Breast Lump - What to do next?

[shelbysmom]

I am 28 years old. I found a lump in my breast that to me feels like the size of a small grape. My OBGYN said it was nothing but agreed to send me for a mammogram and ultrasound. Both reports were negative and saw no lump. I went to see a surgeon for a second opinion. This surgeon is not a breast specialist. She agrees I have a palpable lump but thinks that my breasts are nodular overall. She did not find the lump until after I pointed out where it is. I have not been doing monthly breast exams so I am not familiar with what is normal breast tissue for me which is unfortunate. This surgeon says we can 1) wait and see 2) order an MRI (which insurance won't likely pay for) and 3) remove the area. It's up to me. She didn't feel a biopsy (other than surgical excision) would be possible. I have absolutely no idea what to do. Any suggestions?

[Melzie]

I had found a lump in my breast months ago and finally went today to have just the ultrasound..Then after that the Radilogist came in and then did another check and then told the nurse to squeeze me in for a Mammogram..Well after that was done I went back and talked to the nurse and showed her where the lump was and then she also kept asking about a different area if it was checked? well then I went to sit back down and they had me come back for more pictures of that breast..I am so nervous....I have been sick for over two yrs with gastro problems and I am only 31 and now I am really worried...What should I think of all this..I only have family members like all three great aunts and a grandma that had breast cancer and I know they dont care about them cause they arent close relatives? Any suggestions would be great!!!

[shelbysmom]

Thanks for your help ladies. I decided to make an appointment with a breast specialist at a breast cancer center and see what they have to say.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear shelbysmom:  It is not uncommon for breast tissue to feel lumpy, having noticed a new lump it makes sense to have it evaluated as you have done.  Your options have been outlined, and you base your decision on what you're going to feel most comfortable with based on the recommendations. Another option would be to seek a second opinion from a breast specialist. Most of these are affiliated with large academic medical centers. A second opinion may help make appropriate recommendations as they relate to your situation and give you peace of mind.

[candywoman]

I believe you should get the MRI first rather than getting your breast cut on. If the MRI shows any trouble then get it cut out. You can live with a begnine lump. I have some.

[wvwmyn]

My Nurse Practitioner found a lump in my left breat in May. I went for a diagnostic mamogram and ultrasound - both were negative. However, the lump was present and could be felt by everyone. My GYN referred me to a surgeon who is not a breast specialist, but has done many non-invasive type breast surgeries. I was told that we could monitor the lump and see if it changes in a few months, or do a needle biopsy. The problem w/a needle biopsy is it is only conclusive if it is positive - if it comes back negative, which mine did, you again have to decide if you want to monitor things or have the lump removed for testing. I really didn't want to take any chances so I had the lump removed. It was negative and with no other risk factors invovled; I believe all is well.  It is hard to decide what to do when things "point" to the negative and benign, but are not 100% conclusive. I opted to be as sure as I could be. Some folks are fine just keeping a close eye on things. I belive if you go straight to the MRI, your insurance won't cover it. If you take these steps, it may. However, the MRI is pretty conclusive and far less invasive than surgery. If you have the funds, from what I've read, the MRI is a good option.