Can someone please help me interpret ultrasound

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DWTBH2020
DWTBH2020 Member Posts: 4
edited July 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I have my ultrasound report and have tried googling the terms but I would really appreciate some guidance.

Several masses:

5x3x4 mm hypoechoic solid mass without internal color blood flow or shadowing

4x3x7 mm complex hypoechoic focus with slight increased through transmission and no internal blood flow.

hypoechoic complex focus with slight increase in though transmission and no internal blood flow

6x3x7 mm hypoechoic solid appearing mass without internal color blood flow or shadowing

complex 6x4x5 mm focus without internal color blood flow


Please help me understand what this means and what I may be looking at now.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited July 2020

    Rather than have another patient interpret your results, how did the Radiologist interpret these findings? Most reports includes a sentence or two of commentary as well as the descriptions. What else does the report say?

    What is the BIRADs number on the report? Was it BIRADs 3, meaning short term (usually 6 month) follow-up, or BIRADs 4, meaning that a biopsy is recommended?

    How old are you? Certain masses tend to be more prevalent at certain ages.

    Have you had any masses or biopsies before?

    By the way, I just noticed that you've started 2 discussion threads about this. It's best if you stick to a single thread so that those who respond can get the complete picture of everything you've said and have the benefit of seeing the other responses you've already had.


  • DWTBH2020
    DWTBH2020 Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2020

    bi-rads 3. Recommended 6 month follow up. No other narrative from radiologist beyond “multiple high probability benign lesions”

    I realize this is promising but I don’t know how to manage the wait and watch. I would rather get biopsied for peace of mind.

    By way of history this was an ultrasound screening (first time) done in connection with my annual 3D mammo mammo was negative

    I’m almost 42.

    I have never had a biopsy. I have been clinically diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts. I do have a history of Fibroadenomas in my 20s. I did ask radiologist if it could be that (he came in after ultrasound to see me). He said maybe 1.

    I’m sorry I can’t find a duplicate thread to delete!

  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited July 2020

    The radiologist is the expert, and he's the one who looked at the imaging. His intrepretation, "high probability benign lesions" answers your question, as does the BIRADs 3 assessment, which means that the Radiologist assesses a less than 2% chance that these lesions might be cancer.

    The fact that you have multiple similar masses is good. While it's possible to develop two identical masses that are both breast cancer, that's pretty rare and it's a lot more common to develop multiple benign masses.

    That fact that there is no internal blow flow is good.

    The fact that you have fibrocystic breasts and are 42 - meaning that you are entering peri-menopause - means that your estrogen levels are starting to fluctuate like a teenager's, and that often leads to the development of new masses such as fibroadenomas, cysts and complex cysts (cysts with solid elements).

    I've had lots of biopsies over the years for BIRADs 4 lesions and lots of 6 month follow-ups for BIRADs 3 lesions. Personally, I'll avoid a biopsy any chance I can get. None of my BIRADs3 have ever even lead to the need for a biopsy, but of course, that does happen in a small percentage of BIRADs 3 cases. The way that I always managed the wait is by thinking of the follow-up as the time when I will get the confirmation that there is nothing concerning going on - if the odds are 98%+ in my favor, that's what I'm going to focus on. And frankly, I've always found 6 months to be a long enough period to be able to completely put any worries out of my mind. You are thinking about it now because it's just happened and it's fresh in your mind. But I can't imagine that you will be constantly worrying for 6 months - that's not usually how our minds work. If something is happening in a few days or a couple of weeks, you might think about it constantly. But for 6 months? Not likely.

    Lastly, given that you have 4 similar masses, if you had a biopsy it's not likely that all 4 would be checked. So I don't know that a biopsy would give you the peace of mind that you are looking for. You would still be waiting for a 6 month follow-up (which is standard even after a benign biopsy) particularly for the masses that were not biopsied.

    If you are really uncomfortable, my suggestion would be to get a second opinion on the imaging. If another Radiologist or breast specialist agrees with the BIRADs3, then you should be more comfortable. But if the second opinion disagrees, then you could opt for the biopsy now (and it's more likely that insurance would pay, which they may not with a BIRADs 3).

  • DWTBH2020
    DWTBH2020 Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2020

    thank you. I really appreciate your comments and it does help to put things in perspective.

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