Family History Breast Cancer

[SOURYA]

Hello again, I emailed before regarding nodule density found on my recent mammogram, and I really appreciate your feedback regarding my questions… I am sending this email as a follow up…. Since your response to my questions, I have since had a special view mammogram and ultrasound. The Dr. says I have a solid mass on my left breast. At this point I am really scared, the Ultrasound tech and the Dr. that read my Ultrasound results were really vague when giving me information. They told me to follow up with my primary physician for what to do next? What is the difference between a cyst and a solid mass? Again, should I be worried considering my strong family history of breast cancer. My grandmother had a double mastectomy in her early 30's... My aunt had a mastectomy in her mid to late 40's.... My cousin also had a mastectomy in her mid 40's and most recently my 29 year old sister was diagnosed with ductile carcinoma in situ. Are solid mass most times cancerous?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear SOURYA:  Information from evaluations such as physical examination, mammograms, and ultrasounds can be more or less suspicious.  A finding of a solid mass does not always mean that it is cancerous, this finding however may prompt additional testing such as a biopsy.

[SOURYA]

Thanks again for your feedback...very helpful