I'm worried this may have made things worse

[suzieb54]

I was 56 in July, Type II Diabetic and Hypothyroid.  I have some worries and concerns about core biopsies and am generally confused so I wonder is someone can explain things to me.  I have been too stressed to take in much verbal information. Just over a week ago I found a lump under the areola of my right breast and visited my doctor. He described it as a 'thickening'. I was referred to a breast clinic where I had a mammogram.  The lump did not show up on this but an area of micro-calcifications (about 6 tiny grains) did in the upper left portion of the breast.  I am completely confused as the two areas are not connected in any way and I don't know which is more serious or if they are equally serious. I then had a diagnostic mammogram to magnify the micro-calcifications. The following day I had an ultrasound and the 'lump' was detected.  It looked like a cyst but on closer inspection it seemed to extend further. The doctor showed me on the scan that it went from my milk duct to the lump. He mentioned DCIS but I don't know whether he was referring to the lump or to the calcifications. He did a core biopsy and then 15 minutes later I had a further core biopsy on the calcifications whilst being clamped and compressed on a mammography machine for over 40 minutes.  This was due to a malfunction with the needle they were using.   After I had both of the biopsies I bled quite a bit and the nurse applied a lot of pressure to both sites for what seemed like an age.  I was in a lot of pain and could not breathe she was pressing so hard.  I am now worried that all this applied pressure and 40 minute compression with yesterdays procedure and the diagnostic mammogram the day before may have made something burst out of the duct.  Is this possible?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear suzieb54:  No, compression will not cause anything to burst.  You may have a hematoma (bruise) from the biopsy and the nurse placing pressure may have been to minimize the bleeding and bruising.  If you are concerned, you may want to call the office and discuss further.

[suzieb54]

The nurse said it is in the duct not in the lobe.  It is right under the areola and I have been told they cannot spare my nipple.  I know it's illogical but I am completely shocked and horrified at this and no matter how many times people tell me that this is better than dying I can't shake the fear and sadness. Thank you for your reply.

[SueYoung55]

If it didn't show up on mammogram it may be invasive lobular carcinoma. Symptoms are a) you're a woman and b) you have a thickening of breast tissue.

ILC tends to show up best on an MRI and sometimes on ultrasound but can be invisible on mammogram.

Best wishes.

[suzieb54]

Thank you, I did have several bruises as predicted.  I was just afraid that the breast may have been damaged and that the injury may cause more problems.

I now have my results and have been told that the tumour behind my nipple is cancerous. The micro calcifications were benign. I live in the UK so am unsure whether this will mean anything to you but the Breast Care Nurse visited me today and told me that it will most probably turn out to be DCIS as it appears to be contained within the duct but until I have a wide local excision they won't be able to tell.  This is scheduled for about 5 weeks time. It has been classified as a B5c carcinoma of non assessable invasiveness. I am unsure why it would be non assessable and I don't really understand what the implications of this is.  The nurse was unable to give me any clarification.  Can you help me to understand please by explaining things so they are clearer to me.  Thank you for your help.