Breast lump, but normal imaging

kleigh8286

Hi all,

I'm new here so hopefully I am doing this right. About a month ago I found a couple of lumps on the side of my breast. I've also have been having swelling of the lymph nodes in both armpits for the last couple of months. After a few days they seem to shrink back to normal though. I went to my primary and he scheduled an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram. While I was at the appointment they told me everything looked okay. My doctor just called me and let me know that even though the mammogram and ultrasound were normal, he felt a suspicious lump and is referring me to a breast surgeon. It turned out the lump he found is completely different from the ones I was feeling. I did look at my mammogram and ultrasound report and it said this....

"3. Negative imaging should not dissuade further evaluation with needle biopsy, excision, and/or surgical consult especially if there is persistence of a suspicious palpable mass. Clinical follow-up would be of benefit."

Has anyone had similar experiences? I am a mom to 5 and only 35 so I have no idea if I need to be worried or not? I mean wouldn't the mammogram and ultrasound show something if it was there? They did mention I have really dense breast tissue as well. My appointment isn't for another 2 week so i'm trying not to worry too much.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Moderators

kleigh8286, we welcome you to our community. We're sorry you have more tests ahead of you. However, it sounds like your doctor is being very conscientious, which is really the sign of a good doctor, especially if you are young and have dense breasts. A biopsy is really the only way to know for sure if a lump is/is not cancerous, so it is good that your doctor is being cautious.

We hope that you can distract yourself in the next two weeks, and not be overly concerned. We're here for you, and understand how difficult the waiting game can be.

LivinLife

Welcome kleigh! Unfortunately imaging is not always accurate... Good for your doc referring you on for biopsy! At the same time please keep in mind 80%+ of these come back benign. Try to ground in that amidst your worry while waiting on the biopsy and then results. Enjoy the time with your five kids - oh my : ) - I imagine the busyness with the kids alone will be a good distract for you while you're waiting... though certainly this anxiety will be ever present too... If you have any other questions or concerns there is a lot of support on this site as you've likely seen already... likely others will respond to your post before long too...

MelissaDallas

kleigh8286. Don’t be surprised if the surgeon does not send you for a biopsy, at least not initially. For one thing, if nothing is seen on mammogram and ultrasound, what do they biopsy? What is the target if it can’t be visualized? Surgeon could request mammogram and ultrasound be redone at a facility he or she finds does better studies. Surgeon could say that, based on the imaging already done, he or she believes that the “lump” felt, is in fact just a normal area of breast tissue that happens to be denser than the surrounding tissue. This is a very common situation when people think they feel lump. Surgeon could order an MRI. Lots of possibilities here.

Peregrinelady

I had a palpable lump that did not show up on mammo or ultrasound. Unfortunately, I did not have a dr. like yours who is actually following standard of care. I hope it is not cancer in your case, but it is better to be safe than sorry in this situation.

Rah2464

Kleigh8286 your doctor is being thorough. I am very pleased you are receiving such excellent care. It can be very difficult to get proper imaging if you have dense breast tissue. Your breast surgeon may repeat imaging, and if it is still unclear, may order an MRI to "see" inside your breast. Please push for answers on this one, the gold standard is probably going to be the MRI because of your density.

kleigh8286

Thank you everyone for the reassurance! They ended up calling me and would like to get me in tomorrow. So at least I won't be having to wait a couple more weeks. I will definitely push for an MRI just to be 100% positive. I think I worry so much because I have a friend that went through pretty much the same thing and she ended up being positive for breast cancer. I'm not exactly sure the exact details on her diagnosis, but she never had to have chemo, just mastectomy and radiation.

LivinLife

Glad you're getting in sooner! Keep us posted, including on MRI if one is ordered..... Best to you!

WC3

kleigh8286:

I had a suspicious, palpable lump that did not originally show up on imaging and was later found to be cancer. I had not been recommended a biopsy or follow up imaging. I discovered it was cancer almost 2 years later after I noticed a slight contour in that region. I almost didn't have it checked again. I initially thought the contour was from aging and forgot about it for a few weeks and only started to second guess it after I stumbled upon a disturbing image, and I almost canceled the appointment for the new imaging thinking it was normal and I was over reacting. I got very lucky as I had a very good response to treatment.

kleigh8286

WC3 I’m so sorry it took that long for them to find it, but I’m so glad to hear you responded well.

Just a quick update after my appointment with the surgeon. She did her exam and immediately felt that there was an area of concern. I can’t remember exactly, but I know she mentioned abnormal thickening and density maybe and the asymmetry of it all. She said because my left breast feels completely normal and my right does not concerns her a little bit. I didn’t even have to ask for an MRI as she told me that that is what the next step would be. I know I’m relieved that I have a plan, but I think this has me even more scared. The fact that a breast surgeon at the cancer center of my hospital is concerned just makes it all the more nerve racking. I honestly expected to just go in and be told I’m fine and nothing concerning.

She didn’t want to biopsy she said right then because it’s a larger area of abnormal feeling tissue and didn’t want to miss it. So MRI within a week she said and then MRI guided biopsy if needed. I feel very fortunate that I am with a good team that is taking this seriously which doesn’t always seem to be the case sometimes.

So that’s the update for now. Seriously thank you everyone for talking me through this!

kleigh8286

I looked over my after visit summary in my chart and I did see that this is what she wrote.... it was a breast diagram with 3 different spots that were numbered.

1. Asymmetrical thickening

2. Area of palpable concern

3. Area of fullness

Does anyone have any insight on what that means? Thanks so much again for any replies

LivinLife

I really don't know about the medical aspects kleigh... Just want to say I'm glad you had a good experience with the surgeon even if it added more concern. So important you are comfortable with and trust the providers you're working with.... Best with the MRI - please let us know...I think you said it would be a week or so?... sorry, long day and I'm tired : )

kleigh8286

I have an MRI scheduled for next Tuesday! So luckily not too far away. So hopefully I’ll have some answers soon. I just wish I knew what those 3 separate spots meant that she found.

Peregrinelady

Try not to worry too much about the report. It sounds like it doesn't feel right to her and she wants to get it checked out by MRI which will give more information. If you are claustrophobic at all do not be afraid to ask for meds to relax you. Let us know how it goes. We are in your pocket.