ultrasound results question

[stephdeclue]

A little history: I am 35 years old.  My mother had BC and a mastectomy at age 30.  She is still living 28 years later.

My GYN sent me for an ultrasound after I found a thick area with a small lump in it.  The US results stated that there is a "small hypoechoic mass in the upper outer quadrant which measures approx 4 mm in maximum dimension.  No significant shadowing or enhancement  is identified posterior to this mass.  The finding does not appear to be a benign cyst and the walls are well defined.  Biopsy or follow-up exam in four months is suggested for further evaluation."

I, of course, not being in the medical field, have very little idea what this means.  I thought that well defined walls meant cyst, but they say it isn't.  So does that mean it is cancer?  My GYN has referred me to a breast surgeon but has given me no interpretation of these results.  My fear is that with as little reassurance as I've been given that no one wants to be the one to tell me the bad news.

I know that I will likely have a biopsy when I go to see the breast surgeon (in 2 loooong weeks), but I'd like to have an idea of what I'm looking at here.  I can handle any news, I just need some information!

Thanks,
Steph

[lizziecee]

Hi Steph - I had no lumps or bumps, but found at a 3 yrly mammo that we get in England under our socialised medicine, I had a 2cm invasive tumour, not even palpable by me or my local GP.  You cannot pre-diagnose malignant cancer, the only sure way to detect it is through a biopsy. Hope you get your Mum's problems sorted out.
Liz, in England.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Steph, An ultrasound can distinguish certain features of a mass, such as whether it is fluid filled (cystic) or solid.  An ultrasound cannot give information that says for sure what the mass is, only whether the findings are more or less suspicious  so further evaluation is recommended.  Follow up by ultrasound in four months to see if there is any change in the mass is one option.  A biopsy is done to examine the cells of a tissue sample under the microscope, which is the only way to determine what this is for sure.  The surgeon will give their recommendation of follow-up based on the findings, and if recommending biopsy will discuss with you the type of biopsy recommended for your situation.