Found a lump on my chest

Molly50

So I found a lump on my chest below the collarbone and above my implant. It's palpable. I saw my surgeon on Tuesday and she said it could be migrating fat but she's sending me for an ultrasound. I am waiting for authorization. So my question is IF it looks suspicious how do they typically biopsy a lump in that area?

solfeo

It depends on what they see in the US. I have had a problem with cysts since my BMX and they have been easily identifiable in US. If it is smooth, round and mobile it might be a cyst, but not always. Fat necrosis can feel like a tumor. Sometimes they can tell in the US, but again, not always. What are the characteristics of what you are feeling?

Molly50

It feels solid, not moveable, maybe bean size and a bit tender. It reminds me of the lymph node that was swollen under my arm. Not to say that I think it's cancer.

solfeo

My most recent cyst felt solid because it was right on top of the bone, but in the end they found it was fluid-filled. It moved but I have had another one that didn't, and my 3.2cm tumor was quite mobile and that doesn't happen very often. Unfortunately there is no way to predict. Depending on what they see they might do additional imaging or a needle biopsy, or both. I'm not sure if they would want to cut the whole thing out even if it was found to be cancerous in a needle biopsy. I had this conversation with my MO before the most recent cyst was diagnosed, and he seemed to think radiation would be the next step rather than surgery.

Good luck! Please let us know how it goes.

Molly50

Thank you, solfeo. I can still do radiation on that side since I only had it on my left.

Hopeful82014

Good luck, Molly. I hope your authorization comes through a.s.a.p. and that the results are reassuring.

Lovinggrouches

I have more than one on my chest also under the collarbone, ultrasound showed nothing. Still worries me, but all the docs say nothing to worry about. Prayers it is nothing

Lovinggrouches

I have more than one on my chest also under the collarbone, ultrasound showed nothing. Still worries me, but all the docs say nothing to worry about. Prayers it is nothing

Molly50

Hopeful and LG, thank you. LG, that's what I am hoping to hear but you know how worried we get!

mustlovepoodles

Oh, Molly!  Just what you don't need going into Thanksgiving week!  I hope they can get it approved and DONE as quickly as possible.

KBeee

I have had a couple suspicious lumps since BMX. 1 was tested via core biopsy, ultrasound guided. The other was a surgical biopsy. Keep us posted. Hoping all is benign. I hope you can get in soon

Molly50

Thank you Poodles and Kbeee. I will update when I can. Kbeee it's so helpful to hear how they biopsy those areas. I appreciate it.

Molly50

Update for anyone reading...I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon for an ultrasound of my chest. I was told it would take 1-2 hours and I will get the results before I leave. I will be happy to put this behind me. I am taking a positive attitude that this is just a benign lump.

Hopeful82014

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow afternoon, Molly, crossing my fingers for reassuring results and sending warm, caring thoughts in the meantime. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

solfeo

My thoughts will be with you too Molly. Hope they get you in and out quickly!

KBeee

Glad you'll have results right away. Hoping for all good news

Molly50

Thank you all so much. There's nothing showing on the ultrasound!

Hopeful82014

That's terrific, Molly. Go take some deep breaths and lose some of that tension and fear that's been underfoot these past couple of weeks. Thank you for sharing your good news.

solfeo

Big sigh of relief on your behalf, Molly! So happy to hear it!

Molly50

Thank you, Solfeo and Hopeful. It's a relief.

KBeee

Great news!

Molly50

I saw the images on the screen while the tech was getting the radiologist to talk to me. It was obvious to my untrained eye there was not turmor or mass. I am soooooo relieved!

solfeo

I'm very lumpy on the cancer side, and new ones are popping up all the time. A couple have been identified as cysts. Last time I saw the BS she told me my risk of local recurrence was so low that she will always assume benign causes. She has refused me diagnostic imaging for lumps I have brought to her attention, and I have had to ask my MO for the US instead when something has really concerned me.

Gosh, I hate unnecessary imaging myself, but if we never check anything out how are we supposed to know if there is a recurrence, local or otherwise? Most of us get zero monitoring these days in the form of scans or blood work. I'm a scan avoider whenever possible, so I don't fight that one too hard, but it's always in the back of my mind that if something is going on I won't know about it until it is too late.