Nodule in Breast

[Rickey456]

I am 41 years of age and decided that I needed a mammography.  I was told that I needed to have another and an ultra sound.  I did not want to hear the news that they gave me, a nodule  that correlated with density seen on mammography. no evidence of increased blood flow, however may represent a cluster of cysts.  Further evaluation is a biopsy.  Needless to say I am a little "freaked out" and was wondering if anyone could tell me what to expect as far as this biopsy goes and any other helpful information you may have.  The nodule is hypoechoic and that is another term I was wondering if anyone could explain in layman's terms.  Thank you.

R

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Ricky456:  Hypoechoic means that the sound waves of the ultrasound did not pass through the density indicating that it is not a “run of the mill” cyst and that there are at least some solid components of the density.  The type of biopsy will likely depend upon the doctor.  In many cases it could be a mammogram or ultrasound guided needle biopsy.  In these cases, the breast is often numbed a bit, the image is taken (by whatever method) and the needle inserted and placement confirmed in the images.  Samples are taken and sent to pathology.  In most centers, it will take about a week to get results.  A band-aid may be applied to the needle site.  The breast may or may not be a bit sore.  You should get the specifics of the procedure to be done in your case explained to you as well.

[Rickey456]

Wow!  Very helpful and I thank you for the information.  I am glad this resource is available.  Thanks again.

Rickey