Question about Ultrasounds

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WriggleNose
WriggleNose Member Posts: 5
edited November 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

I had an ultrasound after a suspicious lump was found. Preliminary report provided with images (doctor still hasnt signed off on radiologist report for me to get that), says that lump is a complex cyst. Question is, the ultrasound was very very fast and she didnt seem to be really "looking" for anything besides the palpable lump. She didnt even really image my entire breasts... In one of my images, there is something that would obviously be abnormal looking, even to layperson, but no mention of it. Question is - do radiologists just tend to look at the lump I was referred for or will they review all the images? Second question: will they do a more thorough ultrasound usually since this one was abnormal? Im concerned that because I'm not able to go to a breast center, because of my insurance, that they might be rushing and not report on the whole picture or be as detailed as they should be. They did also do a chest xray and a bone scan is coming tomorrow - meeting with gyno on Monday...The imaging center said they faxed the final report to the doctor within 1.5 hours of my exam - Ill have the final radiology report tomorrow - currently just have the images and tech report.

Thanks - worrying like crazy. :-/

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  • Recap
    Recap Member Posts: 120
    edited October 2018

    More than one of us has commented about ultrasounds that did not seem thorough to us. Unfortunately, the time to speak up is right then and there, to the ultrasound tech, before she finishes. I think techs should be trained to ask the patient whether they feel THEIR breast was completely scanned, before ending the session.

    I have an old stress fracture (tibia) in my lower leg. It is just barely close enough to my ankle to show up on foot and ankle xrays. (I seem to have a propensity to foot and ankle injuries-I am one of the taller trees in the forest lol.) None of my foot/ankle radiology reports for many years have ever mentioned it.

    Tunnel vision. X marks the spot vision.

    One of several reasons I wish I had not allowed a breast biopsy marker to be placed.

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  • SafetyGuy
    SafetyGuy Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2018

    I guess it is really dependent on sonographer. I had a very good one. She was very thorough and Radiologist came in afterwards and did another scan. It could also be that it was a very suspicious mass BI-RADS 5.

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  • sparrowhawk
    sparrowhawk Member Posts: 179
    edited October 2018

    Yes, as previously said the time to raise the question is during the ultrasound. When the radiologist looks at your scan, they will obviously focus on the area of interest but should check all images for other abnormalities. Good that you are having other tests and getting further advice. Best of luck.

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  • Rainieb
    Rainieb Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2018

    Hello!

    I can comment on the breast ultrasound, as I do breast ultrasound for a living. Ultrasound protocol does depend on a few things. First; what the doc ordered on the script. Age; if someone comes into our office with a new palpable lump and is in their teens or twenties, we will do what is called a targeted ultrasound of the palpable area (no mammo first).

    Older patients may get a screening mammo and diagnostic for a lump, if they haven't had a recent mammo.. then a full ultrasound with a target to the palp. If a recent screening mammo was already performed, then a diagnostic mammo with target ultrasound may be performed.

    Again this is driven by the prescription.. age..radiologist recommendation .

    And of course.. ultrasound is operator dependent and a skilled breast tech should explain the procedure and why limited is being done vs screening etc.

    Best of luck!!

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  • Recap
    Recap Member Posts: 120
    edited November 2018

    I spoke with the tech who does my intravaginal ultrasounds (4 fibroids at last count) about my experience with the breast ultrasound. She agreed that what is ordered is what is to be done, but she went on to say that she personally always goes further than the limits of the order as a service to her patients (and bless her for her own natural curiousity.) IMO to only order a targeted ultrasound when it takes so little time to scan the entire breast is criminal.

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  • Sshelledy
    Sshelledy Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2018

    Hello all! Im new to this board and im probably not posting in the correct spot. I had to go in this morning for my follow up ultrasoud after my mammogram two weeks ago showed a new mass of tissue. After the ultrasound I am now scheduled for a biopsy the week after thanksgiving.

    My ultrasound showed that i had a solid mass with internal blood flow and i was given a birads of 4. Does anyone have any information on the internal blood flow part? The radiologist didnt tell me that, i saw it on the report. She told me it was very uncommon for a new fibroadenoma to start growing like that in your 40's.

    This is weird I know, but I feel at peace about this possibly being cancerous. I told my husband and mother that whatever it is, its small so that is good. I welcome any input or knowledge on masses with internal blood flow.

    Thanks!!

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