Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
24 with a breast lump and not sure about medical advice
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.
24 with a breast lump and not sure about medical advice
by NJSW, Jun 09, 2003 12:00AM
I am 24 years old and 2 months ago found a lump on the right breast just left and above the nipple. I had been doing breast self exams before and knew that this was for sure something different. I scheduled a Dr.'s appt and went in for an exam. I was referred for a mammogram and sonogram soon after. The mammogram and ultrasound both came up negative, however the radiologist could also feel a medium sized palpable mass. I was then referred to a breast specialist and was confused when I left the office that day. The specialist looked at the films of my previous appt and said they looked very good, but decided to a sonogram herself. On sonogram she said that it was not a cyst and that it was a hard mass. She said that it did not look like breast cancer on sonogram but did not know for sure. The specialist then said that I could schedule surgery to have it removed and then she could send it for biopsy or she could take a biopsy if I wanted, but then she said if it were her that she would wait 4 months, see what the lump did and come back for another appt. My situation is that right now I don't have insurance for another 30 days and I told her that I would like to know what the lump was, but the answer I received then was that at my age it was very unlikely that it was cancer and that I should come back in 4 months for a f/u. I am a RN and I know that it is rare for a girl my age to have breast cancer, but I also know that it is possible. For 2 months I have been worried. Was this advice aggressive enough or should I have a second opinion?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jun 09, 2003 12:00AM
Dear NJSW, It's not possible to say for sure that this is or is not cancer. Findings from exam, health history, testing all are taken into account as being more or less suspicious. The experience of the breast specialist is also a consideration. The recommendation to wait was made prior to the insurance issue being raised, so it does not sound like that was a main factor influencing the recommendation to wait. It is true that breast cancer in a 24 year old is uncommon, however, not impossible. It is difficult to tell you what to do, if waiting the next 4 months is going to drive you crazy, talk to the breast specialist again, and tell her you want to proceed with some type of biopsy rather than wait. Perhaps only waiting the 30 days until insurance can cover the costs, would save you that worry too.
I just turned 30. I have no hx of BC in my family. I breastfed all 3 of my children. I had minor exposure to birth control pills. So- no apparent risk factors. I've been dx'ed with Stage IIIb BC......so it may be uncommon....but uncommon enough to take the gamble? I wouldn't........