not indicate a malignant tumor.  I wanted to share, in case anyone else out there is waiting for biopsy results (as I am -- I had a stereotactic biopsy on Wednesday, it's now Friday and I have not heard back so it looks like I'm going to have to try to get through the weekend) and has a similar case to mine.

I requested the mammogram and sonogram images.  I also have a report.  The report states that my right breast's mass appears to resemble a hamartoma and it's 8cm (with that size, I'm sure you can imagine why I'd be so scared, if this is malignant).  The main reason it's so concerning is that the mass contains calcifications in one spot.  The report says that the mass extends from the 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock position.  I think the calcifications are at the 11 o'clock position.  I have my medical records from when I had a biopsy at age 22 and the biopsy was at the 11 o'clock position!  That biopsy went completely wrong -- it was an ultrasound guided biopsy in which my medical records say the instrument that takes the sample failed.  I remember laying on the table for over an hour, we were waiting for the supervisor of the person who was doing the biopsy, because they were not able to do it, they were only training.  For those who are awaiting a biopsy, please do not let my experience scare you.  It was an abnormal case.  They were also supposed to leave a clip/marker inside my breast but when they did the mammogram to they told me they didnt know where the marker went... I wish they had gotten the marker in, because I bet it would be at the exact site of these calcifications.  I have learned that concentrated calcifications can come from scar tissue.  Considering this is at the exact same location (11 o'clock) and the fact that the biopsy had gone so wrong, I would not be surprised if the calcifications are because of that first biospy.  My husband and I are both scientists, and we are familiar with literature in scientific journals.  My husband found a publication about fat necrosis, I believe, and that the calcifications can be caused by a previous biopsy, with the fat necrosis showing up years later.  That fits my exact case.  

I know my mammogram and sonogram results strongly support malignancy, but having this alternative explanation, is giving me a little hope and at least allowing me to function somewhat while I wait for my results.  If anyone else can think of any other explanation of my results, please let me know.  Any little hope I can get really helps my mental state at this point.  

So, as of right now, I'm holding onto the hope that it is a hamartoma or fat necrosis, with the calcifications being a result of my first biopsy at age 22.  Does this sound possible?

If I can get through the results of mass in my right breast, I have a second biopsy, (Ultrasound Guided biopsy) of the "complex cysts" of my left breast on Tuesday.  

angelaisscared

Ginger

I think this news sounds promising. I looked up hamartoma and your imaging results sound very similar. Keep us posted. I have prayers going for you! I had my biopsy this morning. It was a core biopsy, not so bad but my emotions are starting to get to me.

Angela

Daisey4522

Thanks for the message Angela!  I'm having such a hard time waiting for my results.  I wish you all the best as you wait.  How long did they tell you it would take until you get your results?  I have a core biopsy of my left breast scheduled for Tuesday.  I think that is when I'll get my results from the Stereotactic Biopsy of my Right breast I had on Wednesday.  

Tiger98

I also think things sound very good and in your favor!  Lots of thoughts and prayers for B9 results!

Daisey4522

Thanks so much!  Maybe I'll have a decent weekend now  It's suprising how much a little research and a little support really helps.  Thank you all!

Daisey4522

I got my pathology results of the stereotactic biopsy (Right Breast) and they were B9! I will share the Pathology report here, in hopes that it helps someone (see below). The worst part of all of this was the fact that all signs pointed to malignancy (the doctors offered nothing to be hopeful for) and I have found that there is very limited information on large masses with calcifications. The last couple of weeks have been pure torture and I feel for anyone who has to go through this.

FINAL PATHOLOGY DIAGNOSIS:

Right breast, stereotactic guided biopsy:

1. Benign fibroepithelial proliferation with fibroadenomatiod features (see comment)

2. Florid adenosis.

3. Apocrine metaplasia.

4. Microcysts.

Comment(s):

These findings may represent fibrocystic changes or a fibroadenoma with secondary adenosis. Some areas are suggestive of tubular adenoma.

Tubular adenoma is what my pathology report from the biospy I had 6 years ago (when I was 22 yrs old) indicated! If only the marker had been left inside me, showing the same location, I could have saved myself a lot of anxiety! The concern now is the size (8 cm). They want to follow up in 6 months to see if it is still growing, and at that point I may have it removed. But honestly, considering the alternative I will welcome the surgery!

I had an ultrasound guided biospy of my left breast today (what appears to be 2 complex cysts were found on my mammogram). They did a great job, it was not painful at all. Completely unlike the same biospy I had when I was 22 yrs old... Now I must wait on these biospy results, but honestly I'm feeling mostly relaxed, no where near as worried as what was found in my right breast.

Thanks to everyone for your support. I hope my results can help bring peace and hope to women with similar mammogram/sonogram results as they wait for the pathology report from their biopsy.

Ginger

angelaisscared

hooray!!!!!

DiveCat

I am so pleased for you, Ginger!

shimmermtl

Oh, Ginger - that is fantastic news! What a relief that must be for you!

