Breast Pain

[Diane595]

I have had two mamograms and two ultrasound of my left breast thus far; that last showed that the spot on my left breast has grown.  I am scheduled for a third in December.  I have a strong family history of breast cancer, inlcuding an uncle who died of breast cancer.  Shoud I wait that long or go to a specialist right now.  I do have breast pain; however, the concentration is on my left breast, but my right nipple is tender.  I also feel that my area above my left breast leading up to my clavicle sits high. Please advise.

Thanks

[zouzi]

You are welcome Diane,
The mass around the collarbone area could be a swollen lymph node that often enlarges due to viruses or bacteria somewhere in the body.But of course it should be investigated.
As a first step to see your Gynecologist is a good thing,but since you say that you have a strong family history of BC,and that you just found this mass near your clavicle,I think it would be better to consult a Breast Specialist who is highly experienced with all types of breast issues.
I wish you well and I am hopeful that there is nothing to worry about...

[Diane595]

Thanks for your response.  However, I now have found that I have a mass above my breast toward my clavicle.  This concerns me so I have scheduled an appt. to see my GYN tomorrow.  I don't want to wait too late for something to be caught.  I am not usually fearful or overly concerned about any medical condition of my own, but this time I can say that I am fearful.  I need some assurance so that I relax my mind about this.

[zouzi]

Hi,
First of all,the lesion in your breast doesn't look suspicious.Experienced Radiologists are highly trained to identify typically benign breast lumps depending on their characteristics.If no suspicion is detected a biopsy is not required to prevent unnecessary procedures.Also breast pain is rarely a symptom of breast cancer.
The good news is that the overwhelming majority of breast abnormalities are not cancer.Most often it may just be an area of thicker or more dense breast tissue,a cysts or a Fibroadenomas (both benign). These lumps are very common and are known to increase in size and tenderness due to hormonal changes.
There is a category number assigned on your Mammogram and Ultrasound report called  BI-RADS.(Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System).
This system is used by radiologist to categorize how suspicious an abnormality is.The scores go from 0 to 5.The higher the score the more suspicious are the findings.The number assigned on your x-rays and Ultrasound report could be "Category 3,"which means "probably benign findings" to have suggested a short-interval follow-up.( check your report or call the radiologist to find out about your BIRADS score)
Waiting 3 months is standard procedure to check for any changes that may occur,but if it makes you uncomfortable waiting, due to your family history of BC,or if you have any doubts at all,then you could certainly consult a Breast Specialist to review your mammograms and Ultrasound films for a second opinion.
Wishing you all the best!