Breast Lump

[aprilynn]

I am 27 years old, I have had three children and breast fed them all...but I have been done with all of that for a long time now. I recently found a breast lump on my left breast, I had my annual check up and my doctor told me that he wanted me to go get an ultrasound and a diagnostic mamogram. He actually made the appointment for me, it is in 2 days...only less than a week since I saw my Phys. So I decided to feel around a bit and I discovered another one on the other side, I called and they said that they would have the mamo and ultrasound on both sides...then she said "as soon as we get confirmation we will discuss our next step". I am so scared! How serious could this be? And how can I tell by feeling if it is a cyst or if it is cancer?

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
A consult for biopsy would ean that the breast surgeon or interventional radiologist will decided whether a biopsy is needed, from what site will the biopsy be taken, what type of biopsy procedure would be best in your case. It is important that you meet the doctor and discuss all this, before you actually get a biopsy done.
You should also in turn, clear any doubts you have about the procedure, the post operative complications and the pain relief medication they would be giving if required. Then a date for the biopsy would be scheduled depending on the urgency they think on examination and their availability.
You can also tell them about your being anxious to get to a diagnosis at the earliest pssible.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[aprilynn]

Thank you. I went to the appointment and the woman did an ultra sound, she then cancelled my mamo??? She was very patronizing as far as I am concerned. She said that it was nothing. That it was likely just breast tissue that I have always had there yet never noticed! I am sorry but NO. This is a huge lump, I can see it and I can pinch it between my fingers. It is not nothing. So I called my doctor who was irate with the way they treated me. He assured me that it was something, not just imaginary. He felt it too. So he referred me to a breast specialist for a biopsy. When they called they told me that it was actually a consult for biopsy. What does this mean? Is there a chance that they will just do the biopsy? I am wanting results sooner rather than later.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You would be able to clear a few of your doubts for sure. Whether it looks benign or malignant, whetehr any further investigation is required, whether you need to take any medication. Ask any doubts that you might have so that you know what is the diagnosis your doctor is keeping. Goodluck with the appointment.

[aprilynn]

Thank you...I am just one of those obsessive people, it is in my nature to worry. Two days feels like forever to me right now. Am I even going to know anything at that appointment?

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
The chances that the breast lump is malignant are very low. But a full work-up is required before a diagnosis is established and to rule out a malignancy. It is very difficult for you to differentiate on the basis of self breast exam whether this is a cyst or cancerous mass lesion. Relax and get the mammogram and USG done and discuss with the radiologist your report. Also ask them for a copy of the report. Goodluck.