Breast nodules

[fefe43]

I had a cat scan done and they found a breast nodule in my right breast which was never there before, I have had mamograms before.  I do a self breast examine often and I never felt a thing, are breast nodules usually cancer or what are they exaclty.   Thank you

[dancingwithin]

Hi~
last week they found three noduals in my breast in left8 mm the other two are in my right and are 4.6 mm and a 6 mm i will have an ultrasound this wednesday, however i am so scared and trying  to assume it's cancer, any thoughts?

thanks you so much

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

breast nodules can both be benign and cancerous.  This would depend on the appearance of the nodule on these imaging studies.  Clues towards a cancer diagnosis would include a nodule with irregular gritty borders, or a nodule that is associated with a skin dimple.  If the nodule has smooth edges, then it is likely that this is benign.  However, if really equivocal, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the exact nature of this nodule.  Biopsy would come in the form of needle biopsy, or an excision biopsy which would require the removal of the entire nodule surgically.

Regards.