Too young???

[sarahk82]

I am 26 years old, and I found a lump in my breast back in January.  I went to my gynocologist about it a few weeks ago, who told me to have an ultrasound.  After they ultrasound was completed, they wanted me to have a mammogram, and after the mammogram, I was advised by the radiologist to have a biopsy.  The radiologist said it was a BIRADS category 4 and looked suspicious.  I went to a breast surgeon about having the biopsy, but she said she didn't think I needed to have the biopsy since I'm so young and I have no history of breast cancer.  She said the chance was so small that I should just watch the lump and maybe have another ultrasound in a year.  Does this sound right?  The whole category 4 thing makes me very nervous, but I guess the chances of it being anything are so very slim....any advice?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

BIRAD means breast imaging reporting and data system- it is used by radiologists to classify breast lesions. Further management is then decided accordingly.

Category 0: Need Additional Imaging Evaluation
Category 1: Negative
Category 2: Benign Finding
Category 3: Probably Benign Finding; Short Interval Follow-Up Suggested
Category 4: Suspicious Abnormality; Biopsy Should Be Considered
Category 5: Highly Suggestive of Malignancy; Appropriate Action Should Be Taken

A BIRADS 4 means the lesion is suspicious in nature and a biopsy would be required for a confirmed diagnosis and to rule out a malignant lesion.

It would be best to review with your breast specialist and discuss about getting a biopsy done for a confirmed diagnosis. You could take a second opinion if you are still not convinced.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Hope this helps.

[DeeCee257]

Sarah, unfortunately, there is no such thing as "too young" as far as cancer is concerned. I don't mean to alarm you, of course, it doesn't mean yours will be. It is better to be safe than sorry and if it is - you want to get it EARLY!   If a radiologist suggested biopsy, then you probably should have one to be safe. Can you call the facility where the radiologist is and have him recommend a surgeon?  Is there another breast surgeon in your area that you can go to?  Be sure to get copies of your ultrasound and mammo reports. My ultrasound was neg, mammo neg and guess what - ductal carcinoma in situ.  Had no lumps, no nothing - just a drop of blood from the nipple.   Sarah, please get a second opinion and let us know how you make out.