Should I see a breast specialist?

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blondie0236
blondie0236 Member Posts: 24
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I recently had an abnormal mammogram which lead to a follow up mammogram and ultrasound which showed a cyst.  Left the facility with with a bi rad 3 score and told to come back in 6 months for a follow up ultrasound.  Then was informed I was over the 20% risk of developing breast cancer due to my mother being diagnosed at 49 and her sister at 45 so I went in for a breast MRI.  Mri results were negative.  Cyst was seen with imaging features consistent with it being benign with high proteinaceous debris.  Small foci of calcification in one breast along with a few very tiny cysts in that area. Small volume of residual fibroglandular tissue.  My MRI bi rad was a 2 with recommended annual mammogram and MRI.

 So my question is, should I see a breast specialist to review my test results and have in case something is found in the future?  All my test results were sent to my OB/GYN and my doctor and I have been going by what the radiologists have told me that everything is ok. Do I still need to go back in 6 months for a follow up ultrasound or can I now wait a year and go back for my annual mammogram?

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  • JanetM
    JanetM Member Posts: 336
    edited May 2012

    It wouldn't hurt to go to a breast specialist and have the results reviewed.  In addition, you would have made contact with a specialsit should something turn up in the future.  That is what I did and when I needed a lumpectomy I knew who was going to do it and I didn't have to worry about finding someone.

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  • mkkjd60
    mkkjd60 Member Posts: 583
    edited May 2012

    Hi Blondie,  With your family history, I would find myself a good breast specialist to see once a year.  When my mom was dxed at 66, I found a breast specialist and have never looked back.  My mom is now 72 and has stage iv bc.  Although I had one benign biopsy 6 years ago and seem to have no other indications, I rotate a mammo and an mri every 6 months. It is incredible peace of mind. Also, I would encourage your mom to have the brac test if she has not already done so.  My mom did and thankfully it was negative.   The point is that you should arm yourself with information and optimum care.  Although you received very good news, as daughters of women with breast cancer, we must be very vigilent.  Good luck

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  • blondie0236
    blondie0236 Member Posts: 24
    edited May 2012

    Hello mkkjd60, thank you for the information.  My daughter thinks I should go see a breast specialist as well.  Unfortunately, my mother passed away 25 years ago at the age of 51 due to her breast cancer and my sister and I have no idea what type of cancer it was, all the doctor told us at the time was that it was the most aggressive kind.  By the time hers was discovered it had already spread to her bones.  I'm now 46, at that age when hers probably started, so it was scary when I received the call back for the follow up mammogram since all my previous ones had been good.  My ob/gyn recommended I have the brac test so I would know if I need additonal screenings but I've not had the time or extra money to do it right now.

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  • blondie0236
    blondie0236 Member Posts: 24
    edited May 2012

    One other question, should a debris filled cyst be aspirated?

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  • mkkjd60
    mkkjd60 Member Posts: 583
    edited May 2012

    Hi blondie, I am so sorry about your mom. I can't imagine going through what I am going through now when I was in my twenties like you were then. The call backs are just torture. I always say I feel like a ticking time bomb. I read a book about daughters of women with breast cancer called "My mothers breast". If you get a chance, pick it up. It was written by a psychologist who did a study of us daughters and she discovered that many of us are suffering from PTSD. We are just waiting to get the bc while suffering the losses of our moms. I would imagine that your mom got her bc premenopausal which commonly makes the cancer more aggressive and sometimes doesn't have hormone receptors. It is not only important for you but important for your daughter that you get the breast specialist and are followed closely. If written properly, a script for the brac test may well be covered by your insurance given your very strong history. My moms brac was covered and the script was written by a breast specialist. I too have daughters and I fear for their future with this disease. As for the cyst, I would go to the breast specialist who may well aspirate it. I really think you are a candidate for a mammo MRI rotation. Again my insurance covered it because of high risk. Good luck and God speed, mary

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  • KatMJ
    KatMJ Member Posts: 75
    edited May 2012

    Sorry for all you are going through.  Your family history is stronger than mine, I am just a year or so older than you (nearly 48).  I qualified for the brca testing - I was surprised insurance covered me - I had a doctor that was pushing for it to be done.  Remember even if brca negative it's apparent something is going on in your family. 

    I had a biopsy (B9 result) 6 years ago and went to a specialist for that.  Nearly two years ago I went back to him since I was unhappy with how little information I was given after a US call back.  He looked over my case and sent me to get an MRI.  The specialist who read the MRI wanted me to come back in 6 months for another but I waited a year.  I'm fine but in hindsight maybe I should have listened - I was aware he was making 100% sure what he was seeing was nothing and I knew it fit a pattern of being nothing (I know...no one should be their own doctor).

    End of story - I go to the specialist (a surgical oncologist who only deals with breasts) to review the breast center's findings.  Also...I go to a breast center that only deals with breast.  They seem to be aggressive in what they do - as in if they think they are seeing something they double check it.  So far I'm happier with them than our local hospital. So if you want to go to a specialist...don't feel like you shouldn't since you don't have cancer.  The doctor I go to offered to oversee my case. I feel better that more than one qualified person is reviewing the results.

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  • Pointvalue
    Pointvalue Member Posts: 146
    edited May 2012

    Hello,



    I know how worrisome this is for you. You and I are the same age. My mother was diagnosed at 48 and died at 53. Your mother being dx before 50 puts your lifetime risk at 21.7 according to the Gail model which only takes into account first degree relatives. Your aunt being dx before 50 raises a suspicious gene mutation in your family.



    I was 28 years old when I had my first annual mammagraphy. My lifetime chance of getting the disease is about 30 percent. In addition to my mother I have 5 additional relatives that had or have bc.



    Seeing a bc specialist would be wise. Also, has your aunt been tested?



    Take care :)





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  • ruthevans41
    ruthevans41 Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2012

    Hey blondie0236, I would suggest you to go for MRI and follow up with the specialist every six months.

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  • blondie0236
    blondie0236 Member Posts: 24
    edited May 2012

    THANK YOU, to all you wonderful ladies for responding to my question and all the great information.  I've decided I am going to see a breast specialist and let them review all my test results just to be on the safe side.  I'll talk to them about the brac testing and hopefully I will be able to have it done soon.  Thanks again to all of you!

    Lisa

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG Member Posts: 639
    edited May 2012

    Blondie. Has anyone suggested genetic testing for your mom and her sister??? They should be tested first for a possible family mutation since both developed BC in the 40's, a red flag for sure. If your mom is negative, there's no reason for you to test....but lots of reasons for close vigilance! Be sure the breast specialist is an oncologist too. Best wishes.

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  • blondie0236
    blondie0236 Member Posts: 24
    edited May 2012

    Lisamg, my mother passed away 25 years ago and my aunt can't afford to be tested so I'm considering the genetic testing. 

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  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 8,046
    edited May 2012
    Always get a second opinion....
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  • blondie0236
    blondie0236 Member Posts: 24
    edited June 2012

    Update, went to see a breast specialist.  They confirmed I have a very small cyst in one breast and think I have nothing to worry about right now.  They have scheduled me to come in every 6 months, rotating between mammograms and mri's.  Both of the doctors I saw very strongly recommended the genetic testing which I've decided to do when I can afford it.  I loved the doctors and so glad I saw them! 

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