Ultrasound Results

[kc47]

I'm 36 and recently had an ultrasound done on my left breast and now my doctor has scheduled me for an MRI on both breast. I picked up my films and U/S report yesterday. The report indicates "There is a 1.4x1.5x1.8 cm oval, well-defined, hypoechoic nodule at the point of interest. Internal crossing septa are seen. Mild internal color Doppler vascularity is noted. This lesion complreese from 1.6cm to 1.1 cm. The lesion is wider than taller.
Impression:
Probably benign

What does internal corssing septa and Doppler vascularity mean and why would my doctor send me for an MRI if the impression of the radiologist is probably benign?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear kc47:  Internal crossing septa and Doppler vasularity are descriptive terms used to characterize the abnormality.  Internal septa are little walls or divisions within the lesion.  Doppler vascularity means that one can visually the blood vessels with the ultrasound.  We cannot speculate on the reason your doctor has recommended an MRI.  An MRI is a more sensitive test that may offer more clues as to what this lesion may be.  It also has a high incidence of false positive so it should be compared to mammogram, ultrasound and clinical breast examination.  

[mmob]

I am glad I saw this because I'm in a tizzy right now - I had a mammogram, got called back for an ultrasound.  They said there were two cysts visible on the ultrasound - one was a simple cyst and the other complex.  That DAY they said the radiologist read the films and u/s and wrote that I would be seen again in 6 months for a mammo and U/S of the left breast.  So feeling a little lighter - I got a call that the 'other' radiologist wants an MRI done now - SO I feel like I am on a bungie cord here - I'm a little more than freaked out - I am 44 and have young kids - AND my close friend and next door neighbor was just diagnosed in May - so I can't seem to calm myself and keep the really dire thoughts out.  To say I'm freaked is an understatement.

WHY would they do this - if there is something of concern - why not just take it out or biopsy it??  What is the point of going in for the MRI and THEN getting yet another call that they THEN want to biopsy it.  I feel like my head is swimming - I just want whatever it is out.  They can take the rest of the breasts with it for that matter - I need peace of mind - not breasts.  I am sorry - I am just so freaked right now.

[Twocapes]

Unfortunately MRIs generate revenue; they also generate false positives.  So, yes, I definitely agree with you - why the MRI and not a biopsy??  Please remember (even with your next-door neighbor's diagnosis) that a high percentage of these lesions do turn out to be benign.

[boninclyde]

One thing I have learn through my breast cancer experience is that you have to be demanding. Make your doctors answer your question. If you want it out tell them you want it out. Try not to panic, it may be nothing or if it is hopefully it will be caught early. If your doctor want do it find another. I hope this helps. I wish you well.

[Montana girl 06]

I've had opposing recommendations from radiologists twice now. It's VERY frustrating because you don't know who to trust. Are you going to see a breast specialist? Maybe he/she could help you sort things out. I've found some radiologists over react. Others who are more experienced reading mammograms may say an area is benign while less experienced radiologists feel the need to recommend biopsy to be sure, because their inexperience leads to fear of missing something. Can you get more info on the radiologists, their level of experience with mammograms, whether or not they're know for recommending a high or low number of tests or biopsies? or get a 3rd opinion?  I hope you can get some answers soon. Not knowing is very stressful, but, please remember that most of these problems do turn out benign.

[constantworry]

I am having a biopsy tomorrow morning for two "lesions" that have been seen on my right breast during my mammogram.  The radiologist at the center said she didn't think it was anything to worry about but due to history in the family (my mum had bc at 50) she thought a next step would be prudent.  If I didn't have that, she would have recommended 6 month follow up as yours did.  The stats on the 6 month follow up are that 98% of those areas/lesions/lumps etc identified on the original mammo/ultrasound have not changed and are in fact benign.  When my Dr got the report from the radiologist he said they'd agreed an MRI would be logical and prudent next step.  I freaked out even though I knew from the conversation I'd had with the radiologist that she was going to do that!  Anyway, I said that I didn't want an MRI for two reasons:  claustraphobia and that I read there were alot of false positives which lead to a biopsy anyway.  Why not just skip a step and go straight for biopsy.  He said that was perfectly acceptable, hence my appointment tomorrow.  Don't get me wrong - I don't actually want the biopsy (!) but I'd freak if an MRI gave a positive (that had a potential to be false) and then had to wait for a biopsy anyway.  I have been incomplete freak out mode just as you are so don't be thinking that's not normal.  Minds run away with us and the waiting game only adds to that.  Let us know how you get on, and push your Dr for a biopsy if that is what will make you feel truly happy.

[kc47]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. My MRI is scheduled for tomorrow morning and after talking to all my friends and family I too will probably demand to have it removed regardless of the MRI results.

Good luck with your MRI mmob... I'll be sure to come back to the forum to let everyone know MRI results and the next step.

[Montana girl 06]

I hope all goes well tomorrow, but please be sure to keep the MRI results in perspective since they're known for false positives. Hopefully, this will be over soon for you.

