diagnosis

I discovered a lump in my right breast two weeks ago. It moves and feels spongy. I had a mamogram (mammogram) 4/23 and ultra sound that showed the lump is solid and definitely not a cyst. Radiology recommended seeing a surgeon to take a biopsy because it looks suspicious. No calcium deposits showed on either the mamogram (mammogram) or ultra sound. What does this mean? I cannot see my regular physician for evaluation and referral  until next week since he is on vacation. Rose M.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Rose, The calcium deposits (also referred to as microcalcifications) that may appear on a mammogram (not seen on ultrasounds) are found within the breast tissue.  A large percentage of microcalcifications have nothing to do with cancer and probably the result of normal wear and tear on the breast.  They are not always seen on a mammogram, even when a lump is present.  

Having you see a breast surgeon is an appropriate next step in evaluating this lump.  A biopsy (or tissue sample) of the lump would be needed to determine for sure what this is.  Not all solid lumps are due to malignancy, but the only way to be sure is to biopsy.

[surgeon]

typically cancer feels hard and is less moveable than other lumps; so what you describe doesn't sound very worrisome. However, any new lump that persists needs to be evaluated until it's known for sure one way or the other.

[trina45]

A related discussion, mobile lumps was started.