The Aunt would be considered a first degree relative of your mother but not you. First degree relatives are Mother, Father, Brother, Sister. (yours I mean). Oh I'm all for further investigation; I was just pointing out that most needle biopsies are done with the guidance of Ultrasound and in your case (if the reading of the US was correct) that would be difficult. Have you asked about Breast MRI ?? Excellent investigational tool, especially for women with dense breast tissue when Mammograms fall a bit short. Just a suggestion. Regards ....
Fair enough! I'll see what happens next week anyway. I'll discuss my options with my doctor. Wouldn't they consider my aunt (Mom's sis.) to be a first degree relative. Because my mom's aunt (my aunt's aunt - her mom's sis.) got the same disease as well. so, I thought the disease might be inherited. Well, it could be not, but because my ultrasound showed nothing and the lump still exists, I thought there's no harm undergoing further investigations. It's better to discover the disease now before it's too late.
thanks again for spending some of your time replaying to this.
regards,
First degree relatives are what constitute family history (mother / sister). In order for a biopsy to be done a specific area must be first located by either Mammogram or Ultrasound ... most needle type biopsies are done with Ultrasound guidance. If the Ultrasound shows nothing I'm not sure what they will biopsy or even if the Radiologist would be willing to do one. Some type of test needs to demonstrate an area of suspiscion before any invasive procedure can be done properly. Regards ...
Japdip thanks for replaying. I do agree with you that in my age it is less likely and uncommon to get cancer, still I still have a chance to get it espicially with a history of the same type in my family from my mom's side. To be honest, when I saw my ultrasound myself it relieved me but now after I read these articles about ultrasound and how it can actually miss solid lumps, I am a bit concerned. In the day of ultrasound my doctor suggested a needlestick test, I think I got a bit scared so I told him " why? my ultrasound showed nothing?" lol I feel stupid now for not doing this needle test. I think I'll request a biopsy, since it's the most realistic one of these, and I'll ask for another ultrasound. i don't know what breast MRI is, eventhough I heard it very often. I'll have a read about it.
Thanks for your replay again. I do appreciate it.
best regards,
At your age breast cancer would be quite unusual. You describe multiple lumps in your breasts which are more than likely as a result of Fibrocystic Breast Condition which is fairly common .. nearly 50% of women have this cystic condition. Since you had an Ultrasound that didn't indicate any findings that were cause for concern If a biopsy were indicated you would have been referred to a Surgeon. If you are very concerned you might request either another Ultrasound or a Mammogram. Breast tissue in women in your age group is often quite dense so a Mammogram might not show much.
Both Ultrasound and Mammogram can detect abnormalities that may be suspicious for cancer and if these areas are found then a biopsy is recommended. Breast MRI is the most sensitive and can be valuable if the breast tissue is dense. Regards ..