Family history and now a lump!

WifeSupport · December 2013

I'm writing on behalf of my husband. He has a strong family history of breast cancer, and found a lump in his breast. His sister was diagnosed at 34 years old last year, and his mother at 60. My husband is 43 years old. We had a mammo and an ultrasound done, and the radiologist said they "appear normal but advised removal of the mass". Does the fact that the mammo and ultrasound were negative mean it's most likely NOT cancer? My husband doesn't even want to do the surgery... he thinks it's pointless if the tests were negative. I'm basically forcing him through the process since he's such an under-worrier! When I read other men's stories of how their cancer was found, it sounds eerily similar to my husband. The lump can be felt, it's large, and it is painful. He's now saying that his arm and shoulder on that side hurt too... I'm very worried.

ziggypop · December 2013

Neither mammograms or ultrasounds can diagnosis cancer. They are simply imaging devices - somethings don't 'look' like cancer, somethings do 'look' like they could be cancer. Generally for women (not sure about men) this is why a biopsy is done on things that look suspicious. They take the sample and examine it under a microscope which is how they make the final determination of whether it is cancer or not. So tell you husband that he was not in fact 'tested'. If the lump is painful and has been for a while, then it's likely to get larger and more painful and the removal will be more invasive. Tell him it will likely be more expensive too & maybe that will motivate him.

BikerLee · December 2013

sometimes, cancer doesn't show up on scans… so having the mass removed will enable a more detailed assessment. probability HIGH that it is not cancer. in my opinion, he should do it for YOUR piece of mind. also, if you have children, it might also be helpful to identify the mass… so if there's something genetic, you two will know about it….

plus - painful sucks… he could exit painful with the lumpectomy… two weeks of healing and he'll probably feel better than he does now.

1NippledBandit · January 2014

Ziggypop is right. The only way to diagnose cancer is with a biopsy. Press the doctors on the issue. They should tell you that this is true.

WifeSupport · January 2014

Thank you everyone. We have an appt with the surgeon this Friday. I read him your responses and he's willing to have the surgery now! He doesn't worry much, so I have to do it all for both of us! I'll update after we speak to the surgeon.

WifeSupport · January 2014

The surgeon we saw was an A-Hole. He said he couldn't do the surgery because he didn't feel it. He recommended a needle biopsy by radiology, even though radiology said he needed it removed. So frustrated! Now we have to wait for a referral to see another surgeon.

lekker · January 2014

I hope you get some real answers soon. In the mean time, have any of the doctors suggested genetic counseling for your husband? It might help you understand the risk that his family history means for him (or might show that there is no increased risk) and could give you an idea if any kind of genetic testing might be appropriate. If testing is suggested, his sister and/or mother (if willing) would most likely be tested first since they have a personal history of cancer. Getting a referral and appointment with a licensed genetic counselor and then getting test results can take a while so I just wanted to put the idea out there as you wait to meet with another surgeon.

Family history and now a lump!

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