"probably" benign

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iamambi
iamambi Member Posts: 5
edited May 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

A few weeks ago, I found a lump in my breast. Today, I had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. The radiologist did not come speak to me herself, but the ultrasound technician said the radiologist felt that the lump is a cyst and I should follow up in 6 months.

A few minutes ago, my primary doctor called. She and her NP are not convinced that it's "just a cyst." They are sending me to a breast surgeon for an exam and biopsy. My doctor also told me the radiologist said it was "probably benign." PROBABLY??? She said she doesn't think we should wait 6 months to get a definitive answer.

I am freaking out. I have no support system because I just moved here and am far away from family and friends who I'd usually talk to about this sort of thing. I walked out of the the hospital this morning believing I was fine and that this was over for now... now I feel like the stress/anxiety are starting up all over again.

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  • Scrafgal
    Scrafgal Member Posts: 631
    edited May 2019

    iamambi,

    I don't know that there is anything that can eliminate your anxiety realistically. Anyone in your position likely would feel the way that you do. However, I will say something positive: Your primary doctor seems very proactive, on your behalf, and that is something to feel good about. Waiting will be difficult, but eventually you will get an answer. Having your primary doctor on your side can help make it happen...and make sure that you push for a quick appointment. Until then, try to keep yourself busy and distracted. Also, even though I have good friends and family support, I have found a lot of support from folks here. So, keep us posted.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited May 2019

    "Probably Benign" is actually an official term and category used by Radiologists. It describes a BIRADs 3, and it means that in the assessment of the Radiologist, the imaging presents a 2% or less risk of being cancer. Normal follow-up is redoing the imaging in 6 months, in order to confirm the stability of the lesion. Biopsies are not recommended for BIRADs 3 imaging

    PCPs and NPs are not experts on breast imaging. Radiologists are. Did your PCP and the NP look at the imaging, or are they just reacting to the words on the Radiologist's report? Do you have a copy of the report, and if so, what does it say? How is the cyst described?

    Here are the BIRADs categories, which are used by Radiologists when assessing breast imaging:

    image


    By the way, how old are you? Cysts are very common at certain ages

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  • iamambi
    iamambi Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2019

    Thank you. You are right about my PCP being proactive, for which I am very grateful. I am learning a lot from other people here and truly appreciate your post!

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  • iamambi
    iamambi Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2019

    Scrafgal,

    Thank you. You are right about my PCP being proactive, for which I am very grateful. I am learning a lot from other people here and truly appreciate your post!

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  • iamambi
    iamambi Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2019

    Beesie,

    Thank you so much for this post! You have no idea how relieved I feel to know that "probably benign" is an actual term.

    My PCP and NP are reacting to the images themselves. I have not seen them and I do not have any copies of the reports.

    Thanks again for posting.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited May 2019

    Get a copy of the Radiologist's report and copy here about what it says. A retired breast Radiologist, djmammo, checks the board regularly and comments and I'm sure he will offer up good advice.

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  • apricotjam
    apricotjam Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2019

    I understand where you’re at right now ... that was me a couple weeks ago. There is something good about getting a biopsy ... on the imaging, some things can look similar. The biopsy will get you clear results based on the cells themselves. I was a BiRads 4B before the biopsy, and a 2 after. Go ahead and stress ... the wait and the uncertainty are taxing, especially in a new location where you don’t yet have a network. But also try to distract yourself, if you can (I wasn’t so good at that.). I do hope they schedule the biopsy sooner so the wait isn’t so long.


    This is a great community for answering questions and helping you know what to expect about tests, etc. if there’s anything any of us can do, just say so.

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