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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
What does non-benign mean?
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
What does non-benign mean?
by seadraem, Jun 24, 2008 02:58PM
I recently had my first mammogram, and a lump was found (ok - I knew about it a while ago but wasn't smart enough to do anything). I had a follow-up mammogram and ultrasound, and my doctor told me today that the radiologist said there is a non-benign mass. I've been scheduled for a vacuum-assisted core biopsy in three days. My doctor told me not to worry - 95% of the time these come back as nothing.
What does "non-benign" really mean? In my english classes, I would have sworn it would mean something on the order of malignant or at least bad.
What does "non-benign" really mean? In my english classes, I would have sworn it would mean something on the order of malignant or at least bad.
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Jun 26, 2008 08:49PM
, Jun 26, 2008 08:49PM
Hi There,
I think non-benign is a made up word. You should ask your doctor to explain what he/she meant.
If you were told that there is a 95% chance that this is benign, then your mass is probably benign. However, it is crucial to have a biopsy to be sure that the mass is not a cancer.
I know this is scary. I hope all goes well with your biopsy.
take care
I think non-benign is a made up word. You should ask your doctor to explain what he/she meant.
If you were told that there is a 95% chance that this is benign, then your mass is probably benign. However, it is crucial to have a biopsy to be sure that the mass is not a cancer.
I know this is scary. I hope all goes well with your biopsy.
take care
Thanks for your answer!
BIRADS is a system developed for mammograms. It is not conventionally used in discussing pelvic ultrasounds. here is a good website with information.
take care
http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/quality_safety/BIRADSAtlas/BIRADSFAQs.aspx