Are these good signs? And a mammogram question

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hopeful327
hopeful327 Member Posts: 6
edited February 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I just joined because I have a very noticeable lump - feels like a grape and it is moveable (that's a good sign right?). But anyway when I put my hand under my breast and flatten it down like they do for mammograms, I cannot feel the lump. Is that a good sign that its benign?

And my mammogram question - I called a clinic that advertises all the time on TV that you can self-refer for your mammograms. But when they asked if I had any issues, I said yes I did have a lump. They said I had to get a doctors notice for a prescritption for a mammogram. And I said, "Well, could I just lie then and then I could get a mammogram without a doctors's prescription" - she said no because they will do more instensive screening of the breasts if you are having issues and focus on where the lump is etc.

SO, basically if you go in for your annual mammogram then it is not as good as a mammogram if you have a lump? To me that makes no sense, all mammograms should have equal value right?

Also........ I remember when I had my baseline in 2014 they asked if I had family history. So do they look more closely if you have family history?


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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited January 2020

    Diagnostic (as opposed screening) take more views to try to figure out what the issue is. If you have a screening mammogram that identifies a problem you still have to go back for a diagnostic mammogram and possible ultrasound.

    All of us would just be guessing as to good/bad signs

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited January 2020

    MelissaDallas is right -- going in for a diagnostic mammogram (when there is an issue) makes more sense at this point than getting a screening mammogram. In fact, one of the benefits of going in for a diagnostic mammogram at my breast center is that they make sure a radiologist is around to look at your scans during your appointment. If the radiologist is going to recommend an ultrasound, he/she does it right there rather than later on.

    Also, yes, there is no way we can intelligently speculate about your lump. (We're not doctors.)

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2020

    If you are suspicious of a lump, I would NOT self-refer to some company you saw on TV. I would go see my PCP or my GYN and have them check it out. They will order a mammogram for you.

    You didn't say your age, but if you had a baseline in 2014 and haven't been back since - it's time.

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  • blah333
    blah333 Member Posts: 270
    edited January 2020

    moveable isn't much useful information or reliable source of being benign or malignant. I have a similar lump but much smaller (.5cm) but maybe the opposite. With my arm at my side I can feel it, but with my arm raised, it disappears between my ribs. BUT.. I don't even have breasts any more. The waiting they make us do for imaging and answers leads us to analyze small details in hopes of diminishing some of the uncertainty.

    Not sure about screening vs. diagnostic mammograms, I've only had one in my life. If you have an issue though it is a little different, they may also have you get an ultrasound for additional viewing/a different type of view.

    Family history doesn't seem to matter much in terms of "looking closer" at your breasts, I think it's just a matter of allowing you imaging appointments at a younger age, and more frequent appointments.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited January 2020

    As others have said, screening vs diagnostic mammograms are different. Diagnostic takes extra views and require a doctor's order. For a lump, diagnostic is what you want!


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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited January 2020

    Self referral for a screening mammogram is fairly standard these days but it only applies to a true screening exam.

    For a screening mammogram you must be asymptomatic, no mass or other symptoms, purely routine. Two views of each breast are obtained, and in the case of Tomo two sweeps of each breast and whatever additional views are needed to see the entire breast. These are batch read at a later time with a report going to the doctor of your choice and you receive a lay letter about a week later. Some facilities will not do a self referred screening if you do not designate a doctor to receive your report.

    A diagnostic study is one that focuses on a problem either found on a screening exam or found on physical exam. It is most often a unilateral exam that will include spot compression views and magnified views of the area of interest. Most places will be able to do an ultrasound the same day as the diagnostic mammo. Many places will be able to discuss your results with you before you leave, other places do not have the resources to offer this. If you have not had a bilateral study in the past year most places will do a screening exam on the other breast.

    Though they are of equal value to the patient, these studies are performed differently, interpreted differently and billed differently.

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  • hopeful327
    hopeful327 Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2020

    UPDATE: I had the diagnostic mammogram and while it freaked me out (They wanted to redo it and actually check for two spots on the opposite breast as well????) - and then they requests an ultrasound - but in the end it was all okay

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