Palpable lump not seen on mammogram or ultrasound

Hodor

Two weeks ago I rolled over in bed and experienced a throbbing pain in the area beneath my areola. It happened again last week, so I did a self exam and found a pea sized lump under my areola at about the 3 o'clock position. After my doctor felt it, I was sent for a diagnostic mammo and ultrasound, which showed absolutely nothing. Now what am I supposed to do? I just turned 50, no family history of breast cancer. My doctor thought it felt like a cyst, but I am post menopausal..is that possible, and, if so, why wouldn't it show up on ultrasound? It doesn't hurt when I press on it, but there is a general ache in the area. Very frustrated and worried. Thanks.

Each_day_2018

My palpable lump/thickening did not show up on Mammo or US when I first went. Nearly two years later, I went back since it was getting worse and it showed up on both imaging. I was brushed off at first because of my age at the time (29), so I didn't push for more testing.

Did you follow up after the mammo and US with a breast surgeon? If not, I would ask to do so. Then they should be able to recommend a biopsy. When I first went, they said a biopsy wasn't recommended, but if I could redo that, I would have asked for one anyways. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess....But ask for a biopsy, even if they don't recommend one. Cancer cannot be definitively diagnosed through imaging....only a biopsy can do that.

Dani444

Hodor, I am sorry you didn’t get answers from your testing. Was it noted in your results that you have senses breast tissue? I am wondering if your doctor would be willing to order a breast MRI. It is a more sensitive test. If you don’t get the answers from your family doc I would ask for a referral for a consult with a breast surgeon. You are your best advocate and don’t be afraid to push for answers.

KBeee

I agree to asking for an MRI or a surgical consult if the lump is palpable; especially if the breast tissue is dense. Get your hands on teh report. It should say if it is dense.

Hodor

Hi All, thank you so much for your responses! Yes, my breasts are heterogeneously dense, so not the "worst" category of dense, but in category 3 of the 4 categories, the 50-75% category. So this has me worried; what if something is there but they just can't see it? I am waiting for another call from my doctor. I would prefer to just get the lump taken out instead of the mri, but we'll see. Not sure why the ultrasound wouldn't pick something up, though....the transducer was right over the lump, the tech could also feel the lump and was puzzled why it wouldn't show up. Thanks.

WC3

The radiologist missed my palpable lump on the mammogram and I don't know what they saw on the ultrasound, if anything, but they told me it was normal breast tissue...it wasn't. They should have done a biopsy or an MRI.

I went misdiagnosed and untreated for almost two years after finding the lump. Hopefully that will not cost me my life.

Peregrinelady

I have the same story as WC3. Get a biopsy or MRI. You do not want to experience the anxiety and depression that I went through after discovering that I had been misdiagnosed for 20 months.

Rah2464

I am going to echo as well the importance of a follow up consult with a breast surgeon and a diagnostic MRI. My mass did not show in either a mammogram or ultrasound (imaged twice on both tests about 2 months apart). Thankfully the breast surgeon who ordered the second round of imaging went the extra step to order an MRI "just to be sure" all was ok. Listen to that inner voice that is driving you and request the additional imaging. Best to you and hope all comes back clear.

Hodor

Wow, I am so shocked that so many cancers were missed by imaging, that is crazy and I am so sorry! Reading your responses has strengthened my resolve to push hard for additional testing...thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my questions with your stories, I am so grateful! I'll update my thread when I know more, still waiting for my doctor to return my call. Thank you!

Kstinekd

Hodor, I am so sorry that you have to deal with this. You are doing all the right things, though. I found a lump and it did not show on mamograms, They couldn't it find it on ultrasound until I pointed to it and she took a long time to maneuver to find a tiny spot. Then I had an MRI that showed a small questionable area. They thought I had a 2cm tumor. It was 10cm of ILC. In the OR my lymph nodes that they removed showed no signs of cancer but when they were dissected, two had tumors and two had cells. I firmly believe in biopsies over imaging. Biopsies and pathology are the only true way to know what is going on. I hope it is just a cyst and all is well. But if it turns out to be cancer, just know that they consider all early stages "cureable". Stay strong!

Hodor

Thank you, Kstinekd! I am trying to stay positive. My doctor referred me to a breast surgeon and I have an appointment with her next Tuesday, so, only a week to wait. I hope she will take a biopsy that day and I won't have to wait for yet another appointment? Not sure how they needle biopsy something they can't see on ultrasound, though it is palpable and not too deep..maybe they will just cut me open and take it out!

Again, thank you all for sharing your stories, it has been so helpful for me!

Hodor

Hello! Just to update, I saw a breast surgeon before Christmas; she said my lump did not feel like anything worrisome, and wanted to see me in three months. My lump is still smooth, round, firm, and it seems unchanged in size. Today I decided I want it taken out regardless (too many stories of misdiagnosis to feel confident in the surgeon's assessment!) and have another appointment with her next week to review the surgical information. As the lump is palpable, I was hoping it could be removed with a local anesthesia? Either way, I want this thing out! It is making me nervous that it doesn't move at all, but seems firmly rooted in place. I can't stop touching the hateful thing, ugh...