HYPOECHOIC MASS

[MERC38]

I HAD A MAMO AND ULTRASOUND AND RESULTS WERE LARGE RIGHT OUTER QUADRANT MASS AT 10 O'CLOCK POSITION.A MODERATELY LARGE HYPOECHOIC MASS.ARCHITECTURAL DISTORTION IN THIS REGION.  COULD THIS BE BENIGN?   I AM TERRIFIED THIS IS MAIIGNANT.
                  THANK YOU



This discussion is related to What is a hypoechoic mass.

[japdip]

As a rule with lymph node involvement, Chemotherapy is recommended and possibly radiation following that and hormonal therapy (depending on the positivity for Estrogen of the cancer). This is just noting the "usual" .... the Oncologist will formulate a specific treatment program after reviewing all of your records including all Pathology reports. I'm sure your Surgeon didn't tell you anything because that's not his field .... it's such an individual thing and that's the Oncologists field. I'm sorry for your diagnosis but you can do this... you have a good attitude and the resolve to do whatever is necessary for a good recovery. Stay positive and approach it like a job that needs to be done ... one step at a time.  Take care and keep me posted .....

[MERC38]

good morning
my biopsy showed cancer in some lymp nodes under arm but dr said he got all cancer
from breast.He is sending me to a radiologist next week and then to an oncologist
following week. Have any idea as to what treatment they might do? Ask dr but he
didn't know or isn't telling me.
Hope you are doing well?
                               MERC38

[japdip]

Unless he has the Pathology report I'm not sure how your Surgeon would know with 100% certainty about either of the statements he made. Aside from that .... clear margins means that the required amount of tissue surrounding the suspicious area or tumor has been removed; and it is free of cancer cells. Back to my first comment; that is usually determined by the Pathologist when the tissue is examined under the microscope. The next step will be a referral to an Oncologist who will have all the information necessary to formulate a treatment program for your particular case. You didn't mention this but was any lymph node testing done ?? Perhaps the sentinel node was removed as some testing of lymph nodes is always required to see if there has been any involvement in the lymphatic system. You may be informed of this when you see the Surgeon for your follow-up visit as well as a detailed explanation of your Pathology report. Anyway I'm glad the lumpectomy went well and now on with treatment.   Take care ....  

[MERC38]

Hi
Sorry i didn't respond sooner.Had lumpdectomy a little sore but haven't gotten results yet. After operation DR said i would not need another surgery as he had gotten clear
margins.Do you know what that means? He did said it was cancer but thats all he said.
Go back to him in a week for check up but i'm still worried. Any thoughts to what this
is all about?  
           THANKS
                           MERC38

[MERC38]

thanks for your concern.I'll be sure to let you know outcome.
                                                                 merc38

[japdip]

It is true that spiculated masses are of more concern but masses with smooth edges are found to be cancerous so it will have to rest on the results of the excisional biopsy. The presence of calcifications merely indicate that the breast tissue is reacting to the abnormality within. Often in the absence of an actual mass or lump they are the first clue that something is going on within the breast. I won't even attempt to tell you not to worry ... we all do that the minute we know that something is wrong and especially when it deals with breast cancer. If you can get past the worry (which I doubt) you should start thinking ... if it does prove to be cancer then set your mind on that it's one step at a time and give yourself over to whatever treatment is recommended and know that this is a VERY survivable disease. I'm one of those people who tries to imagine the worst and prepare by making a plan and then I usually make a plan for that plan. It works well for me and it's such a pleasant surprise when the worst doesn't happen. I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday and please keep me informed .... ask whatever concerns you and we'll try to be of some help.  

[MERC38]

thank you for your reply
i am due for  a excisional biopsy of right breast and a excisional biopsy nodule right
axilla on tues nov25 . On mamo lump edges looked rugged looked like spikes this is why i fear it's cancer. report reads moderately large mass 'Mass is spiculated with associated architectural distortion in this region.there are some enlarged lymph nodes in right axilla.the remainder of right breast shows no definitive masses.there are a couple of calcifications adjacent to right breast mass that appear rounded and coarse.could you please get back to me asap with your thoughts as to what you think.
I am crazy with worry. thank you again
                                                       merc38

[japdip]

Was any type of biopsy recommended following your Mammogram & Ultrasound ?? Unless a diagnosis was made on the strength of the films alone I would think this would be the next step. Ofen a BIRADS score (from 0 to 5) is assigned to the tests and stated in the reports. The mass could certainly be benign or could also be cancerous. Would like to hear more about the reports and the recommendation for further investigation.  Regards ....