I am confused

[dpnurse]

I am a 47 year old & postmenapusal.  My father has had breast cancer and I have had a Melanoma removed 22 years ago.  I have been watching a lump in my R breast for about 3 years, that  has gotten bigger.  I just had an ultrasound that does not show anything.  My Dr wants to take it out.  What are the chances that this could be related to the melanoma? Do all breast cancers show up on ultrasound? And do I have a greater risk for breast cancer with my father's history?

[often]

Don't know about the melanoma relationship.  Do know that yes, you would have a greater risk with your father's history.  The only good lump is the one in the jar.  Get it out, make sure, and move on.

[dpnurse]

Thanks ffor your words of wisdom.

[Renee13]

I too believe that a lump that has gotten bigger needs to come out! Remember, your father makes up 50% of your genes.And always remember that knowledge is power. If you ignore this lump that you are saying is getting bigger and it is cancer, it can kill you. I hate to be so blunt, but although I don't know you, I don't want that to happen. I was diagnosed with breast CA at 27 years old. I'm 41 now. I've seen many woman get into trouble ignoring lumps in their breast. I say call your DR. tommrow, and demand a biopsy. Good luck. Renee.  

[Greta_L]

No, not all breast cancer is detected by ultrasound.  I am a 2 year survivor.  My lump could not be felt or seen by ultrasound.  Just appeared on mammogram.  I had it biopsied by sterotactic needle, then when the cells showed cancer, agreed to the lumpectomy.  Two different surgeons agreed that lumpectomy was the correct course of action.  Turned out the cancer was bigger then they imagined, more like a pancake then a lump and I went back for mastectomy.  Please call for a biopsy now.   I would opt for the biopsy first versus just taking it out.
My doctor said that the odds are the biopsy would be negative....wouldn't you feel better knowing.  Good Luck!