New here, concerned about my mother

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JFP1975
JFP1975 Member Posts: 2
edited September 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi all,

This is my first post here. My mom is 66, found a palpable breast mass, then had a mammogram 9/8 which showed the mass. I live in another state and so haven't seen the report or talked to the radiologist yet. They referred her for an ultrasound, which she had yesterday. She called me to let me know what the radiologist said, which was that they saw masses in both breasts. The right one the radiologist apparently dismissed as a cyst. The left one is approximately 3.2cm, with calcifications, and "very suspicious" so she was referred for a biopsy which is scheduled for the 22nd. She told me that the radiologist also mentioned referring her to a surgeon, and spoke to her about having chemo/radiation prior to surgery to shrink the tumor. I have been reading about ultrasound results, and I am unclear on whether an ultrasound can actually be diagnostic re: cancer vs. not. Can someone clarify whether the radiologist was just potentially discussing possible outcomes/treatment or whether he saw something that led him to believe this is very likely (or unequivocally) cancer? Thanks.

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  • Skittlegirl
    Skittlegirl Member Posts: 428
    edited September 2015

    Sounds exactly like my appointment. Except I had the mammogram and ultrasound the same day. No, the ultrasound can't be used to say that it is cancer. Just that cancer is suspected. The biopsy results will let you know if it is cancer, the type, whether it grows in the presence of certain hormones, and how different from normal cells it looks (grade).

    My radiologist also immediately referred me to a surgeon. They might just be lining up potentially needed appointments. I met with my surgeon the following week.

    Good luck. Waiting for test results is the hardest.

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  • mkkjd60
    mkkjd60 Member Posts: 583
    edited September 2015

    Hello JFP,

    My mom also got breast cancer at age 66 which led me to this site. Very helpful.

    I know when my mom had the mammo that saw two tumors, they were talking cancer even before the biopsy. She already had a breast specialist since she had some years before been diagnosed (dx) with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) so she had a surgeon in mind. It is a whirlwind and I can tell you it is important that she take someone to these appointments who "has their wits about them". My dad was a deer in the headlights, so I went, notebook and pen, and wrote down everything. Most importantly, she should get copies of ALL her reports. Don't let them tell you they can't give you everything. It's hers and you will need them. Skittles is absolutely right...the ultrasound won't dx cancer. Only the biopsy. If it is cancer, only surgery and the pathology that comes out of it will tell you what, if any, spread of the cancer has occurred. It truly is a marathon, not a race, but I understand the fear that comes along with all of this. Good luck, my friend.

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

    Hi JFP1975 and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

    According to the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Ultrasounds, they can't diagnose a cancer, but are instead used to determine whether or not a suspicious site is fluid filled or solid, once a screening test has identified a concern:

    "Ultrasound is not used on its own as a screening test for breast cancer. Rather, it is used to complement other screening tests. If an abnormality is seen on mammography or felt by physical exam, ultrasound is the best way to find out if the abnormality is solid (such as a benign fibroadenoma or cancer) or fluid-filled (such as a benign cyst). It cannot determine whether a solid lump is cancerous, nor can it detect calcifications."

    We hope this helps! Please keep us posted on what you find out!

    --The Mods

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  • JFP1975
    JFP1975 Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2015

    Hi all,

    Thank you so much for your kind words, concern, and information. My mom's biopsy was yesterday; they did an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the mass, also did an FNA of the cyst in her other breast, and did an unplanned lymph node biopsy as they observed some lymph node swelling. They told her 3-5 days before they have results, so the waiting continues!

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited September 2015

    If you can get your Mom to list you on her approved list with her Drs, you can call her Drs and ask questions of them. Unless she approves you or (anyone else) and it is recorded with each Dr, legally her Drs can't give out information to you or anyone else who calls (HIPPA). I have Hubby and Son both listed with approval with every Dr I have in case they ever feel the need to talk with any Dr - they never have but IF they feel the need - they can.

    Mammo and US do not diagnose cancer - they can show 'suspicious areas' but for diagnosis it takes a biopsy(s).

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