19 yr BC survivor. BRCA1- Double Mast. Chest lump

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shiver
shiver Member Posts: 5
edited March 2019 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

It has been 19 years since I had cancer at 25. I had a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, and chemo. TN

I found a lump in my chest 2 weeks ago now within maybe 4 cm of where my original cancer was found. Went to my PCP who sent me for an ultrasound. The lump is palatable to me and everyone else. it is between a nickel and quarter size and is closer to my arm pit but still very much on my chest. The ultrasound showed nothing. It was as if there was nothing at all there. At first I was THRILLED!! I took a deep breath and walked away. This was Wednesday. It didn't hurt before... and now it hurts and feels like it is tugging deep into my armpit. This reminds me so much of my mothers cancer.... and really, I'm starting to wonder could the ultrasound be wrong?

My last routine chest MRI was 2 years ago before we retired from the military. I would have asked my PCM to order one now but the Radiologist said that it wasn't required, and thought that routine checkups with MRI were unneeded since I have had a double mastectomy.

What are the chances that the ultrasound is not accurate? Am I just worrying for nothing? Or should I push for an MRI. Gosh, some basic labs would be a good idea too. Sometimes it is so frustrating dealing with providers who really have no idea what they are talking about.

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Comments

  • beeline
    beeline Member Posts: 308
    edited March 2019

    shiver, I am still in treatment for my initial diagnosis so I haven’t been where you are, but I wanted to reply because it must be very scary to wonder if you’re facing bc again after 19 years (wow!). If I were you I would really push to get the answers you need. I don’t think an ultrasound is good enough especially if it doesn’t feel right to you. Before I was finally diagnosed, my GP blew off my concerns because of my age and it took me more than 6 months to get a mammogram and ultrasound. The palpable lump did not show up on mammogram but did on ultrasound. However, on ultrasound my lymph nodes looked fine, but during surgery they found 10 of them full of cancer, extracapsular extension, etc. All of this is just to say keep pushing until you are comfortable with the answers, especially with your history. I hope it turns out to be benign! Please keep us posted.x

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited March 2019

    I would recommend an MRI, if found I would have an MRI guided biopsy.

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  • Peregrinelady
    Peregrinelady Member Posts: 1,019
    edited March 2019
    My palpable lump did not show up on ultrasound. Standard of care is removal or biopsy. I found this out after thinking my lump was a fibroadenoma since the dr. called and said ultrasound was negative and did not suggest further testing. I had that “ fibroadenoma “ for 20 months. Please push for further testing.
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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited March 2019

    I agree - fight for that MRI.  That gut feeling is important, hopefully, wrong, but certainly worth pursuing with your history.

    My sister's BC did not show up on ultrasound or mammogram - only MRI.   

    Good luck to you!!!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2019

    I absolutely would push for MRI. Ultrasound missed a cancerous lump when I had my recurrence.

    Or just ask for a referral to a surgeon and get an opinion if they want an MRI or excisional biopsy based on your history

    Keep us posted.


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