Next step

[becky732]

I just got my yearly mammogram completed, my family dr called and wants me to come in for a breast exam and have a repeat mammogram done in 3 months, her nurse stated they found a a structual mass in the right breast that was benign.  Well I got my papers from the radilogist today which they did not give me much info just stated the full report was sent to my dr but the found a mass in my breast that probably was not cancer but there are not sure and I needed to follow up with another mammogram in 3 months.  Am I thiinking wrong or should I just go straight ahead and request my dr to send me for a biopsy, I do not see the need to keep dragging this out with mammograms.  Thanks for any good advice

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear becky723, Without ability to view the films compare to previous mammograms, read the report, physical examination it is difficult to say what the next step should be.  A “structural mass” could mean many things.  You may want to have a discussion with your doctor about this finding and whether other evaluations might help to clarify this finding sooner for you.  A biopsy might not be necessary; it may be that a referral to a breast specialist to help with evaluation of this finding might be more appropriate.

[dblwhammy]

Hi becky732,
If this worries you don't wait around for 3 months. Can you feel anything where they find this mass? Has your doctor examined your breasts? Ultrasound and MRI are other noninvasive procedures which can evaluate the 'mass' and if indicated biopsy is the next step. I had a completely clean mammo last year and 7 months later I found a lump which was invasive ductal carcinoma. Mammograms are not 100% reliable. Don't worry for the next 3 months. Be proactive with your health and get answers. And better sleep!

[japdip]

Your first step should be that appointment with your Physician for the clinical exam and a detailed explanation of the Mammo report. A 3 month wait is not unreasonable to my way of thinking but if you're not comfortable with the wait then bring it up when you see the Dr.

[HazelLynn]

Hi for peace of mind, I would get a biopsy done straight away - then you know and can get onto to the next step (which I hope is the good one).

From my experience  - time is of the essence - within three months my dcis started to invade - if there are problems, they need sorting out quickly and if there arent, then you need peace of mind.

I hope its all ok.
Hazel

[confusedinva]

Hi Becky, I would stronly sugggest that you NOT wait 3 months.I would get a physical exam by your doctor, if one has not been done,then a breast MRI and perhaps a second opinion.MRIs are better at showing soft tissue masses.Waiting 3 months could be dangerous.
confusedinva