Dr thoughts expressed during ultrasound for real?

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grackle
grackle Member Posts: 6
edited January 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

hello. ..like so many of you I am awaiting results and clutching at straws of hope in the meantime.

In brief: had annual screening, got message that there was "a mass," after 6 days of anxiety got diagnostic mammogram ultrasound and biopsy...and info at last.

I learned it was 7 mm and very subtle. They decided to biopsy but during ultrasound doctor said he thought it looked like a milk duct plugged with debris. My frantic question is, would a doctor ever voice such a thought during an exam if it weren't likely to be true? Even if they decide to biopsy all the same?



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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2015

    Grackle-

    First, we want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for the worry that brings you here, but we're very glad you've found us.

    The radiologist might have felt as though the images were clear enough for him to make an educated guess during the ultrasound, but they would probably advise to go ahead with the biopsy to be sure. A biopsy is the only thing that can definitively diagnose or rule out cancer, which is why many doctors request one when other tests haven't been clear enough one way or another.

    When is your biopsy scheduled? Please keep us posted on the procedure and results, we're thinking of you and hoping for benign findings!

    The Mods

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited January 2015

    Hi grackle, so sorry you're feeling this awful stress, we all get it! I am a little confused, did you have the biopsy yet?

    The Mods are right!

    It isn't unusual for Doctors or Techs to voice an opinion, while doing testing, not necessarily what they should do, though, because a definitive answer, is only available after a biopsy and the findings are seen under a microscope.

    I wish you all the very best for a benign result, let us know how you get on.


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  • grackle
    grackle Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2015

    thank you. It's all so confusing and scary...yes, they gave me a biopsy, but based on that doctor saying that, and then the other doctor said "I think you're right" and went on to praise first doctor's finding of the tiny thing in the ultrasound, I was allowing myself to feel vaguely optimistic. (This is a major metropolitan cancer center with excellent rankings, and a training hospital too.)

    Anyway Doctor 2 explained they'd be doing a biopsy and that the thing was so small they might end up scooping it out along with the tissue sample (sounded good to me...) and they'd leave a metal clip in there to mark the spot.

    All went well, discomfort is minor, I was feeling very hopeful about everything, and then this morning my doctor sends me the report (NOT the results of the biopsy which won't come for a few days) and in the report it says nothing about clogged glands, instead it says category 4, suspicious! So I'm back to being scared to death.

    I wonder how many women die of heart attacks during this endless span of diagnosis...

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited January 2015

    Dear grackle--I'm sure the doc meant what he said--he wouldn't lie about it. However, that doesn't mean he's right. Unfortunately, you'll just have to wait for the biopsy report. The Waiting Time is the worse time ever and I'm so sorry that you are joining the Ladies Who Have Waited. We know what it's like. Please keep us posted when you get the news or just want to vent.

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  • grackle
    grackle Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2015

    Thank you all for your support and insight and I will truly pay it forward. I am very relieved to report that today I got the call saying "You do not have cancer." What I have is papillary apocrine metaplasia/apocrine cyst formation, which appears to be nothing but a very typical middle-aged-gal benign papilloma in a duct combined with a cyst. And it probably got yanked out in the biopsy as it was only 7mm.

    So they'll just do a standard ultrasound in 6 months time to keep an eye on things.

    While I am doing cartwheels of joy inside, after spending a day at the cancer care place, a part of me is heaving a sigh for all the lovely women who may be getting other news. Well, all I can do is lend an ear to others, and help where I can.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    Grackle, I'm so happy for you! I hope you'll enjoy your weekend all the more for this good news. Have a terrific 2015, now that you can breathe again. :)


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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited January 2015

    grackle, that's wonderful news! Have a great weekend!

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