Mamogram then diagnostic mammogram, now ultrasound and still no answer!

[Jewell911]

Been having an annual mammogram for the last 7 yrs. now, up until Sept. everything was fine.  There is very high risk of cancer in my family, however, no one that I am aware of has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Leukemia, lung cancer, skin cancer, thyroid are among those that I am aware of. I am the only survivor.  My Dr. sent me for a diagnostic mammogram a week after my mammogram, while at the hospital getting the diagnostic done they were trying to get my in for an ultrasound because the found a mass.  I asked the doctor to explain all he would tell me was so far it was inconclusive and "did I have a faith?  Do I know how to meditate?"  Oh My God!
A month later I was finally able to get in for my ultrasound, and of course the tech. couldn't tell me what she was measuring with a ruler?  What the odd shaped  eye looking things on the screen were some were plane black and some had spots in them, I know I'm asking for a shot in the dark, does anyone out there have any experience with this?  

[bluebutterfly2222]

According to the Americam College of Radiology (ACR), a screening mammogram is used for routine screening (of nonsymptomatic patients) such as the annual mammogram that they recommend for the early detection of breast cancers, since it can show changes in the breast up to 2 years before the patient or physician can feel them.

Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings—such as a breast lump or lumps—that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammography in order to evaluate the area of concern on the screening exam.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mammo

Their definition does not include any distinction in regard to whether a radiologist is present, or whether additonal views are taken (although this would be expected in the latter case, of followup to an abnormal screening mammogram).

I hope this information "from the horse's mouth" will aid  in putting an end to unpleasant debate that has been going on, and allow us all to get back to our mission of helping and supporting each other.

bluebutterfly

[SueYoung55]

Thank you Cheryl for your reminder. We appreciate what you and all the participants offer everyone that visits this forum.

Jewell,

I hope you get good news and I hope you get it soon. I know the waiting stinks and I know you really want answers.

If it were me, I'd get things moving quickly. I have no patience when it comes to this disease and will admit to being a wee bit "abrupt" to get things moving when it comes to testing and diagnosis. If you still have concerns, you should get your testing re-read by another radiologist for a second opinion. It's your body and your peace of mind.
Good luck and best wishes :)

[MH Community Mgr]

Hi Everyone,

Our Community Leaders are volunteer MedHelp members who help on our Patient to Patient communities, such as your Breast Cancer Community.  Community Leaders volunteer their time, just like all our members, to help answer posts with their opinion.  Our Community Leaders help channel member questions and issues to us and we, in turn, can help members through our Community Leaders.  This is especially important when new features are released.  So, if you disagree with a CL, it's the same as disagreeing with a member.  Please keep in mind,  we can all have our opinion on a Patient to Patient community such as this one. This is not an Expert Forum. We ask that if anyone disagrees it's kept within our TOS so we can all continue to help each other.

Regards,

Cheryl
MH Community Mgr

[zouzi]

Japdip NEVER stated that there are NO differences between a screening mammogram and a Diagnostig mammogram.There was NO error whatsoever in her comment... because Japdip KNOWS very well the difference!
If her comment to "Jewell911" is read correctly,she simply said that the only difference is that a diagnostic mammogram is read and explained by the radiologist while the patient is still at the Clinic.
My own diagnostic mammogram was read on the spot by the radiologist himself, so was my sister's, and many women posting in this Forum have said the same.
If some Institution don't apply the same procedure, that is not to say that our excellent Community Leader for whom we have a lot of respect and admiration,has given an erroneous answer....

[healthcareguerilla]

Given that you are the forum moderator, I sent a personal note, hoping you would correct your erroneous statement that there is no difference between screening mammography and diagnostic mammography.  There most certainly is.

The diagnostic mammogram consists of taking different, more focused views on a questionable area.

[healthcareguerilla]

Unfortunately, I CAN believe that your GP said those things to you about having a faith -- I hope you can change docs.  Books are helpful -- books that address benign masses as well as malignant ones.

[Jewell911]

Thank you so much for your input, my GP. is on holidays, however, I've seen his fill in.  She explained I had a cyst and then tried to drain it without success.  She said it was nothing to worry about, and that if it continued to bother me I needed to tell my regular doctor when he returns.  Thank yo for easing my anxiety.