Bonnie (had my biopsy the same day as you - still awaiting my results, but ever hopeful for a B9 result too)

Daisey4522

Thanks everyone!!  Today is my 3 wedding anniversary, we could not have hoped for a better anniversary gift!

Daisey4522

I hope you get your results soon!  The hardest part can be waiting.  Thinking of you

Tiger98

Great news!!!! Now go out and celebrate!

Daisey4522

I lost 5 lbs in the first 2 days after my mammogram and sonogram results... I'm already back on track to gain those 5 lbs and I would not be surprised if I gained an extra 5 HAHA!  This morning I made heart shaped pumpkin pancakes, bacon, potato latkes, and eggs.  Yummmy!

Daisey4522

I got my pathology report from the Ultrasound Guided Biopsy of the left breast and the results are also B9 (see below)!  I honestly was not too worried about this biopsy, it was the Right Breast that was causing me so much anxiety.  So glad that I have both of my pathology reports and that they are both B9. 

FINAL PATHOLOGY REPORT

Ultrasound-guided Biopsy (Left)

Fibrocystic changes (cystic
apocrine metaplasia and papillary apocrine change)

(Left Breast) There were 2 lumps in my left breast and they only biopsied one (Ultrasound guided biopsy).  So now that these results have come back as benign, I will return in 6 months for another sonogram of the other lump to make sure it has no changed.

(Right Breast) The right breast has an 8cm connected mass with calcifications in one spot within the mass.  The calcifications & mass came back benign, but they want me to return in 6 months for more imaging (sonogram and possibly mammogram).  The size of the mass is concerning and they want to see if it will continue to grow.  Since the biopsy my nipple has inverted (it was always slightly like that but now it is worse) so they have referred me to a breast surgeon.  They also want the breast surgeon to take a look at my biopsy results and imaging to discuss the large mass.  I have an appointment with a breast surgeon at the end of this month.  

Question: For those who have had a stereotactic biopsy, how was your recovery?  They seemed to do the biopsy in the worst spot (right behind my nipple at 0 O'clock position they said".  Also they are larger than some (DD) and I have the highest density rating (probably at least partially due to being only 28 yrs old) so I think it must be a little more difficult with the cutting, etc.  It is 2.5 weeks since the stereotactic biopsy and I am bruised the size of a softball still.  All different colors, green, purple, blue, pink!  I also seemed to have developed a hematoma.  There is a large mass just under my nipple, it feels to be about 5 cm in diameter, which I hear is not uncommon to develop after a biopsy.  

shimmermtl

Hi Ginger,

My recovery from the stereotactic biospy has gone quite smoothly (it was performed Sep 24 and almost all bruising has gone), but I am still quite tender. I never had an inverted nipple until I had this biopsy done (my biopsy was performed quite close to my pectoral muscle, so I'm not sure why it would cause the nipple to inverse). I'm not overly concerned because the results came back normal, but I will keep an eye on it until I return for my 6 month follow-up. I, too, developed a rather large hematoma - was also told it was common and not to worry because it would take some time to resolve itself (a month or two).

Stay positive!

Bonnie

Daisey4522

Hi Bonnie,

Thanks so much for the response!  Our biopsies were on the exact same day (Sept 24) and it sounds like we have very similar experiences with the inverted nipple and hematoma, although I'm still quite bruised and it's almost 3 weeks later.  Luckily I do not feel much pain.  I am scheduled to see a Breast Surgeon (regarding the inverted nipple) at the end of the month.  I'll try to give an update with what she says in case it is helpful for you.

Ginger

shimmermtl

Thanks for staying in touch, Ginger! 

My bruising has completely resolved itself, however I'm now finding that there a discoloration of the breast (not in the area where the bruising was). The nipple remains inverted, however.

Bonnie

Daisey4522

Have you seen anyone about the discoloration and nipple inversion?  I wonder if it is going to be permanent or if they think it will resolve on it's own.  

Hope things get better!

shimmermtl

No, I haven't seen anyone about either of these things. I'm hoping it's simply a symptom of the continued healing process. Since I was told the hematoma could last up to two months, I'll give it that long for the rest to clear up too. If it doesn't (or it worsens) then I'll make an appointment to see my family doc and see what she says.

Daisey4522

That's a good idea.  Also, I'll try to update you after I see the Breast Surgeon (my appointment is in a week) to see what she says about it all since our cases seem to be pretty similar.  

Daisey4522

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I had an appointment with the Breast Surgeon a couple of weeks ago. She said that she wants me to have surgery to remove the mass immediately. I wanted to wait until January so I can get through the holidays and a colleague will return from Maternity Leave, but she seemed to recommend I get the surgery sooner. Apparently I will need reconstruction, which it seems insurance will not cover since the mass is benign. The mass is so large it is going to leave each breast two different sizes when removed. The breast surgeon suggested a reduction of the breast without the mass, but the reconstruction surgeon suggested an implant in the breast with a mass... I have several options and it seems like it's going to be very costly. I'm going to post in the reconstruction and/or benign breast issues forum to see if anyone can help me there. I've researched breast surgeons and reconstruction surgeons and there are 2 really good ones about an hour away. I got an appointment with them in December for a second opinion. I rather delay the surgery but go with my best option... because I'm going to have to live with this decision for the rest of my life.

