Vague "More Than Likely Benign Skin Lesion" Ultrasound Result

Options
hopeful25
hopeful25 Member Posts: 8
edited December 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hello all! I am new to the forum and very concerned. Last Wednesday night I felt a very small lump in my right upper armpit. After doing some research, I think it's located in the upper top portion of the lateral humeral part of my armpit (almost where my bicep begins). I had a mammogram and ultrasound in April 2017 and again earlier this year in January. I distinctly remember the ultrasound being done under my arms as well. Both times, everything came back clear. My mother passed away from colon cancer at 47 and I am now 39 and have been a little nervous when it comes to cancer, which explains my multiple mammograms before 40.

I saw my GP on Tuesday who said that she was not concerned and thought it was just a "bb" sized lymph node. Because it feels so round, I was still somewhat concerned. Much of what I have read indicates that round lymph nodes are typically malignant. So, I made a separate ultrasound appointment with a private breast clinic. I called and got the results today. The person I spoke with said that the lump is not a lymph node but "more than likely a benign skin legion" and scheduled an appointment with me to return in six months to make sure it has not grown. My heart was beating so fast as I was speaking with them. The NP and ultrasound tech were also fairly sure it was not a lymph node, but instead an epidermal lump of some sort right under the surface of the skin. It measures 4mm. Although I am relieved, I am still a little concerned that they asked that I return in six months... I appreciate them being safe and cautious! It just feels a bit like maybe the radiologist was not exactly sure what it is. Hence, referring to it as, "more than likely a benign skin legion" and not saying exactly what it is (i.e. cyst, etc.). Seems a bit vague. I am also concerned because I have read about so many misdiagnoses...

The person I spoke with was super rude and short. Very frustrating! I think I am going to go to the clinic and pick up the results so that I can read the results myself.

I am trying to remain calm, but I have diagnosed myself with everything from breast cancer to lymphoma. This is extremely stressful and upsetting!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

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

    Sebaceous cysts are very common in your axilla. I used to get them frequently until I switched back from stick to roll-on deodorant. Go to a dermatologist if you are still concerned

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful25
    hopeful25 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2020

    Thank you so much @melissadallas !! This is the same breast clinic that told me that I had a sebaceous cysts in my right breast, which was also found in my first mammo in 2017. If that is what it is, I just wonder why not call it that specifically like the did before. Why be so vague? And the "more than likely" is really getting to me.

    But I will definitely go to my dermatologist. From your experience, what can a dermatologist?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited December 2020

    I think they are just being overly cautious in language and in the call-back. They are doing due diligence though I think you can believe they are really not thinking it is anything concerning or they would have referred you for biopsy....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2020

    Cysts within your breasts would be a different kind of cyst, just fluid filled sacs usually.

    Sebaceous cysts are more or less hard cheesy pimples in your skin.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful25
    hopeful25 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2020

    Thanks Livinlife. I truly hope they’re being overly cautious and not uncertain.

    MelissaDallas - Ohhhh I see... Would they not be able to determine that its a cyst with an ultrasound by it not being in the breast?

    I rushed over to pick up the report and of course they were closed! Their hours online said they didn’t close for another hour, but I guess they closed early today. I’ll come back tomorrow morning.

    I’m wondering to myself if I’m being overly anxious right now and just need to let it be... Ugh.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful25
    hopeful25 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2020

    I was able to get the actual report. I am a little confused.

    It says,

    "Homogeneous background echotexture fat. There is a round solid mass in the subcutaneous tissues of the right upper extremity just superior to the right axilla measuring 5 x 4 x 5mm. This correlates with the palpable finding. There is no vascular flow associated with this lesion. This lesion likely represents a benign skin lesion.

    Overall Impression: BI-RADS 3 Probably benign.

    Recommendation: Focused ultrasound of the right breast in 6 months. Short interval follow of the probable skin lesion in the right upper extremity is recommended."

    Birad 3, is more than likely benign.... In this case, I wonder will I have to get ultrasounds every six month. Honestly, I cant make heads or tails of what much of this is saying... Ugh.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited December 2020

    What they are saying is that you have what is most likely a benign skin lesion. However the imaging alone cannot guarantee this which is why you've got the BI-RADS3. A BI-RADS3 means that there is a 2% or lower chance of malignancy. The 6-month follow-up is scheduled to check for stability (i.e. the same lesion is there and it's completely unchanged; cancer would not remain stable/unchanged) or resolution (i.e. the lesion has shrunk of disappeared on it's own).

    Seems like all good news.... a harmless skin lesion that just needs a check in 6 months.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful25
    hopeful25 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2020

    Thank you so much Bessie! So, I shouldn't push for anything further to get further clarification?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful25
    hopeful25 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2020

    Hi again! My primary care doctor who initially said that the lump under my arm was a lymph node followed up with me after I uploaded the results of the ultrasound from the breast clinical onto my medical profile. Now it's being recommended that I get the mass removed to be sure. I'm confused. I do not mind getting it removed and would actually prefer that. That way they can do a biopsy and I will know for sure what is going on as opposed to waiting for six months, then another six months, and so on. My husband and I are trying for another baby, and I just want to put this behind me if possible. But I am not sure if this is standard. Has anyone had a mass removed from a birads 3 ultrasound? Does this sound typical? I feel like I should be happy to know for sure, but for some reason, my anxiety level just increased.

    Thoughts? Experiences? Suggestions?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited December 2020

    I do not know enough to comment on your specific questions hopeful... - sorry about that.... I'm just wondering when you will be scheduled? I'm hoping you can get in soon - you were told not to worry initially, then went out of your way for the private ultrasound where they would have you rescan in 6 months ... I'm just hoping you won't have to wait that much longer to undergo the excision, get results and know what you are dealing with... esp. when you're considering another child. I hope all this can happen fairly soon for you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful25
    hopeful25 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2020

    LvinLife - You and I both! I was told that someone from the surgery department will be in touch and if I do not hear from them by tomorrow, to reach out to follow-up. This absolutely terrifying, as you already know...

    I guess the good news is that I have not observed any changes in the lump. Then again, it's only been two weeks since I first discovered it. Hahaha.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited December 2020

    "Has anyone had a mass removed from a birads 3 ultrasound? Does this sound typical?"

    No, this is most unusual. Usually a core needle isn't even recommended with a BI-RADs3, never mind a surgical biopsy. It is your PCP making this recommendation, over-ruling the radiologist? From what I've seen on this site, PCPs sometimes are out of their league on anything but the most basic imaging findings, and as a result tend to over-react.

    If you are happy to have this mass removed, then do it. If you are unsure, then I would suggest either following the radiologist's recommendation or seeking a second opinion, perhaps from another radiologist.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful25
    hopeful25 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2020

    Thank you, Bessie! I think my PCP recommended I see a surgeon because the breast clinic's results were not very specific in terms of the type of mass that was found and because it was not done with them. My PCP said that a surgeon could provide more clarity and certainty as to what's going on.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited December 2020

    I hope that will help decrease your worry then hopeful 25...? When I saw my PCP for the first time after my surgery he started talking with me about follow up imaging, etc. I respectfully let him know that is uncommon with DCIS after bilateral mastectomy and no node involvement. He then said something apologetically and that he would defer to oncology.... He's a very nice guy and just cares and wants to be more safe than sorry. I hope the same is true in your case. So it sounds like you'll meet with a surgeon to talk this over and see what makes sense.... Let us know...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories