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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
A scared 27 year old
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
A scared 27 year old
by JennyK, Dec 09, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 27 year old women in otherwise wonderful health. Five years ago I had two fibroadenomas removed from my right breast. I recently began to experience some pain in the same breast and after visiting my doctor was sent for an ultrasound and mammagram. After those were reviewed the radiologist noted several new cysts which he recommended I have aspirated for further analysis. I have several concerns and questions. 1. Is this something that could be indicative of my potential to have breast cancer at a later point in life? 2. How often do women my age experience cysts? 3. I had a horrible experience with my first surgery (the local anesthesia was not placed in the right location the first time around so I was able to feel the surgeon cutting me...) and as a result am somewhat panicked about the aspiration procedure. Any advice for how to relax? 4. Is there anything I could be doing to improve my overall breast health? 5. I plan to have a family at some point in my life and I would very much like to breast feed my children. Is there any potential that my previous surgery OR this aspiration procedure could make that difficult? 6. Could anyone refer me to a web site or chat room that might be able to offer me further support from women my age who are experiencing these kinds of things... Thank you for any and all of your advice. Peace.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Dec 10, 2002 12:00AM
Dear JennyK, 1. Presence of cysts/fibroadenomas is not a risk factor for developing breast cancer, however the occurrence of these need to evaluated to be sure they are cysts or fibroadenomas. 2. The occurrence of cysts varies some women are more prone to them, some women will get one and not get any more. 3. Prior to the procedure make sure your doctor is aware of your prior experience and your fears, ask what to expect, most will try to make the procedure as comfortable as possible and try to ease your fears. 4. If you are asking how to prevent the cysts from recurring, there is not a simple answer, some recommend avoiding caffeine. Obesity with excess caloric and fat intake, is a risk factor for developing breast cancer, so lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight are recommended. 5. There shouldn't be a problem with these procedures interfering with your ability to breast feed future children but you should pose this question to your doctor who would have more information about the particulars of your situation and the procedures being done or have been done. 6. I'll leave that open to others comments - if they have found sites (other than this one) available that are what you might be looking for.
You can look for someone to chat with right here on this site. I met a wonderful lady here some years ago and we have become great friends. Good luck!
Well, he took it out. I now have invasive ductal carcinoma with in-situ carcinoma. Have gone through 2 surgeries since 11/14, and will be undergoing chemo and radiation in the very near future. Insist on any surgeon does a tissue biopsy not just an aspiration. They may draw the fluid from the clean area of the growth missing anything that my be dangerous. Not all of a lump or tumor has to be cancerous. If only a few centimeters are, thats a few too many, and chances are the surgeon will miss it with a simply aspiration. Good luck, and my thoughts are with you.