Palpable lump but not scene on mammogram ultrasound or mri

DanaD

I am 37, my mother had breast cancer at 42, her mother also had it in 40’s, and my great grandmother on maternal side also had it. I did genetic testing, my mom won’t, negative for BRCA gene however positive for BARD1. I have a palpable lump on left breast that initially I felt a year and a half ago, it was an oval shape smooth and now I can feel another lump connected to it or next to it that feels like a small grape. No pain and it can be felt by all who have done breast exam. I have had any MRI a year ago and just had a mammogram and ultrasound two days ago, nothing was seen on imaging. I have very dense breast tissue. The surgeon doesn’t want to order another MRI because I had one last year And said it doesn’t feel malignant. She doesn’t think anything else needs to be done. I am unsure where to to go from here, because she has no concern should I also not? I am uncomfortable having a lump and not knowing for sure what it is

Lula73

I’m like you... I’d like to have a better understanding of what’s going on before deciding to watch and wait. You can always ask to be referred to a breast surgeon and ask for an excisional biopsy. Frankly I’m surprised they haven’t done one...it doesn’t always have to be an image guided biopsy. I’d go excisional myself.

djmammo

DanaD

If a cancer was present when you initially found the lump a year and a half ago, it would have grown and become obvious on imaging by this time. As far as the second lump is concerned as a rule of thumb, cancers that can be felt are usually visible on a good ultrasound exam ( assuming experienced tech, experienced radiologist, good equipment, etc).

Although I believe all new findings should be evaluated fully and to the patient's satisfaction, I don't believe there is a need to be excessively worried while you continue having it evaluated.

I would call your insurance company about wanting another MRI. Let them know you are BARD1 positive. They usually allow one screening a year for people who have a calculated risk over a certain percentage. Since you have a new lump it may be considered diagnostic. Let us know how it goes.

Giselle20

maybe you can ask for a biopsy? Just to actually know what it is instead of guessing.