She did not seem concerned about the hematoma. The bruising on the outside of my skin seems to finally be gone (It took about 1.5 months!)

Daisey4522

I wanted to update this discussion thread (and my other threads) in case it helps someone, because I know reading others' experiences really helped me.

I ended up seeing the top surgeon for a second opinion in December. WOW! That was the best decision I ever made! My biggest advice to anyone out there is be your own advocate and do your research! I always look at reviews before making any decision, whether it is to go to a restaurant or buy a particular item, so why not do this with the most important thing, your health?

This breast surgeon looked closely at my mammogram and sonogram images and said that he did not believe it was one 8 cm mass, but that it was actually 2 masses (granted, they are still large) but he thought he could take less mass from my breast. The first breast surgeon and 2 reconstruction surgeons all told me that I would lose 2+ cup sizes or about 40% of my breast after they removed the mass(es)! This surgeon told me that since I was young, he thought I would heal well. He said with his experience what happens is he removes the mass(es), it fill with fluid and then turns into scar tissue so I should look the same. I was very skeptical because the mass(es) were so large that I could easily feel them, right near the surface of my skin, and this completely went against what the other surgeons said. I knew he was a top surgeon and had many years of experience so I decided to trust him. He said if I was not happy after the surgery we could involve the reconstruction surgeon at that point, and that insurance WOULD pay for it without a problem, unlike what the first inexperienced reconstruction surgeon told me.

I had the surgery a week ago and everything turned out great! I was completely shocked that I look exactly the same as I did before the surgery! This surgeon was right, it was actually 2 large masses, not one. The incision was made around the top of my areola and is about 1.5 inches. I think because of the location of the incision, you will not be able to notice much if any scaring. They just used surgical glue (no stitches) and everything looks great.

I have some swelling, bruising, and pain, but I expected this all and I honestly don't feel any worse than I did when I got the Stereotactic biopsy. My right nipple has been slightly inverted/retracted for the past few years but since the surgery it has become very inverted. It may be due to swelling and could resolve on it's own. I have a follow up appointment in another week.

Also, I got the final pathology results today and both masses are benign (Nodular Adenosis). What a relief!

I have one more piece of advice that may help someone. If you are getting a biopsy or a breast surgery where they ask you to wear a tight fitted bra, sports bra, or ace bandage after the surgery, I found a bra that works so well! It really helped keep my pain down by applying the right amount of pressure. It's called "Knockout by victoria's secret front-close sports bra". It has a double closure in the front. It would be so difficult to slide a tight sports bra over your head right after a biopsy or surgery, and a back closure bra would also be more difficult that is why I was so happy when I found this front closure sports bra. The first closure is like a regular bra that snaps in the front, then another layer zips in the front over it. They also sell one that has only the zip layer, but I found that it was harder to hold the fabric together to zip without having the inside layer option.

Good luck to you all! This place has been a really great support for me and I hope it is for you too no matter what the outcome of your test results, surgery, etc… that have something for everyone here and I'm really appreciative.

roadrash

Hi,

It was awesome to read your journey and great news. I had 2 lagre dense masses throughout my breasts flooded with microcalcifications. I am much older than you (44) and chose the double mastectomy. It was a good move to have these area removed now.

Good luck with your follow up appointments.

Take care,

Nancy

Daisey4522

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for the message. I'm curious, why did you have a double mastectomy? Did they biopsy the masses? Where they malignant? Are you/did you go through reconstruction?

I can't tell you how relieved I feel to just have those masses removed. They were so big and so easily felt!

Daisey

roadrash

Hi, Thank you for asking. I now feel a great relief. It has been a very long road for me. I have had extensive and numerous breast issues for the last 13 years. In the words of my breast surgeon, "it was never a question of if, but when". My 6 month mammo in October showed an increase, aggressively and new cluster of irregularly clustered microcalcifications that appeared out of nowhere. Classified it as precancer but that doesn't always mean cancer but because the way they showed up and started clustering with an irregular shape it had to be addressed. My surgeon sent me for new compressed views and there were more and they were growing closer together. There was no time to wait any longer to see if they would plateu and become regular. I received the news on a Tuesday and had preop bloodwork on Friday and was in surgery on Tuesday. In one week I went from boobs to major surgery. For me, I would have went from my own C cup to an A with lumps and bumps. It was a good thing that I had the mastectomy because on top of everything there was a fast growing tumor (phyllode)behind the microcalcifications that could not be seen on my mamo and my very dense breasts did not help. I learned that microcalcifications when grouped can block stuff on our mammo's. I am right in the middle reconstruction.

Daisey4522

I'm sorry for everything you had to go through, but I can share if your feeling of great relief! I'm also happy to hear that it seems you went through such a major surgery without any major issues. I wish you all the best with the reconstruction! There are so many brave women here, and you are certainly one