why don't doctors take women's breast concerns seriously?

[metalgirl70]

I am so frustrated that I can't seem to find a doctor to take my concerns seriously.  I have had an asymmetrical breast thickening in the upper outter quadrant for about 8 weeks now and it doesn't change with my period.  The left breast feels thickened while the right feels normal and smooth.

I have seen my primary care doctor and gynocologist and both pretty much blew me off.  They said it's a normal change.  Well I don't think it's normal, since it just appeared suddenly and is not apparent in the other breast, and it doesn't go away after my period.  

At my insistence, the gynocologist sent me for an ultrasound and that did not detect anything unusual.  When I called my gynocologist for my ultrasound results, the first thing she said to me, in a mocking tone is, "is your lump still there?"  Well, yes it's still there and has been for 2 months now!

Again at my insistence I was sent to a sugeon to see about a biopsy.  After he quickly poked around my breast for about 1 minute, he said that no biopsy was necessary and left the room quickly, not giving me time to ask questions.

All the websites that I read say that is you have any change that persists in a breast, especially in just one breast, to get it checked out.  So here I am, trying to get this thing checked, and pretty much everyone is mocking me like I'm wasting their time.  


My insurance will not pay for a breast MRI and I can't afford to pay for it out of pocket.

If my thickening turns out to be cancer, I'm going to sue the pants off of everyone who has been disregarding  my condition and failing to take me seriously or even treat me with respect.

Just had to vent!

[peekawho]

Your idea to have a second opinion is a good one.

You can also return to the same general surgeon next month, if the thickening is still there.  Go armed with a notebook and questions.  Ask him every question you have, and write down the answers.  If he gets up and makes a move for the door during your questions (as some doctors love to do to get rid of you), look him squarely in the eye and say firmly "just one or 2 more questions".  DO NOT GET UP.  Continue asking your questions.

Best of luck.  

[metalgirl70]

Hello  and thanks for all your advice,

The surgeon I was sent to is just a general surgeon.  I can't find a breast surgeon that my insurance will pay for so my choices are limited.  

Both my primary care doctor and gyn think I'm being ridiculous, so neither one of them don't want to give me anymore referrals.  I am not being ridiculous, I just want the best healthcare that I can get.

I think those doctors are tending to dismiss my problems because I have multiple sclerosis and I often come in to see the doctors with obscure problems that they really can't do anything about.  I think they are frustrated with me so they are blowing me off.

The surgeon did not recommend a follow up beyond "just continue with yearly mammograms'.  I thought that was odd.  He gave no reasoning for why it should not be followed up sooner.  He was very short with me when I tried to ask any questions.

I'm trying to find another surgeon for a second opinion, but again it's dependent on the insurance.

By the way, I do read entirely too much on the Internet, hence my paranoia!

Thanks!

[CountryMom27]

I would just add that it really makes a difference what hospital your breast surgeon practices at.  At my uncle's suggestion (he's a well-known, renowned physician), I bypassed our local hospitals (which are all well-rated teaching hospitals) and went to Yale which has a specialized breast center.  The care I had was remarkably different at Yale than at other hospitals.

I'd encourage you to find a major medical center near you that is not just a teaching hospital, but also has a dedicated breast center.  Even if you have to drive 3-4 hours, it's worth the peace of mind.  No doctor should dismiss you without answering your questions.  

[lhughes]

First question...the surgeon you were referred to, is s/he a breast surgeon specializing in breast issues and cancer?  From personal experience, my breast surgeon was the most paranoid person I had ever met.  Having said that, if my surgeon had said, wait 3 months and recheck, then it probably means there is nothing to worry over and in 3 months, if there is an issue, I KNOW he would perform a biopsy.  

Second question....did your surgeon recommend a follow-up in 3 or 6 months?  If not, did he say why not?

Third question...based on your concerns....have you thought of finding another surgeon, or going to a teaching hospital to get a "team" to look at you?

I understand your paranoia, lots of women get misdiagnosed every day.  However, we are limited by the fact that we (and all those docs) are human and make mistakes everyday.  Patients can also be overly concerned when there is nothing to be concerned over.  As my OB once said, "quit reading so much".  In the end, if you trust your docs, then you are probably golden.  If you do not trust your docs, then keep looking for another doc.  That is all you can do.

Good luck to you, and I hope your fears are never realized.

[pen735]

Hi there
I myself was dismissed in june last year by my doctor when i found a lump and changes in my breast I went back 3 months later and insisited on a mammogram which turned out to be early stages of breast cancer
Please go back and insist from your gp that you have a 2nd opinion and want a mammogram for peace of mind
You deserve the best treatment
kind regards penny