understanding?????

[fish4free]

I have had a abnormal mammagram that found a mass on my chest wall.  However, though the years I have had a very bad numbness on the breast that the mass was found.  This has been going on for a few years now.  My last breast exam was 8 years ago (I know).  They have of course called me back for more images and an ultra sound.  Any help to help ease the mind?

thanks lisa

[ncmichigan]

Hi, Lisa,
I just want to add my good wishes that your chest wall mass is benign. I'm sure your radiologist will recommend whatever additional testing is needed
to clarify what this mass is. I would just like to reinforce the need to follow through on whatever follow up is recommended. Waiting between breast exams and mammograms can mean the difference between finding something in the early stages when it's highly treatable and finding it when treatment may be too late. Please take better care of yourself in the future, OK? We want all women to have the best possible chance to beat cancer if it's found.However, the odds are in your favor for benign findings since about 80% of masses are benign. Please let us know how you're doing, if you wish, by adding to this thread after additional testing is completed. We do care and wish you all the very best.
Hugs,
nc

[zouzi]

Hi Lisa,
There are so many conditions that could cause breast numbness that it's impossible to say if the mass detected in your breast is even related to that.
When a mammogram shows a density that needs further investigation, the first thing that occurs is to compare the current mammogram to older mammograms to see if anything has changed.Since you haven't had a mammogram recently for comparison,the next step is to do a spot compression mammogram that will focus on the area of concern.
There is a wide variety of chest wall disorders that could be benign in nature,but no one can know for sure what it could be until more investigation is done.
Hoping that there is nothing serious at all, and wishing you benign findings.
Good luck!