Unclear results

[cratze]

I am 37, my mother died of breast cancer aged 58. I went for my annual mammo and they called me back for compression and magnification. They thought I had a cyst and ordered an ultrasound, which confirmed a cyst about 1.3cm. The ultrasound also showed" an area of subtle acoustic shadowing more laterally,at the 2 o'clock position, without any convincing mass." Impression "subtle focus of acoustic shadowing in the left upper quadrant at 2 o'clock is of unclear etiology, and it has no convincing mammographic correlate. As a conservative measure, suggest followup left mammogram and left upper outer quadrant breast ultrasound in 6 months" category 3. My question is it safe to wait 6 months? should I push for a biopsy now? If it is cancer will 6 months be too late? my mother died undiagnosed and I am scared.

[boninclyde]

docboston is right. Get a second opinion. They would not have found my invasive cancer if I did not have my masectomy.

[docboston]

whose to say a biopsy will give you a 100% answer? Even with a biopsy, they might not hit the part where the cance is lurking. On the other hand, you might not have cancer and the biopsy may read some thing like this "focal area of atypical looking cells. No definitive evidence of cancer but continued surveillance is recommended". Would that make you feel better?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear cratze:  A BIRAD 3 means that this is probably a benign finding.  There is less than 2% chance of cancer. A category 3 usually receives a 6 month follow-up mammogram.  Most level 3 abnormalities do not receive biopsy.   You may benefit from a discussion with your doctor.  If you are still concerned, you could consider a surgical opinion.

[carme]

Get a second opinion.

[lizziecee]

How did they determine it was a cyst? Did they aspirate it to be sure? Personally, after having a non palpable invasive ductal tumour I would only be happy with a conclusive biopsy. I would push for this - the only good lump is one in a jar!
Hope it is B9.
love, Liz.

[japdip]

I personally would be comfortable waiting the 6 months. With a BIRADS 3 that's the normal recommendation. OR, you could get a second opinion (have your films read by another Radiologist). That might make you feel more comfortable.