hypoechoic structure

[nanakay14]

Hi, I had a mammogram Aug 27th which that the small node I have had for years has grown. Two days later I had an ultrasound that shows a hypoechoic structure deep within the chest wall and has a hyperechoic notch to it with an appeappearance of a benign lymph node but does not correlate with the position of the mammogram. Given the findings of this ultrasound and enlargemnt of the density on the mammogram biopsy is recommended. My question is would you take it out completely? My friends and family say take it all out now or just have a needle biopsy. The size is 1cm at it's greatest length. My doctor now has me going to a surgeon. Thanks for your help. Nanakay14

[kittyluv1]

Hi --
The surgeon can probably give you more detailed information on whether a needle or excisional biopsy is needed.  The fact that this has existed for years and has only recently grown in size is a good indication of a benign process.
A needle biopsy is done under local anesthesia and over in 15-20 minutes.
An excisional biopsy is done under general anesthesia and takes a bit longer to recover!
My personal preference is a two-step procedure: needle biopsy to determine the type of cells you are dealing with and followed by an excisional biopsy only if the findings indicate that it is better to remove the entire lesion.
Why have a general surgery if it may not be needed?
Good luck  on the exam with the surgeon and keep us posted on the results!

[nanakay14]

Just wanted to let you know I had a needle biopsy and it was just a fluid filled cyst and it popped and I didn't have to have the excisional biopsy that was scheduled for later that day. I'm fine and happy it wasn't serious. Thanks for your support. NanaKay14

[kittyluv1]

Wonderful!!
I am so happy that you didn't need further treatment.  Good news is always the best kind!   Too bad that the anxiety we experience before the final results are in is so difficult to endure.  Just need to keep everything in perspective!

[blueskyabq]

I am glad that you have done with that. That is truly relief, good for you, and happy for you.

I had similar situation.  I did needle aspiration yesterday, the surgeon did the procedure said it is a cyst. My question is the fluid came out is not clear or thin but thick, light yellow, toothpaste type of fluid.  You did not mention what kind of fluid for you cyst.  Did your Dr mentioned anything about the what kind of fluid means what?  My nodule is very small though, less than 1cm, and my surgeon said the thickness of fluid may due to dry.  Did your Dr mentioned anything like as long as any kind of fluid filled and as long as it drained, it should be benign?

Thank you in advance for your info.

[nanakay14]

No, he just said it was over and it was just fluid and it drained. I didn't know we had to be concerned with what kind it was. I thought I had nothing to worry about anymore now that's it's over. All they said was to go in at 6 months and have another mammogram. NanaKay14

[blueskyabq]

Thanks.  Hope it just gone, that is it, over!  Yeah, I will need to have ultrasound after 6 Mo, too.