breast lump doesn't show on ultrasound or mammogram

[kimbug13]

I'm 35 yrs old - mother had breast cancer at 54.  She had lumpectomy and radiation and is still living.  My breasts are fibrocystic.  I found a small pea-sized lump at 5 o'clock on left breast about 9 mos ago.  Had mammogram and ultrasound and it did not show.  Can be felt.  Surgeon did FNA and only got a few cells but those were normal.  I can feel my lump easier now (maybe because I'm used to finding it) but also question whether or not it might be larger?  I'd like to know your recommendation for how I should proceed.  I'm leaning toward a lumpectomy just to be 100% certain it is not cancer.  Am I over reacting?  How can I be sure the FNA actually pulled cells from the lump?  If I do have a lumpectomy, are there concerns with having the surgeon remove it by feel?  Is it more dangerous if the lump is cut open?  Any other things I should worry about?  Thanks in advance for your reply.  I'm really anxious.

[kimbug13]

Thanks everyone for your comments.  Hope your report comes back clear, elfey.  I decided to have my lump out.  My mom was told there was a 98% chance it wasn't cancer - and hers was.  So, I'm taking no chances.

[Elfey]

I'm 38 and had a similiar situation to you.  9 months ago I felt a lump at 7 o'clock and it didn't show up on mammogram or ultrasound.  I also found it more easily, over time, and it did seem bigger to me after a few months and caused me considerable pain at times.  Last week I had a revision to a breast reduction and the plastic surgeon did a lumpectomy based on feel.  It wasn't in the exact area of the revision, but he found it all the same.  He said he was 99 percent sure it was a benign lump, but I will get the pathology report tomorrow when I see him for a follow-up.  I have confidence it is OK since he is a very experienced breast surgeon and knows what he is looking at. Good luck to you and I know how scary it can be. If you want it removed, you should absolutely insist that it be done.  I hope your situation is resolved soon and all is fine!

[surgeon]

"by feel" is the best and simplest way to remove a lump. And there is no danger from cutting out a lump. Even if it were cancer. Remember this: all women cured of cancer started with some sort of biopsy. Biopsy, no matter what type, is the first and necessary step.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Kimbug13:  If you think that the lump has grown, it is reasonable to go back to the surgeon and have it evaluated again.  An excisional biopsy can be done on a palpable (a lump you can feel) lump if it is warranted.