Mammo / us inconclusive, referral for BS

SEG1976

Hi y'all,

I have a post in the not diagnosed section but am listing here as well.

Couple weeks ago noticed clear discharge from right nipple. Went to gyn who did exam and sent fluid to cytology, and ordered mammo/us. Cytology came back negative for malignant cells.

I had mammo today. Rad wanted to also do us. After tech completed us, rad dr came in and did it again. Asked me how long the lump has been there. I replied I honestly don't know, I only noticed it after discharge happened (I am horrible about self exams). She said there is a tiny spot behind nipple, not large enough for concern, that's likely a papilloma. But there's a larger lump up higher on the outside that's firm, semi mobile, but does not look like a traditional cyst on imaging and said while probably nothing, I shld see breast surgeon for biopsy. She said the imaging doesn't look "scary" but biopsy is only way to be sure.

I had a mammo 2 years ago for breast pain (opposite side). Rad dr then said looked fine, just like cystic beasts. I am trying to tell myself that since cytology is negative and nothing looks "scary" on imaging that this is nothing too. However. It's a bit unnerving that it doesn't "look" like a typical cyst and is new (compared to mammo 2 years ago). I didn't think to ask what looked different about it compared to a typical cyst.

I asked about MRI. She said she doesn't feel more imaging will be as definitive as a biopsy.

Is it common to have negative discharge cytology, with a negative mammo/us but still finda positive biopsy?

MelissaDallas

Anything is possible, but it really does sound like they think it has a low level of suspicion and you already know you have fibrocystic breasts. They recommend biopsy for anything that has even a three percent chance of being cancer, but better than 80% come back benign. I had a complex cyst and it collapsed when they stuck it with the biopsy needle. Mystery solved! Try not to worry too much until you get it checked. At this point it doesn't sound like anything particularly scary is going on

SEG1976

Thanks Melissa.

I admit to having anxiety about cancer due to a very sad and unlucky family history. I think I need Ativan....

MelissaDallas

It is a damn shame that all our breast imaging methodologies leave so much to be desired. I can't think of another body part that is so frequently biopsied for so few found cancers. I'll bet if they were so regularly squashing and sticking needles in men they could come up with something more accurate. About all they do now is say "yeah, there's something there, but we don't know what it is." Bah humbug