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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
biopsy
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.
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biopsy
by sjulia, Aug 05, 2005 12:00AM
Hi everybody.I’ve previously posted the question about the density in the outer part of my breast,which didn’t show on mammo&Ultrasound.So,after I read comments and other postings,I was still concerned since the mass was very palpable and went to the breast surgeon.After he examined me and looked at the films,he did the needle aspiration and now I’m waiting for the results.The surgeon seemed to me very confident ,but the only fact he thought I needed biopsy scared me to death!That’s because I thought I had nothing,just dense breast tissue,but now I have a lump,and it’s scary.So,can somebody ease my mind by commenting on the following questions:
1.What’s the difference between screening and diagnostic mammo-I mean,I had a diagnostic one and it still did not show the lump-isn’t that strange?
2.Why didn’t ultrasound show any mass or lump?(I mean-OK,my brests are really dense,so mammo is not very helpful,but what about US?)
3.Is it still possible that I don’t have a lump,but just the dense overlapping tissue-or the fact that the surgeon performed biopsy necesserally means I have a lump?
4.Ddoes any lump has to be removed?
Thanks,you comments are very hel[ful
1.What’s the difference between screening and diagnostic mammo-I mean,I had a diagnostic one and it still did not show the lump-isn’t that strange?
2.Why didn’t ultrasound show any mass or lump?(I mean-OK,my brests are really dense,so mammo is not very helpful,but what about US?)
3.Is it still possible that I don’t have a lump,but just the dense overlapping tissue-or the fact that the surgeon performed biopsy necesserally means I have a lump?
4.Ddoes any lump has to be removed?
Thanks,you comments are very hel[ful
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 05, 2005 12:00AM
Dear sjulia: A screening mammogram generally takes two views of each breast, one top to bottom and one "sideways." Diagnostic mammography is an x-ray exam of the breasts that is performed in order to evaluate a breast complaint or abnormality detected by physical exam or routine screening mammography. Diagnostic mammography is different from screening mammography in that additional views of the breast are usually taken, as opposed to two views typically taken with screening mammography. Thus, diagnostic mammography is usually more time-consuming and costly than screening mammography. The goal of diagnostic mammography is to pinpoint the exact size and location of breast abnormality. It is not uncommon for a palpable lump to be absent on mammography film, particularly if the tissue is very dense. Ultrasounds are best at differentiating between a solid structure and a cystic (fluid-filled) structure.
It is still possible that the lump you feel is dense tissue or some other benign entity. There are many reasons why a surgeon may perform a biopsy including, something suspicious, to be certain that there is nothing concerning, to better define the "density," or even to help relieve your mind. You might benefit from a discussion with your surgeon as to the reason he/she did the biopsy in your case. If the lump is benign and is not bothering you, it may not be necessary to remove it.
It is still possible that the lump you feel is dense tissue or some other benign entity. There are many reasons why a surgeon may perform a biopsy including, something suspicious, to be certain that there is nothing concerning, to better define the "density," or even to help relieve your mind. You might benefit from a discussion with your surgeon as to the reason he/she did the biopsy in your case. If the lump is benign and is not bothering you, it may not be necessary to remove it.
Member Comments (3)
by tatshac, Aug 06, 2005 12:00AM
i'm 43 ive had my my share of manmmos i had a mammogram and it came back abnormal then i had a ultrasound that showed a solid mass the doctor did a steriostatic biopsy, results were find. thats the right breast .the left breast he feels a lump but it doesn't show up on a mammo or a ultrasound that breast is so uncomfortable my right shoulder is very painful at times. i don't know if this has anything to do with it or not it seems like i just cannot find a doctor who cares and will do ther best to find out what's wrong so much is going on with my body from welts that has appeared on every part of my body some look like long scatches like i've been clawed some like little pimples all kinds of shapes they come when they want to which is pretty much every day i think it is something in the blood but don't know what tests to ask for can anyone help i have so many so many symptoms i just don't know what they mean right now i can just feel the lumps in my breast and they hurt it feel so full and heavy i do weigh 220 somethings up i just don't know what can anyone help
by deevee, Aug 13, 2005 12:00AM
To: Tatshac
The Cleveland Clinic staff only answers the original question, not any of the responses. You might want to re-post using "Post a Question" to get a response for your questions. If your doctor gave a diagnosis for the left breast's palpable lump, that would be important information to include. Also, has your primary doctor diagnosed the cause of the welts or have you seen a dermatologist? Good luck to you in finding the answers you need!
