Ultra positive for multiple lymph nodes - Cateogory 3 - 'Probably Benign' ??????

[diananana]

Question: I'm new here just looking for answers. Maybe i'm overreacting but just want your take on it.



Just went for mammogram. Came back abnormal, dense breasts, wanted additional views and ultrasound. I'm 48 yrs. Old. Had additional views and ultrasound.



Showed the following on ultrasound:



right breast:

9 o'clock - 11 cm from nipple, 11x3x9 mm ovoid, hypoechoic mass with central echogenicity compatible with intramammary lymph node.



9 o'clock - 5 cm from nipple, 8x3x8 mm intramammary lymph node.



Left breast:

3 o'clock - 11 cm from nipple, 8x2x4 mm intramammary lymph node.

2o'clock - 4 cm from nipple, 6x3x6 mm intramammary lymph node.

3 o'clock - 4x3x4 mm intramammary lymph node.



Impression:

benign appearing bilateral intramammary lymph nodes, three on left, two on right.



Birads assessment: category 3 - probably benign



recommendations: advise 6 month sonographic follow-up of both breasts.



I'm a wreck! Don't like the "probably" benign finding. That's not definitive enough for my peace of mind. I don't know why biopsy is not recommended to get that "definitely" benign finding. I've read that any lymph nodes larger than 1 cm should be biopsied which is the case with the one measuring 11x3x9mm.



Does anyone know if "benign appearing" lymph nodes can one day become malignant?



What do you think? Take their recommendation or pursue further. I need peace of mind. No breast cancer history in my family. There is history of cancer of maternal and paternal grandparents. Can I insist on biopsy for peace of mind & to be certain?



Dia

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Dia,  Decisions regarding what to do need to be based on putting together all of the information from the mammograms as well as the ultrasound. For instance the question what were the findings from the mammogram that led to the ultrasound?, and how does that information correlate.  Discuss with your doctor  all of the findings let them put them in context for you.  You may want to seek the opinion of a breast specialist to review the findings and make a recommendation.