Large mass with pain

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Laxmom1000
Laxmom1000 Member Posts: 4
edited October 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Just got back from my PCP. On Sunday I woke up and had a pain in my left breast. At first I thought I pulled a muscle or slept on it wrong. But then when I got up I felt it and noticed a large lump right above my nipple. I have very small breasts (small A cup) so it was very easy to feel. It's long and feels smooth. I've had an inverted nipple since the birth of my last child 12 years ago and I often get itchiness from it although it has seemed worse the last couple of days but wondering if that is psychosomatic. I had convinced myself it was just probably a cyst until I saw my PCP this morning. There is some redness on the outside of the breast where the mass is.

She measured the mass as 5x7cm and listed it as “firm". She thinks it's too big to be a cyst. She did not see any signs of it in my lymph nodes. Is that a good sign or can they usually not tell anyways without further testing? She is sending me for a mammogram and an ultrasound and said she expected they will want to do a biopsy at the same time. Hopefully those will occur this week but she said it could be up to a week before they can get me in. I'm 51. Do they usually give you results right away or does it take a few days afterwards? I am going to a breast cancer center.

Any thoughts on what this could be or ways to stay sane in the meantime? Thanks!

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2019

    Hi Laxmom and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

    We're so sorry you're here and worrying, but we're glad you've found us. So many wonderful members here have lots of experience with biopsies and waiting for results, and will surely weigh in shortly.

    We're thinking of you and hoping for the best -- please keep us posted when you get in for your biopsy and what the results are. We're all here for you!

    --The Mods

  • DutchieGirl
    DutchieGirl Member Posts: 103
    edited October 2019

    When I found my lump and was sent for an u/s, the technician left the room once it was done and brought back the radiologist. He said he'd like to do a biopsy right then and there. He biopsied the lump and also some lymph nodes. I was given a date (one week later) to meet with a breast surgeon for results. No one said for certain that it was bc, because they didn't know for certain. In my past, the same thing happened (immediate biopsy of my breast after an ultrasound) and it turned out to be a fibroadenoma. My suggestion while you're waiting for results is to keep distracted by having coffee dates with friends, hanging out with your grandkids (if you have any), volunteer, work etc., anything that gives you joy.

  • OnTarget
    OnTarget Member Posts: 447
    edited October 2019

    At my clinic, you can get mammogram results on the spot if you request, which I didn't. I got a call back to get a second mammogram and an ultrasound. I had to go back for another visit for the biopsy.

  • Laxmom1000
    Laxmom1000 Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2019

    Thanks so much for your responses.

    Great news! I had my ulatrsound and 3D mammogram today. They saw nothing on either. Said it was just dense breast tissue and should resolve itself with a couple months. Said to follow up if the pain got worse (pain has been steadily decreasing over the course of the week) or if it changes in shape or size. I am so relieved.

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