Now I'm Confused...

Laura_E · April 2015

On Wednesday, I had my diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. During the ultrasound, the tech took a ton of pictures of the spot near the indentation. Then the radiologist came in, and they were discussing blood flow and posterior acoustic shadowing. The radiologist showed me one simple cyst, and I am not worried about that. She showed me a complex cyst, and told me she is a bit concerned about it, as there is a solid part to it, and it also has debris. And...there is a small mass hiding behind all of this.

While I was talking to the nurse, scheduling the aspiration and biopsy for next Thursday, she mentioned she had just spoken to the BS about me. I thought it odd, but it was an odd day. (I'd been expecting to hear : you're getting old, go home.) This morning, I found out the surgeon had seen the images, while I was still there, and he also wants the biopsy, and said the area should not be given a score below 4.

Can he do that? Any idea why he would? I mean, I trust the guy and all, but... Can someone help me understand any of this? I know if I ask Dr. Google, it will tell me a ton of info, most of it not relevant. Thank goodness I have all sorts of things to help occupy my mind, since this has been an unpleasant, somewhat bizarre ordeal. I appreciate everyone on these boards, for being so patient and kind.

SelenaWolf · April 2015

Most institutions have a three-pronged approach to diagnosing breast lumps:

1) a mammogram will tell them if there is something there that wasn't there before (having a history of mammograms helps considerably as this gives them something to compare the latest mammogram to) or if that something appears to be different from the surrounding tissue;

2) an ultrasound will tell them if that something is solid (a possible tumor) or fluid (a cyst); and

3) a biopsy of the area which will tell them exactly what kind of cells (malignant or not) the something is made of.

The breast surgeon is, likely, being cautious given that neither the mammogram or the ultrasound will tell him exactly what it is you're dealing with. The simple cyst is, probably, benign. The complex cyst and the small mass may be either benign or malignant and the BS will not know for sure unless the areas are biopsied and analysed. He's only being thorough.

Fakeboobs123 · April 2015

at this stage I think the radiologist is who really calls the shots. They are highly trained and I'd go by their opinion on images. The Breast surgeon sounds good also, I think I was told to have a biopsy I think it must be rated at least BiRADS 4 possibly for insurance purposes, so I think the Breast surgeon is concurring hey let's biopsy this.its very common to have a biopsy when it's first mammorgram, both my mom and I had biopsies after our first mammorgrams, both came back benign. Give yourself a pass to relax this weekend and tell yourself you'll resume worrying on Monday that's what I did when I was going through the waiting for tests and results, the worry exhausts you. The ultrasound tech asked me if I had an apoiintment with the breast surgeon arranged already with a a look of serious concern In her face after leaving the room to confer with the radiologist ...my results later came back benign! Keep us posted on how you're doing and force yourself to think good thiughts!

Laura_E · April 2015

Thank you, SelenaWolf and Fakeboob123. I just hate waiting, as I am sure everyone else does. I am concerned, because the complex cyst looked to be primarily solid on the ultrasound, and the report states it is in the same area as the indentation, which has decided to stay, apparently. I feel like each step I take, just takes me in more of a circle, if that makes sense? Thank goodness I work from home, as I can read the boards here throughout the day. From what I've seen, standard protocol is 6 month follow up. I appreciate the thoroughness of the doctors, but still feel like I'm swimming in quicksand.

Now I'm Confused...

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