Is Ultrasound Enough?

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BK12
BK12 Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Male Breast Cancer

Hi guys. I am a 23 year old who recently found a pea-sized, mobile lump in my armpit. I discovered it after noticing some tenderness in my left breast. Immediately I had the thought that it was cancer, which was terrifying to say the least. I also had recenlty quit a hormone-changing finasteride pill called  Propecia, which has been linked to breast cancer. 

 After going to 2 doctors, both told me that it was nothing. But it did not put my mind at ease so I went to get an ultrasound at breast cancer  clinic.  They immediately told me it was just a lymph node and showed me the door. 

 Are Ultrasounds sufficient to make sure that I am safe? Or should I push for a biopsy anyway? I may get a  biopsy just my mind at ease regardless, but we'll see. I worried that doctors are assuming that I am not at risk because I am young and healthy looking.  

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  • Druanne
    Druanne Member Posts: 295
    edited February 2012

    Hugs for you........I know that there are many things they can tell just from an ultrasound because of how the mass looks :) Both of my lumps were suspicious looking so they suggested biopsy....I am young and healthy looking too...they must have felt confident that yours was in fact a lymph node......if you still have breast pain and are concerned a few weeks from now I would tell your doc again :) I know it is so scary.......

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  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited February 2012

    I really don't want to worry you, but ultrasound missed my tumour twice and the second time, it was an 8 cm mass. Although U/S is a great tool for most, it doesn't work for all of us. Biopsies always do. For real peace of mind, get a biopsy done. The chances are, it will give you the all clear you want and a result you can be confident in. Good luck, Angelfalls

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  • 1NippledBandit
    1NippledBandit Member Posts: 78
    edited February 2012

    Ultrasound can only tell you what it looks like.  It will never give you a positive or negative for cancer.  A biopsy is required for the diagnosis.  Your lump is in the nodes and is more than likely not breast cancer.  If the node is swolen, I would have a biopsy to rule out lymphoma.  Best of luck to you.

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  • BK12
    BK12 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2012

    Thank you guys so much for the replies. I have finally decided to get a biopsy to make sure that everything is okay. Better be safe than sorry. 

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  • nlm
    nlm Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2012

    Lymph nodes have a distinct appearance with ultrasound. I would not worry about it. It is very comman for women to feel lymph nodes from time to time.

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