Breast Thickening

[espurs2004]

I found an odd shaped "lump" its a longular shape.  I had a mammogram and ultrasound in January and was told that it was more than likely thickening.  I check it often and found another "lump".  I go back next week for another ultrasound but my family physician said that the report of the mammogram and ultrasound did show a mass.  This is only in one breast.  the other breast feels very different.

I'm concerned about the laxidasical attitude that my doctor has.  She didn't even explain to me what a "mass" means.  So my question is what is the difference between thickening and cancer?  How can an ultrasound or mammogram show the difference?

[espurs2004]

One more question please,

Is there a difference between a Mass and Thickening?

[PaulMD]

Hi there!

Cancer can come in many forms in one's breast.  It can be in a form of a lump, a mass, or a thickening.  Mammogram at a certain extent can differentiate between a cancer and a benign lesion depending on the pattern of calcifications.  Other physical aspects that can point out to a cancer are irregular gritty nodule borders, skin dimpling over the lump, and the presence of concomitant armpit nodules.

I suggest you discuss with your doctors regarding further diagnostic tests such as doing a biopsy.

Regards and God bless...