Doctor finds breast nodule that ultrasound doesn't find

[bluigirl]

First, let me start by saying I am a 34 year old mother of two.  In 2005, I was referred to a surgical oncologist and I had a surgical biopsy for nipple discharge in my right breast which turned out to be intraductal papilloma.  In March 2007, I had the same procedure done on my right breast for the same thing.  In a mammogram dated 2/12/2007, prior to the biopsy for nipple discharge, there was a 5mm mass in the right breast @ 12 o'clock middle depth. This mass is hypoechoic.  The report also lists other cysts in both breasts but all benign.  Anyway, the cysts have never bothered me and all has been well since the last surgical biopsy until a week ago.  I noticed a cloudy green discharge from my right breast, so I called my PCM at Family Practice (a military base) and she saw me, expressed enough for a culture and said she felt a nodule and sent me for an ultrasound.
They called me with all results yesterday and I am confused.  The culture tested positive for STREP, so they prescribed penicillan and referred me to infectious diseases and says that the ultrasound shows nothing but is still referring me to the surgical oncologist who performed my last 2 biopsies. I guess I'm confused, first of all STREP!??!  Second, if the doctor felt something, but the ultrasound shows nothing....why am I being referred to the surgeon again?  He's going to think I'm a hypochondriac!


This discussion is related to Breast lump but nothing showing on ultrasound.

[healingwell62]

Hi there!

You may have infected tissue that needs to be excised in addition to the antibiotics.  Follow through and make sure you get healed!

Warmly,

Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer 1 & 2 Community Leader

[bluigirl]

Went to the infectious disease dr who did blood work and says all blood work is normal.  I go to the surgeon next week and I am really freaking out with all this time to wait!!!  I am more worried about the mass that has been there for 2 years....is it something more now?  Is it possible to have intraductal papilloma again? If so, why?  You always hear about misdiagnosis and this is scary for me. Is there anything in particular that I need to be asking the surgeon when I go?

Thanks so much!  

[bluigirl]

Well, I went to the surgeon today and he looked at me like I was crazy when I told him that the culture of my nipple discharge was positive for unspecified strep.  He did his exam and said he doesn't feel anything and to come back in 3 months.....so I'm guessing he thinks I'm nuts, but that's ok at least I know I'm alright.