"Just breast tissue"

[aprilynn]

If I had an ultrasound and the tech said to me "It is just breast tissue" when myself and my doctor can feel a large lump, what does this mean? Is "just breast tissue" able to be biopsied? I do not understand. There is a lump, it is there and has not been there my whole life, only a few months. What does it mean when they say it is just breast tissue? I am going to have a biopsy tomorrow, or at least a consult for one. Will they do a biopsy? I am so flustered and need some straight forward answer, I am kind of an information junkie so anything will help. Thank you.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
What is your age? Did you have a mammogram done? What does the report say? It would be best to try to relax and discuss with him what he thinks as the most probable diagnosis.
You can ask him about whether a biopsy would help to reach a confirmed diagnosis. A biopsy is uaully done only in case the diagnosis is in doubt or malignancy needs to be ruled out. You would still be having the hormonal changes and so a breast changes related to hormonal fluctuations could still occur.
Do you have any other abnormal symptoms like nipple discharge or skin changes? Have you noticed any change in the size of the lump?
Read about fibradenomas and see if your symptoms match, discuss this with your doctor too. Goodluck.

[aprilynn]

If it is in fact part of my lobule will they do a biopsy on this? And I do not have my periods due to the IUD I had placed three years ago, could it still be hormonal? Even if I do not really have a cycle?
Thank you for replying to this.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Breast ultrasound will differentiate a cystic from a solid breast mass depending on the sonogram features.  This procedure can characterize solid masses and also helps during the biopsy process for localization.  Also, it can detect occult breast cancers.  However, this procedure has limited sensitivity and has false-positive results, and dependent on the expertise of the sonologist.
Mammography is still the standard of care in breast cancer screening.
"It is just a breast tissue" may mean that the features seen by the sonologist are not consistent with either a cyst or a solid mass.  The large lump could be a part of your breast lobule, which is related to hormonal changes especially during menses.
I agree with your decision to have another consult with your doctor.
Good luck.