atypical cells

[cathryncay]

I noticed several months ago, a lump that sets right below the edge of the areola on my right breast. The lump is painless, and was noticed on accident. Months after finding the lump, I noticed a slight discoloration of the skin directly over the lump. The lump does feel a little more prominent than it did. Ive felt this thing a million times, I cannot tell if the lump is moving or if it's the skin over the lump that is moving. One edge of the lump feels kind of bumpy and seems to be attached to breast tissue. I do have a history of having a cyst in my breast once and I also have a history of cervical cancer with microinvasion. I know that I will not know what this thing is until, I have it checked out.

I have no insurance at the time, so getting a diagnostic mammogram and a surgeon doc to look at it, is not an option right now. Is this something that just sounds like a cyst and I will be okay for a little while or is this something I should fight to find assistance with?
*********************************************UPDATE  BELOW**********************************************************


I found a Breast center in the area and had my tests done(Susan G Komen-thank you!!!)

I had a mammogram done, they found something on the mammogram and did an ultrasound. The Ultrasound tech said there were two possible cysts attached to each other. They scheduled me for an aspiration.  During the aspiration, the Dr was able to get a small amount of fluid. She stated she was not able to get the rest. She stated there were not two separate areas but instead, one large one. This mass or lump or whatever, was shaped like a circus peanut. After the attempted aspiration, she inserted a clip and did another set of mammograms.

I received a call stating that it is recommended that I see a surgeon, as pathology came back noting atypical cells. I dont have much more information than that but you can bet I will be picking up all the reports and the films next week, so I have them with me when I get insurance and am able to find a surgeon.

Question: why didnt they just do a core biopsy instead of referring me to have an excisional biopsy?
Question: it could be a few months before I am able to even consider getting to a surgeon, is this something that needs to be done ASAP?
Question: can atypical cells signal that cancer cells may be lingering?

[bluebutterfly2222]

Since the lump has been there several months, and since the tests you have had done so far resulted in the finding of atypical cells and a recommendation that you see a breast surgeon, it would be good to proceed ASAP.

The lack of insurance of course makes this difficult for you, but since you were able to find a Breast Center and get help with getting your tests done, perhaps they could help you obtain the needed followup as well. You have done a great job in finding resources to help you so far: please keep exploring all available options !

[japdip]

I have no answer for you if you have had this lump for several months and have not seen a Dr. Seeing a Dr. about something like this is NEVER out of the question and I suggest that you make an appointment very soon. You do not need to make arrangements for a Diagnostic Mammogram and Breast Surgeon ... you just need to go to your regular Dr. for an examination. Please do not put this off any longer.  Regards ....