[riley01]

My MRI is Tuesday.  Was your long and claustrophobic?  I have three hypoechoic lesions and one septated cyst.  Biggest lesion is 6mm.  From those ultrasound results, I was sent to a surgeon who is now sending me for the MRI.  Why do we freak out so much?  When ever I look this stuff on the net, I get nauseous.  My mom had a radical masectomy at the age of 35 - still living and cancer free 38 years later.  I'm 46 and this is my first abnormal ultrasound.

[Camposjd]

First I'd like to say hello to all the great members of this forum.  It's been a few weeks since this "abnormal breast mammogram" started for me.  Since I've had an UL and findings were palable abnormality that is a lobular anechoic lesion 1.6 cm from nipple measuring 2.4 X 1.6 X 1.2 cm. Which has a wall that measures up to 2mm thick n some areas. Lobular Anechoic Lesion with a borderline thickened wall. BIRADS IV

I go to see a surgeon on Thursday to schedule some form of biopsy (not sure what yet) I've done so much research online from definitions to actual diagrams of procedures.  The most time I've spent has been reading all of your post's how great it is to have support as you all do for each other.  I admire all of your stength.  I've also been moved to see all the honesty and true faith you share with each other and within yourselves.

I am petrified of having a "NEEDLE" biopsy..see I have a phobia of needles in any usage or fashion.  I also have extremly high blood pressure and I know I will be freakin out.  Anway I wanted to say best wishes to you all and God Bless each and every one of you.

[Montana girl 06]

It's normal to be stressed over these breast problems. A number of women ask their doctors for a prescription to relax them before the procedure. My problem is that I can't stand the sensation of being cut. I jump when I know they're cutting even though I don't feel a thing. It's the sound that gets me.  So, I tell the nurse each time (I've had 3 biopsies) and she talks to me and purposely distracts me so I'm unaware of what's happening. If you make them aware of the problem, I'm sure they will do everything they can to make it more tolerable for you. Let us know how the appointment with the surgeon goes.

[Camposjd]

Hello.  Thank you for your reply.  OMG dear three biopsies thats terrible what kind did you have?  I hope you are doing better..I'm going to read some of your past posts that I might have missed.  You seem like such a sincere, honest caring person I wish you well. God Bless.

I'm not sure if I will be going to see the surgeon tomorrow now.  I don't have a car and have rode a bike wherever I need to go but surgeon is out of town and now my daughter is not getting along with her boyfriend and he will not let her use the car to take me.  I have tried to be strong with all this so far *even knowing this is nothing compared to hearing the word "Cancer" if that should be the case for me but it seems I can truely rely on anyone following through. There is no free service to appointments here and I do not have enough money for a taxi so I just don't know.  As far as the prescription before procedure I do not have the cash needed to pay for that.  Although my husband works overtime and has money taken out of his check for insurance we still have to pay anywhere from $20 or more for prescriptions out of pocket.  So sorry to ramble but things just seem to keep being a struggle in one way or another.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm just happy that all my biopsies were benign. I had an excisional biopsy for a lump that turned out to be an intraductal papilloma. The other 2 were for calcifications, 1 wire localization and 1 stereotactic. At this point we're monitoring my new calcifications.

Is there anyone else you can get to drive you to your appointment. It's hard enough dealing with breast problems without having to worry about transportation and how to pay for it all. I will keep you in my prayers.

[boninclyde]

You can contact The American Cancer Society or The Susan G. Kolman foundation. They will see to it that you get the treatment or test that you need. Google them.

[txgrl01]

boniclyde is correct about organizations out there that can help.  Just a small spelling correction for googling purposes.  Susan G. Komen Foundation.  They are really kind and helpful.
If you have a church, check there.  Many times I have received rides and physical assistance during tests, surgery, etc. from my wonderful church friends.

[kc47]

Geeze,
I had my MRI done on 9/27 and I'm feeling too comfortable my doctor right. First it took me making daily phone calls to her office for her to finally call me back 5 business days after my MRI only to leave me a message saying I have nothing to worry about and that she'll mail the MRI findings to me. Yesterday I got the results in the mail and here's what it says.
Impression: Dominate mass in the 6:00 position of the left breast, probably represents a fibroadenoma, although malignancy cannot be entirely excluded. Follow up ultrasound in six months for further evaluation. Any change in size or morphology will require biopsy to rule out malignancy. Additional benign-appearing nodules are present in the deep portion of both breast.

If the MRI can't entirely rule out malignancy, why isn't she sending me for a biopsy now! Especially when I have family history of breast cancer? My mom's sister died of breast cancer at the age of 34 (this was 25 years ago), another  sister is a breast cancer survivor and a 3rd sister was just diagnosed with uterian cancer. Yesterday, I left her a message to schedule an apt to discuss my concerns but she has yet to call me back.  

[Montana girl 06]

Frustrating! Is there another breast specialist you can try? With your family history I would want to know for sure that it was benign!