probably not cancer

[barney427]

Hi I am 38 years old and my doctor has had me getting mamograms for 5 years now because I have cyctict breat. I went for a mamogram (mammogram) on Dec. 1,2002. They then called me back to have a denisty test and a ultra sound on Dec. 31,2002. The test came back probably not cancer. They request that I come back in 5 months to do the mamogram (mammogram) again. The doctor originally felt a cyct in my right breast. I myself did not feel the lump. Why would they say probably not cancer instead of not cancer? Why wouldn't they send me for a biopsy if they had any doubt? What do you recomend one does at this point? Thank You

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear barney427, Evaluation of mammograms and ultrasounds give information and clues as to what something is.  Certain clues creat greater suspicion than others that something may be cancerous or not.  Actual determination of whether something is cancerous or not a biopsy would need to be done.  So if the "clues" are suspicious enough - biopsy would be recommended sooner rather than wait.  If the "clues" are less suspicious,  they may want to keep a closer check just to be on the safe side.

[susan m k]

I wanted to post because of a similar situation I had.  I am 48 and there is no history of breast cancer in my family.  However, I have a history of serious cervical dysplasia.  I had a lump in my breast for 1 1/2 years that I found and reported to the mammogram radiologist.  I was told 3 different times that they could tell it wasn't cancer and there was no need to biopsy since they could tell it wasn't cancer.  Guess what?  I got another opinion, they decided to biopsy and it turned out to be invasive lobular carcinoma.  I had a double mastectomy this past June.  After being diagnosed I researched the internet and discovered that lobular cancer does NOT show up well in a mammogram and that women with dense breast tissue have a greater chance of getting the lobular form.  I also have dense breast tissue.  It seems to me (after doing my research) that I would definitely be concerned if I had dense breast tissue and if something showed up on the mammogram that they couldn't read very well.  Fibroids can be scar tissue that is forming around a tumor - which is what happened in my case.  To put your mind at ease I would request a biopsy.  Hope this helps, Susan

[jwhitfie]

Definately if you are concerned get the biopsy.  I had huge painful lumps which Doctors assured me wasn't cancer (because cancer doesn't hurt) ... not to mention I was 24 at the time.  After searching around I finally found a Dr. who listened to my concerns, and after an ultrasound, then a mammogram, then a biopsy, lo & behold I had breast cancer.  I think as a woman (especially a young woman) you know your body better than anyone else.  These Dr's don't seem to know much about breasts unless they are attached to a woman 50 or older.  :o(

[pixiekim]

Does a history of cervical dysplasia create more concern?

[susan m k]

The lump in my breast also hurt.  I'm not sure if there is a medical connection between cervical dysplasia and breast cancers.  However, it seems to me that since I located the lump in my breast just 2 months after being dx'd with severe cervical dysplasia (and probably hadn't done a personal breast exam in at least 6 months) that they could have been occurring at the same time.  Also, it makes me think that if my immune system was weakened enough for the cervical problems to start why couldn't other problems begin around that time as well.  Just my opinion.  susan m k