Story & Questions... concerning?
hi, i am very new here and this is my story/questions.
I am 29y/o, over all healthy. I noticed a “cafe au lait” like rash in my cleavage area that has been spreading over a few months time. I decided to do a self exam, since i haven’t in a few years. I found a rather large lump in my right breast. Called a highly recommended breast surgeon in the area. They performed an ultrasound as it was visible from the outside.
Here’s where my confusion lies:
The radiologist said it looked much like a Fibroadenoma. He said he wasn’t concerned, and in the same sentence recommended a core biopsy to be sure. I went and met with a nurse. She explained everything to me. She said there are areas that are not concerning at all, and others that signify malignancy. She said he was being confident with recommending it was a Fibroadenoma, most likely to make me feel comfortable. They put my BIRADS score at a 4. As i am self pay, i asked multiple times if it’s absolutely necessary and that if they’re confident it’s begnin, I’d come back for a follow up. She stated that wasn’t an option and they want to do the biopsy ASAP.
Does it sound like they’re just trying to not worry me? If he was confident it was a Fibroadenoma, why would he put my BIRADS at 4?
I know I’m in my brain too much and I shouldn’t worry... but easier said than done.
TIA
Comments
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"Does it sound like they're just trying to not worry me? If he was confident it was a Fibroadenoma, why would he put my BIRADS at 4?"
All newly discovered solid masses are biopsied.
You cannot perform a biopsy without a B4 accompanying the recommendation, insurance will not pay for it otherwise.
No competent healthcare provider would tell you they think its an FA if it looked like a cancer just to make you feel better.
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I'm sorry you're dealing with this without insurance. Here are some pages I found that may be able to help
- From BCO: Help for People Without Health Insurance
- American Breast Cancer Foundation: Assistance Program (this specifically mentions help with paying for screening)
- Young Survival Coalition: Financial Assistance Programs for Young Women with Breast Cancer
- Susan J. Komen: https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/FinancialResources.html
It sounds like your doctor think you have fibroadenoma, but wants to rule out breast cancer just in case. This makes a lot of sense. The stakes are very high if he is mistaken about the fibroadenoma, and it would be vital to catch breast cancer as soon as possible. The most reliable way to rule out breast cancer is a biopsy.
I understand that this is expensive. I hope you can find resources or put together the money to do it. I think it would be not only a big health risk but a big financial risk to you to save the money now by skipping the biopsy.
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thank you SO much for these resources!!
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