Breast Appointment re a little lump

[LaFlotte]

I am 35 and recently had a very small lump investigated. It's very small, less than half the size of a pea.

I had a mammogram, with some extra angles to try and make sure we were seeing the right area and also an ultrasound.

The scans showed nothing except for a raised bit of normal breast tissue that looked like a little mountain on the screen!

At my follow up appointment, the Dr concluded that it was normal breast tissue.

I was relieved but afterwards worried in case they had missed something as I find it very disconcerting that I can feel this lump quite clearly. I think it's also because when I lie down, in the position that they examined me, it's hard to feel it, but sitting up and kind of pinching it, I can feel it more clearly.

Also I'm worried that I pointed in the vague area of the lump to the radiographer, but lying down it might have been in a different area if that makes sense. Although she did seem to have a good old look around.

Anyway, I went back to the GP and I have another appointment to go back. Not for more scans, but just to see the consultant.

Do you think I can ask them to biopsy the area just to be sure? If so, will they be able to do it there and then or will I have to have another appointment?

I'm really worried but trying to get a handle on it. After all, they were happy to send me away, but I just don't feel like my mind is at rest.

I've also googled which brought up lots of stories of ultrasounds missing cancers, but then again, I did google "ultrasound missed breast cancer" so I guess I should have known better.

Sorry for the huge post. Thank you if you have got this far!

X

[Delatron]

Hi Laflotte,

I think although mammograms can often miss cancerous lumps, ultrasound is more accurate. To reassure you I have had breast cancer and it showed up straight away on an ultrasound. They can tell very clearly the difference between cysts, abnormal masses and normal breast tissue.

It's understandable you are still worried though so you could always push for an MRI which are more accurate? A biopsy is quite invasive and a bit painful, if they had any suspicions they would have given you one.

You can push for one though if it would put your mind at rest? I think have a detailed chat with the consultant and you may find they will give you more information which will reassure you. Either way it is your prerogative to ask for a second opinion or more tests. Good luck!

[LaFlotte]

Thank you so much for your reply. I hadn't thought about asking for an MRI but I will do that if I still don't feel reassured.

I am seeing one of the main consultants so will have a good chat. If he is happy with the diagnosis I think I will probably be ok to accept its nothing to worry about.

That's great to hear the US is reliable though. At least there was a little kind of peak of breast tissue, consistent with where the lump is so hopefully its nothing more than that.

My appointment is tomorrow at 1pm so fingers crossed.

Sorry to hear you have had breast cancer. I hope you are well now.

Thank you again for your help. I really appreciate it.

[Delatron]

It's good that you are seeing the main consultant. I am sure he will put your mind at rest. From what I remember there is a very clear difference on the US between normal and abnormal and if he goes through that with you hopefully you will feel more reassured.

I am fine now thanks, finished chemo a year ago. Good luck tomorrow.