Complex Cyst Getting More Complex?

Phenyx

Several years ago I was referred to a breast specialist and he's been keeping an eye on a cyst in my right breast. It started out as a simple cyst and has gradually become more complicated. At my last visit in June he called it a "complex cyst" and recommended a follow-up ultrasound this month.

I had the ultrasound today and Doc says it's gotten "slightly more complex" and now he wants to do a biopsy. He used the term Fine Needle Aspiration when he was speaking with me but the end-of-visit/next visit paperwork the nurse gave me before I left states that my appointment in three weeks (he actually wanted me to come back next week but nothing was available until mid-January) is for a Core Needle Biopsy. He then spent so much time reassuring me that he's "really good at this" and it's such a tiny procedure that there's no reason not to do it that it started to feel like he was trying too hard to convince me that this is nothing.

I'm trying really hard not to panic. Dr. Google isn't helping at all. Is there a difference between a "complex cyst" and a "complex cystic mass"?

MelissaDallas

Phenyx, the doctor is just being prudent. Remember, anything estimated to have even a 3% chance of being cancer is referred for biopsy. Just look at this as being that over time your cyst has gonefrom a 2% to a 3%. It is really unlikely this will amount to anything, or that your doctor thinks it will. Good that it will be core biopsy instead of FNA too, as it will be more likely to collapse the cyst and pick up any material. I've had one like yours biopsied and it was a piece of cake. They locate the cyst with ultrasound, numb you a little, the make “passes" through it with the core needle. Mine started collapsing the first time she stuck it.

LivinLife

Just want to send support and wish you well with the biopsy!!!! Please check back in and let us know how the biopsy went and about results....

Phenyx

I am remembering that during the US yesterday, Doc also noted the size of what he said was one of my lymph nodes in my breast. Is this standard during an US?

MelissaDallas

Phenyx, yes, we have inframammary lymph nodes, and if one happens to be visualized on imaging a good radiologist will note it and usually the size and/or appearance. The differential for my biopsy was actually for possible complex cyst vs. possible benign inframammary lymph node