BIRAD3 and lymph nodes

[siga88]

Hi, back in January my mamogram showed a 8mm lump (BIRAD-3) so they asked me to go back for a follow up mamogram in 6 months which i did yesterday.  The 8mm lump continues the same size.  I also had an ultrasound that shows two lymph nodes "benign" which were not there 6 months ago. The radiologist recommendation is to wait for another 6 months.  Is this the right approach?  would an MRI help to figure out if i should get a biopsy done? The breast specialist told me a few months back that doing a biopsy will be difficult since the lump is located in the musculature in the right breast - and the lump is very small - hard to reach with a needle.  what should i do?
thanks,

[zouzi]

You are welcome,
I am surprised that only your right breast was X-rayed ,unless you are talking about a "Diagnostic Mammogram". In a screening mammogram, each breast is X-rayed in two different positions.Only a diagnostic mammogram is done on the breast that needs more clarification.A diagnostic mammograms differ from screening mammograms in that the exam focuses specifically only on the breast where an area of tissue appeared abnormal in a screening mammogram.
The report you received from your doctor is not worrisome,but your Doctor should be able to explain everything to you in details regarding the findings.
I know waiting for your next follow-up can be stressful,but please don't worry,this is standard procedure when abnormalities don't look suspicious .
Take care...

[siga88]

Thanks for the feedback and explanation of the MRI.  

I just got the report from the doctor and this is what it says:  Category 3, "8mm asymetry in the superior right breast.  no architectural distortion or suspicious cluster of calcification"
also found in the ultrasound: an 8mm cluster of simple cysts that doesn't correspond to the mammographic abnormality.  In addition there are benigh lymph nodes in the right axilla  (one 1.1cm and another 1.5cm).

Shouldn't they have done a mamogram of my left breast too?
Agree that this may just need a follow up again in another 6 months .....  but it is hard to wait!
thanks

[zouzi]

Hi,
Category 3 means "probably Benign" and that there are no suspicious lesions, masses, or calcifications to report, but follow-up is needed to make sure that there are no changes.
Breast MRI is usually recommended for screening women who are at high risk for breast cancer, usually due to a strong family history or if the breasts are extremely dense.I don't think your Doctor would recommend a MRI or a biopsy at this time,since the  lump is very small, has not changed in size and it doesn't look suspicious on films.Although a breast MRI test is more sensitive in detecting cancers than mammograms,it also has a major disadvantage that can often result in false positives...meaning that the test finds something that looks suspicious but turns out not to be cancer.
In my opinion waiting 6 months for a follow-up is the right approach when a BIRADS score 3 is assigned on your Mammogram and Ultrasound report.
If you are worried,please discuss your concern with your Doctor who will be able to reassure and put your mind at ease.
Wishing you all the best!