is a biopsy required (urgent)

[nel16]

i m 21 years old and breast cancer runs in my family ..a lump is there in my left axilla since last 4 months..the lump is not painful. After a month of first feeling of lump i had an ultra sound done. i was taking antibiotic (amoxil) for a week (recommended by my family doctor). the ultra sound report (done almost 3 months back)  is as under

"a small hypoechoic area is seen within the subcutaneous area of the left axilla measuring 10.2x10.9x4.2mm. No cystic area is seen within this on in the deeper layer. A lymph node is seen close to the lesion measuring 12.3x3.7mm with intact hilum. No other abnormality seen in the left axilla."

the doc said that every thing is fine and  needs no further tests. But its kinda depressing thinking that its still not gone (4 months) ..I dont feel an increase in the lump neither a decrease. Is a biopsy suggested as i have a strong family history of  breast cancer (including mother).

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
You need to discuss this in detail with your doctor.
It would be advisable to wait for another 2 months and get a repeat ultrasound and see the progress of the lesion.
It would then be advisable to discuss about a biopsy with your doctor if the lesion is persistent and not regressing.
Such lesions sometimes can take some months to resolve.
You need to carry on regular breast self exams till then and report any abnormalities to your doctor.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi. The axillary mass and lymph node may just be something left over from a resolving infection (cellulitis), and shouldn't be cause for worry.  A biopsy of the axillary mass may not be warranted, as long as there isn't any associated lump in the breast.

If you want to make sure, what you can do is to have a baseline mammography or breast ultrasound done to just see if there are any suspicious lumps.  If there are none, you can  examine your own breasts for lumps at least twice a year, just as a precaution, since you have a strong family history.