Found a Lump Worried about Male BC

Avh112, I've sent you a PM.

Avh112, my doctor told me to the tissue of my breast should feel kinda like oatmeal. If I found something harder in the oatmeal, like a BB, or a hard pea--anything "thicker" than the surrounding oatmeal--it should be checked out.

Like Traveltext, I've never heard of breast cancer presenting like a pimple on top of the skin. But he's also correct in his advice to see your doctor.

Avh - your docs protocol is normal, and yes both mammo and US can rule out cancer on many benign findings such as cysts. Most lumps and bumps are benign so there isn’t a need for an immediate biopsy, which is expensive and invasive...putting the cart before the horse for lack of a better term. If your imaging turns out to be vague I would push for biopsy but most likely the Rad will recommend it anyway. Breath easy, the vast majority of findings are benign and the stats are very much on your side. Keep us posted

In my experience the mammogram is done first. If something presents in the mammogram they take a further look at it with US. Both machines are good at detetecting findings in different ways. If a lump still looks suspicious after both mammogram and US a biopsy is usually ordered to determine exactly what’s going on with a lump. Some centers will tell you your results on the spot and some won’t, and refer you back to the doctor that sent you for results. Results usually come in 3-5 days if you have to wait, sometimes sooner.It’s definitely a process.

Well, that IS good news. Ultrasound is very good at finding stuff--if it can't see a mass, they won't do a biopsy. You don't want someone poking around in there with sharp needles, anyway, unless you have to. Biopsies have their own risks and can leave lumpy scar tissue. I think your radiologist gave you good advice to re-evaluate in 3 months.

Sorry to here this, but you've landed in the right place for advice. Radiology often misses cancer, so don't be angry. And you've had the lump removed. Did they get clear margins?

To help us give you advice, could you post your pathology results here. It may well be that your European trip can still go ahead, so relax for now.

Yes, you've definitely caught this early. Very early. Once you've had an MRI, they will know more and if your lymph nodes are affected. Then, combined with the pathology report they will make a plan. Don't worry about the markers for now.

Keep coming here and we'll guide you through this. Lots of us have been there done that with BC, so we're keen to help others.

Everyone here has experience with breast cancer. Some, like me have had extra cancers.

Yes, you will be able to live a normal life after treatment. Many people even keep working through treatment. What is different is that you will become a more resident person and learn to appreciate all the good things in life.

Post any info you have specific to the disease here when you have it, and there'll be more advice offered.

Oh, and try to keep calm.

I think you are amazing! way to trust your gut and get that lump removed. Many men ignore their health. It can only be of benefit that you removed it now.

The next few weeks you will be stressed. They will run the pathology of the tumor and then they will make recomendations. Given your situation I think you are very justified in insisting they run a MRI with dye and make sure the limp nodes are clean. Perhaps TravelText can comment on mammograms for men but since they already found cancer I think you are past that. I had my cancer removed with surgery and they also looked at the nodes. you definitely want to find out you got it all and there is nothing else hiding.

My advice is be a sqeaky wheel. Advocate for yourself and make sure and record or take notes on calls and visits ( I used boldbeast recorder on my phone) that way if you misremember something you can check it later. Also if you have a calm rational person in your life it would be a huge benefit to take them to an appt because they can be calm and make sure all of the information is clear.