Abnormal Mammogram & Ultrasound

[wolfmonkey]

I had my first mammogram this morning and it came back abnormal. The radiologist was called in during my ultrasound and she is recommending a surgeon to do a biopsy. It's never good when the tech. calls in the radiologist, right? I'm so nervous!!!

[japdip]

I really don't think the biopsy was "botched" the node may have been deep in the tissue but I'm a bit surprised that the Surgeon didn't "hunt" for it since that was the main objective of the biopsy. Things do often look different on film than when you actually get inside. It may have returned to it's normal size; just trying to think of why it wasn't there or at least readily visible. I don't know that I would go anywhere at the moment but when it's time for more films you might explore the possibility of a Breast MRI as a better form of imagery to see what's going on with the illusive lymph node. The benign report on the tissue is definitely GOOD and I know you're relieved about that.  Take care and thanks for the update.

[wolfmonkey]

My results say: Benign fatty tissue; no lymph node present. I suppose the lymph node is still under my arm. I'm glad the tissue was benign but I'm still very concerned about my "botched" biopsy. Wish it had been done right. I don't know where to go from here........

[wolfmonkey]

Thanks alot for replying. I'm hoping the node was lodged in the tissue. I will post my pathology results when I recieve them (hopefully by Friday). Thanks again :)

[japdip]

That is an odd one ..... I'm sure it didn't disappear and they are normally bean shaped but smaller than a lima bean as you describe so obviously it is enlarged. The only thing I can think of is that it was missed ... or perhaps it is contained in the tissue that was removed. The Pathology report will reveal this if that's the case. I'll be anxious to hear what's in the Path report regarding the specimen that was sent to the lab. Please post when you get the report, OK ??? The mystery just keeps getting deeper, doesn't it?   Take care ...

[wolfmonkey]

I HAVE A CONCERN: Surgeon did an ultrasound of suspected swollen lymph node in my armpit on Oct. 24. During the ultrasound we both could see what looked like a "lima bean" shaped axillary lymph node under the fat and muscle tissue. Had an incisional biopsy lastnight. Surgeon said once he openned the incision he couldn't find the node. He removed the fat and muscle tissue and sent that to pathology. My concern is- how can it show up on an ultrasound machine on the 24th but couldn't be found on the 25th? There is absolutely no way it could have just disappeared with 24 hours. It had been swollen for the last 2 months.

[japdip]

OK, thanks .... it's going to be a waiting game now and that's hard to deal with at times. Things just don't move as fast as we would like but you'll do OK; we've all had to wait and wait for what seemed like forever for results or appointments, etc. Maybe it builds character, who knows ?? Hang in there and it's always a good idea to be writing down any questions you might have .... remember the only "dumb" question is the one that goes unanswered because you didn't ask. Take care and keep in touch now.  All the best.

[wolfmonkey]

CT scan showed my spleen is swollen with no signs as to why. Next Wednesday I have a consultation with a surgeon to do a biopsy on the mass in my left breast.

[japdip]

Back after reading the previous post .... so what happened to the CT scans that were to be done today ??

[japdip]

Not necessarily .... The Radiologist is ALWAYS present when Ultrasound studies are donw ... they review the films as they are taken and most always speak to the patient before they leave the department. This is a normal progression when anything abnormal is found .... abnormal DOES NOT always mean Cancer though ... don't forget that!! I need to review your previous posts .... it's a good idea to continue to post "comments" on the original thread rather than start a new one but I may have additional comments here after I refresh my memory. Thanks ....