lumps don't show on mammo

Sandy, I believe that we have a "gut" feeling when something is not right. When you meet with your surgeon in two weeks tell him of your concern and maybe other tests are necessary. Be persistant until you know something for sure!! Here's hoping for B9!!

huggs, Sherry

Sandy, have an MRI and a biopsy. My IDC was read as benign changes on both US and Mammo. So yes they can both be "ok" and this lump could be something.

Fists up!

Lauren, it is often not that the radiologist missed the cancer. At least 10% of cancers are not seen on mammogram.In the under 50 age group I have read this is as high as 25%. A mass often shows as unusual patterns of calcifications. Some BC grow rapidly and have not had a chance to calcify. Some people have very dense breasts which are white and similar in appearance to BC so seeing the BC is not possible.

Radiologists do their best with tests that are not foolproof. I was initially upset about my radiologists failure to see my BC. But after researching the whole thing, it is tricky in some cases. Despite being told I was OK i did proceed to have my lump biopsied. It is simple to do that. The only good lump is in a jar.

Fists up!

How easy is it for you to get an MRI. I have recently had a reccurence after 7 1/2years. I went for my annual mammo which was clear I always have a ultra sound straight after and that picked up 1 tumor. When I had my surgery They found 5 tumors 4 were over 10mm athe largest nearly 20mm so they werent huge but they werent tiny either. My mother had a clear mammogram and 3 months later felt a lump her tumor ended up being 50mm!!!! and there is no sign of it at all on the mammo. If you are young then dense breast tissue can hide tumours. If you are really worried I think a peace of mind MRI would be a good idea.

My routine yearly mamo found non invasive cancer in my left breast. It never showed the invasive cancer that was twice as big in my right! Luckly when I got a second opinion and changed surgeons she ordered an MRI and Ultrasound for both breasts. When those found the suspicious spot in the right they did a mamogram which again did not find the cancer. A needle biopsy confirmed it was cancer. Thanks to this second surgeon I'm being treated a bit more agresively because of the right side. Am about done with radiation to both breasts at the same time. I asked the techs if they get alot of women like me needing both done at the same time. She said no but we get alot that come back and have to have the other breast radiated.

Post deleted by Melissa & Tami

This is my response to Mary Tim on her thread about MRIs....just couldn't retype it so some of it may sounds like it doesn't belong here but it's my current story. Best wishes!!!


Sounds very familiar to me! My cancerous lumps (3 in all)also didn't show on mammograms because of my very dense breasts. I had my first mammogram post reconstruction/augmentation and was called back for an US because with the digital mammograms they saw 'something' but weren't sure what. After the US the Dr. (same Dr. who read my mammogram actually did my US), mentions casually that I need a needle biopsy and goes on to say that they will be very careful but can't guarantee that they won't 'hit' my implant. Long story made short, I flipped, she says maybe I'd be a good candidate for a MRI with results pending for the biopsy and a repeat mammogram in 6 months. I had the MRI, the spots didn't "light up" and the results came back "probably 2 cysts". Right now, I don't know who to contact and if I'm having another (worthless as far as I'm concerned) mammogram in 6 months or WHAT?????? I talked to the PA at my PS's office this week and she recommends that I see my breast surgeon to sort this out.