Brest lump

[miltonfriedmanlives]

Hello, my mother just got back from a follow up check-up where her doctor told her that there is a lump inside of her right breast with the measurements of 1 cm. by .8 cm by .8cm. I have two questions: first, can a lump be caused by an automobile accident as the seatbelt she was wearing during the accident made an impact of sorts in her right breast. Second, are those measurements small enough that it can be removed without problem if it needs to be? Thank you so much any of your help in this matter.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

An injury or trauma causing a lump is rare. The lump could have been present but never noticed before.

I think you should get a proper clinical examination and investigations done to come to a confirmed diagnosis.

Has a mammogram and ultrasound been done? What do the reports say?

Whether an excisional biopsy - complete removal of the lump is possible or not depends on the site of the lump any associated features, what your radiologist and doctor thinks is the best option in your mother's case.

Are there any associated skin changes or nipple discharge?

Do consult your doctor, have him/her have a look at it and then decide the further course of management.

Do let us know about how she is doing.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[miltonfriedmanlives]

Thank you for your rapid response Doctor. I have another question: can a benign lump ever turn into something malignant over time? I guess I am asking this because if the lump is found to be benign, should it be removed anyway? As to your question about a mammogram and ultrasound, a mammogram and a sonogram was done about a month ago. Thank you again.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I am glad the post was of some help to you.

Well, the chances that a benign lump turns malignant are very less. But a regular breast self examination and periodic six monthly or annual clinical examinations by a doctor are still advised. Your mother would also be advised annual mammograms.

How much duration has passed since the accident. if its been quite some time - this lump could in fact be scar tissue , fat necrosis or come calcifications post injury.

What do the ultrasound and mammogram reports say?

The lump is removed if it is found to be suspicious or if your mother or doctor decides that it would be best to have it removed.

Do let us know about how your mother is doing and what did the doctor advise.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[miltonfriedmanlives]

Thanks once again for a fast response. The accident occurred in January of 2007; so about one year ago. The reports didn't say much other than the size of the lump and that she should have further tests done. I have another question: What does the needle biopsy prove? Also, I have read somewhere that nine out of ten times, lumps are found to be benign, is this true? Once again, thanks for your concern and your quick responses.

Nathan.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Yes most lumps are usually benign.

But they are investigated further to have a confirmed diagnosis and to rule out a malignant lesion.

A needle biopsy is a procedure done under local anesthesia and it involves taking out cells from the lump site which are then sent for lab examination.

These cells are then examined for malignant changes.

Do let us know if you have any more doubts.
I am glad the previous posts were of help to you.
Do keep us posted.
Good luck.

[miltonfriedmanlives]

I just got further details on the test and it says that the mass has an irregular shape and is spiculated. It also says that the mass is hypoechoic. Are the chances of malignancy greatly increased because of this? My mother is going for a needle biopsy on Tuesday, so I pray that all will go well. I once again want to thank you for your quick and thoughtful responses.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

The radiological finding of an irregular shape and spiculated margins do tend to point towards cancer.

But, that is just a possibilty. Nothing can be said with surety without a biopsy report.

Do not worry, let her get the needle aspiration done and wait for the reports to come in.

Good luck and best wishes.