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Mammo/US question - sorry, but am fighting two battle right now

by mommy2two2008, Jul 18, 2008 09:33AM
Good morning ladies and gents.  Have a non-thyroid related question.  Heck, it all could be related, I have no clue.  This is about my Mammo and US report because I don't know if the biopsy rules apply to areas that are not thyroid.  Maybe you do, -- here goes:

I just looked up the conversion chart for CM / MM.  If I read correctly, CM = 10 mm, so I have a larger than 1 CM (only slightly, at 12 x 5 x 11 MM ) solid nodule.  This does mean it is big enough to biopsy, right??  I have a 2nd opinion appointment with a surgeon and I think I am going to request a biopsy.  What do you think?
Member Comments (18)

by mommy2two2008, Jul 18, 2008 09:34AM
Sorry about the typo, meant to say fighting two battles....

by Jules77733, Jul 18, 2008 10:59AM
To: mommy2two2008
I just read a few sites on this and it doesn't seem like there's a standard for size of a mass in the breast vs. when to biopsy it, as is the case with thyroid nodules. It sounds like the doctor recommends it be done if there is a suspicion that it might be malignant, or there is something unusual going on (i.e. unusual nipple discharge). Your solid nodule is 1.2 x 0.5 x 1.1 cm, which would definitely be large enough to biopsy.

In my opinion, if you're really worried about it, I would get at least a second opinion to see if solid nodules and/or cysts are something to be concerned about, and if this relates to your still-undiagnosed (right?) thyroid problem. Since the breast biopsy appears to be a little more invasive, talking to other doctors about the need to have this done might save you some trouble. But if you reallyyyy want to know for sure, then I would definitely say go ahead and get it done for your own piece of mind. Better safe than sorry!

These are two websites I googled that seem to have some good information on the subject:

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastbixr
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-biopsy/WO00111

by mommy2two2008, Jul 18, 2008 11:45AM
Thank you so much Jules.  Yep, still undiagnosed thyroid, but medicated.  How crazy is that?  Thanks again.  Going to request that biopsy.  You know, the thing that gets me is this, if it is cancer, then it could be breast to thyroid, or it could be thyroid to breast.  OR - IT COULD ALL BE SEPARATE.  If it had to be, I think I would prefer thyroid to breast.  IT IS NOTHING AND I AM FREAKING FOR NOTHING. But I want to be safe.

by Jules77733, Jul 20, 2008 08:10PM
To: mommy2two2008
No problem! If the biopsy will make you feel better--definitely have it done. It's your health, and no one can blame you for wanting to know what's going on with your body. :)

by utahmomma, Jul 20, 2008 08:35PM
For the breast issue:  I know that they can do a small lumpectomy under local anesthetic if the nodule is close enough to the skin.  Do you know where the lump is???

I dunno, I've had a very close friend and an aunt go through breast cancer recently and you might want to be aggressive and just get it out and sent to pathology.  Yeah, it will probably be nothing and you'll be a little sore and have a small incision but you'll know what it is.

I'm so sorry you are going through so much.  I really, really am!

Hugs from Utah

by TXMomOfFaith, Jul 20, 2008 09:22PM
Ok, I am just wondering and this may be totally inappropriate for this board but here goes. I try to that self breast exam on myself and honestly the whole breast is lumpy so how in the world can you tell if something is "off"? I am having concern over a bump or knot or something under an armpit and the thought of breast cancer has past my mind several times.

by mommy2two2008, Jul 20, 2008 10:26PM
Thanks Utah!  I just hate this ****.  I go see the surgeon on the 23rd.  I am going to request a biopsy at the least, but I don't know if he'll do it.  I think I may have to throw a fit for it, which I am perfectly capable of.  I am however leaving for vacation with hubby, kids and hubby's entire family (mom, dad, the whole nine yards) on Saturday.  Anyway, my kids are looking forward to the ocean so I am going to see the surgeon then schedule for the week later (or whenever he says) so not to disappoint my kids.  Would not want to get in that kind of water after something like that, you know, I am sure that would be asking for infection.

About the location, I am not sure, it is at the "12 o'clock position" in the right and believe me, I am not "big", so I figure they could get to it pretty easy.

Txmom -- I only found all of this **** after seeing the doc b/c I have continual pain except during "the period week".  I say that lightly b/c these days, that is few and far between.  Anyway, I went in and they know me from my job so he checked it out then said he did not feel anything, but wanted the mammo to be sure.  That led to the US.  I think it shocked him there was a finding.  By all means, have your gyn check it.

Thanks to Jules, Utah and TXmom for your thoughts.  I appreciate you guys!  :)  I am starting to think I am going nuts and my body hates me so this place is a nice excape. Its also good to get some support since hubby hates to talk anything bad since his mom is sick.  Thanks gals!  Hugs to all.

by utahmomma, Jul 20, 2008 10:50PM
Hey Mommy - Yeah, I understand about the body hating you.  Sorry but just know you are in good (if not falling apart) company.  PM me any time.  Man, I am so sorry for all you are going through!  (HUGS)

TXMom - it's called fibrocystic breast disease and, yeah, it's no fun.  I can't do a breast self-exam either because of it.  That's why yearly mammograms are so important - especially for us.  I couldn't find a lump with a map and a compass - it would be lost amongst all the other lumps.  :-(

All, take care and HUGE hugs

by ras48, Jul 21, 2008 12:01AM
To: Mommy2two2008
Dear Mommy,
I really feel for what you are going through. I have been down this road a few times myself. 4 times to be exact. The first one was when I was pregnant with my son. Since there had not been a  breast cancer history They elected to wait until after the delivery to biopsy it. Happy to report all were fibroid adnomas. The last one was the worse, it was very deep and I was experencing a lot of pain. It too was benign. I have been told that an excess amount of caffine will produce breast pain. I don't think I could function without my diet cola. Well any way I say better safe than sorry for your own peace of mind have it checked out. Same with the Thyroid. I still don't have my THS regulated. I'm hoping soon. It was at 12 so the Dr. uped my dose to 150 mgs. I would like to have a little bit more energy back. Keep us informed and don't hesitate to lean on us. Regina

by ChitChatNIne, J