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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Another tumor
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.
Another tumor
by azure, Jul 18, 2002 12:00AM
I had some microcalcifications in my left breast last year, no palpable lump and nothing shown in ultrasound. The result of core biopsy in Dec was negative. I had another ultrasound after the core biopsy and no lump was detected. In January, I found a lump in that area and I have always thought that it is just scar tissue. I had follow up mammogram last week and the lump is not shown in the mammogram. I saw my breast surgeon yesterday, he took some cells/tissues out using a needle and commented that the lump is a tumor, not scar tissue or cyst. He recommends surgical removal if the needle biopsy did not give conclusive result. Now I wonder, is it possible that a tumor will form in just one month? In addition, this is the third time in 3 years I found a new breast lump in Jan. The first one is a fibroadenoma, second one is a high grade DCIS and now this one. I feel so frustrated, I am 37 and I can't stand having a lump and surgical biopsy every year for the next 10-20 years. Why would I have so many tumors? Do I have hormonal problem? But my DCIS is ER negative and the non-neoplastic cells only show mild and moderate staining.
In addition, I have extremely dense breast tissue and the mammogram cannot detect the lumps every time and I wonder if it is worth doing the mammogram every year in my case.
In addition, I have extremely dense breast tissue and the mammogram cannot detect the lumps every time and I wonder if it is worth doing the mammogram every year in my case.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Jul 18, 2002 12:00AM
Dear azure: If you had high grade DCIS, was radiation offered? Were the margins clear after excision? With a history of DCIS, the probability is higher for additional breast cancer problems to arise. Although mammography is not a perfect test, it is the best available. Given your history, I would not recommend getting a mammogram any less than once a year. You may also consider getting another opinion from a breast specialist who can work with you on your specific situation as to what the best screening/treatment options should be.
