What options are there for testing for breast cancer?

[trace11]

Hi there

I'm 30 years old with a family history of breast cancer and a very stressful lifestyle. About 1 month ago I found a lump in my breast. Since then there is a slight discolouration of skin where it is located on my breast. I have also been aware of pains from within my breast, in a different area to the lump.

I want to have it seen to but would like to find out how accurate the various methods for diagnosis are. My doctor suggested that I get a fine needle biopsy. I am afraid that this might only target the area with the lump and miss out any other areas that might contain cancer. I have investigated the option of ultrasound with FNB but found that its extremely expensive. There is also an option for a mamogram, which wouldn't cost too much since my medical aid would pay for most of it.
My questions are how accurate are the various techniques? Is it worth going the full mile of ultrasound / mamogram, or is a fine needle biopsy very accurate in picking up cancerous cells all over the breast and not just the region from which the sample is being taken?

Thanks
Tracy

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Like i said in my previous post nothing can be said with surety without a clinical examination and relevant investigations.

A breast lump could be due to various causes - fibroadenoma, cyst, lipoma, lymph node being the most common causes. Because the lump is fast growing - there could be super added infection too.

You could be having either of these. In rare cases is the lump malignant or cancerous.

You would need to get a mammogram and  ultrasound if required.

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

Post us about what your doctor advises.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

[shemeon]

One alternative option you might be interested in is Breast Thermography. Take a look at the information on this website.

http://www.breastthermography.com/

[trace11]

Thanks for the information.

The lump seems to have increased in size over the past month. I first noticed a 1.5 months ago about 1 week before starting my menstruation.

It isn't painful but it is tender. I am aware of it during general activities like excercise. I'm not lactating, I've also never been pregnant. I do sometimes have an itchy sensation on the tip of my nipples. I had this quite strongly about a year ago on both nipples, but now only slightly on the nipple of the breast that has the lump. About a week ago I noticed the skin area over the lump being slightly redder than the skin around it. Otherwise no discharge or anything like that.

I spoke to my doctor initially 1.5 months ago when I first discovered it. She told me to monitor it for a month since it could be related to menstration. I have phoned around for specialists and have found one where I'm going to organise an apointment as soon as they have an open appointment.

Regards
Tracy

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Does the lump increase or decrease in size? Is it painful or tender?  

You should get a mammogram, ultrasound and MRI done. Since when have you noticed the lump? Are you lactating?

Have you noticed any abnormal features on breast self examination like skin changes, breast lump, nipple discharge , etc

Have you seen a breast specialist or your doctor for your symptoms? Till then you could try some warm compresses, breast massage and oral pain relief medications.

Nothing can be said with surety without a clinical examination and relevant investigations. Let the breast specialist decide about the further plan of management and whether a biopsy or needle aspiration is required.

Let us know about what your doctor or breast specialist advises.

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

Regards.

[japdip]

It's usually mammogramfirst and then an Ultrasound if a definite suspecteddiagnosis can't be made. The biops would follow eiher one or both of these. Without these films one wouldn't know what to biopsy . or why for that matter. There are often Grants available for free mammograms for under or un-insured women.