Questions and Doctor is Lacking Answers

WifeMomTeacher

Two weeks ago, I started having breast pain and I noticed that my nipple was pulling in. I did a self examand felt a noticeable hard and large lump. The same day, I went to my OBGYN. She felt it and ordered an ultrasound, offering no answers in the meantime.

The ultrasound was yesterday, and afterwards the radiologist insisted I have a mammogram. I asked about the accuracy of a mammogram, with my being only 29 and the ultrasound clearly showing the mass. They insisted twice, without consulting the radiologist about my age, that I have it done.

The mammogram showed nothing, as expected due to my breast density. The doctor said the ultrasound report stated, "chance of cancer low" but that the imaging facility would be scheduling a needle biopsy to be certain due to my grandmother dying of breast cancer in her 30's and the fact that the nipple was pulling in.

She wanted to leave it like that, but I had questions and she had zero answers. She said the report read it was a "hederogeneous palable mass of 54X20X17 mm". I asked about it being a Fibroadenoma, and she said I'd that's what it was the report would have stated that. I asked if it was a a cyst, she said no. I asked if the biopsy would tell what it was, she said no, the biopsy will only confirm if it is cancer or not. She said it "appears to be normal breast tissue that has clumped together." She didn't know what that meant, what it was called, why it happened, if it would get better or even stop hurting. I'm simply waiting on a biopsy to tell me "fingers crossed" that it's not cancer.

But isnt it the job of my doctor to know this stuff? And if she doesn't isn't it her job to find me answers? I have a huge and painful mass in my breast and she wants me to accept that they don't know what it is. Help. What do I do? Anyone heard of normal breast tissue that suddenly clumps and causes a large mass and pain. Any suggestions appreciated!

WifeMomTeacher

I couldn't wait for the office to call me back, so I called them. My appointment is on the 18th and it's just a consultation. Who knows how long until the actual biopsy. I'm frustrated with having no answers and being in pain.

slg76

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. Your Dr. should be able to answer most of those questions. I would suggest finding another Dr. to talk to.

Every time I have a biopsy they insist on another mammogram. They also insist on an annual mammogram. So silly because every time my mammogram report says I have extremely dense breasts and the accuracy is low. I'm in my 30s and was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34.

I am not a Dr. so please know that what I say is from my experience of going through biopsies several times but is not medical advise!

A cyst does look different than a solid mass on ultrasound because cysts are fluid filled and very round. Many times a Dr. won't tell you which is it (cyst or mass) because they can't be totally certain until they biopsy it. If you biopsy a cyst they can aspirate all the fluid out and the lump goes away. If you biopsy a mass then they take a portion of the mass out and send it to pathology. Only the pathologist can tell for certain what kind of mass it is; this is when you would know if it is cancerous or benign (like a fibroadenoma). Your pathology report will answer all your questions about what it is and from that your Dr. will make a treatment plan.

Good luck and I hope you get your biopsy soon and that it comes back benign.

WifeMomTeacher

Thank you so much for your advice and thoughts. It's been difficult to try not to think so far ahead. I am nit very patient and i feel all ove done so far is wait, wait and wait some more.

dlb823

WifeMomTeacher ~ What you're describing -- especially since your grandmother was dx'd with bc in her 30's -- is not acceptable. My best advice is to please go to a large university teaching hospital (I'll give you a list below), where you will find a whole department and breast experts dedicated to bc and other issues of the breast. Not that I think you have bc, but what concerns me is the fact that you are not being adequately screened. You probably should have an MRI because at any age there are types of bc that just don't show up well on mammogram. In addition, if it's not bc -- which I certainly hope it's not -- you need a properly dx of exactly what it is. Also, with your family hx, a true bc surgeon/expert will advise you if you need genetic counseling to determine if you are at any higher risk based on that family hx, in which case they will monitor you more closely to ensure anything suspicious is caught very quickly. Unfortunately, many docs believe that women in their 20s and 30s are too young to have bc, which we here all know just isn't the case.

Here's a list of NCI-designated cancer centers. http://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-cen... Don't let the words "cancer center" scare you. This is a situation where you need answers and reassurance, and a breast surgeon is the type of doctor you need to see for accurate information.

If you're not close enough to get to one of the centers listed, call the closest one, explain your concern, and see if they can recommend someone in your area. And please let us know what you find out! (((Hugs))) Deanna

KaliforniaDawn

Hi WifeMomTeacher,

I had something exactly like what you're describing back when I was 24 years old. I had a mass on my right breast. When I lifted my arm my skin would hang off of the mass and it was clearly visible. I was a nervous wreck- I'll never forget that experience. My doctor was so concerned after she saw it, she immediately scheduled me for an ultrasound that same day. The ultrasound revealed a mass, just as you indicated yours did. I was then scheduled for a fine needle aspiration the following day. I went in and they took fluid from the mass. Fortunately it was benign and no cancer cells were detected. I was told it was just lumpy breast tissue. It is a very nerve-wrecking experience, but don't worry too much. Good Luck and so far it sounds like it might just be benign just as mine was.