can a mammo be neg with fibrocysts?

[lav50]

Last week I felt a pain in my chest area and while feeling around discovered a large mass in left breast, underside above and along the breast bone toward armpit.  I went to gyn who said it feels like fibrocystic condition, and felt other lumps also,  and sent me for mammo, and if needed an ultrasound and/or biopsy.  I was told by radiologist that he could not see anything on the mammo so no US or biopsy were done.  The mammo tech had a difficult time getting the whole area.  I just got the report which stated normal.   I can't help but feel dissatisfied, and my gut is telling me there is more going on than fibrocystic breast condition.  It is not a round lump, but irregular and elongated.  Should I request other tests?  I would actually feel better with a biopsy to be sure.  I am 50 years old and had hysterectomy about 15 years ago due to fibroid tumors.  Thank you, any help or advice appreciated.


This discussion is related to Breast Lump.

[lav50]

Hi I hope you are doing well.  I asked for an ultrasound which my dr. did order.  I am scheduled for it tomorrow.  Just wanted to let you know and that I very much apprec you telling me about your case.  I have already made up my mind that if the dr. does not order a biopsy after the ultrasound then I will ask to have it done. I know there is something more there, I have a strong gut instinct which is usually correct.  
Regards..

[lav50]

Thank you for your reply.  I'm so sorry about all your troubles and how long it took to find out.  I have been hearing about similar cases, which is why I am still so concerned.  I have searched and found a site about invasive lobular carcinoma and my symptoms sound very familiar to that.  I am trying to get my dr. to order an ultrasound.  Thank you so much for you story, it tells me that I should trust my instinct and pursue this until I am satisfied that it is only cysts or that I need treatment right away.  God Bless

[dizins]

I also had fibrocystic breasts. Yes, demand to have ultrasound and if nothing found then get an MRI. I had a lump and did not show up on mammo was told to come back in 4 mths. and when I went back the lump grew sent for ultrasound still showed nothing and then an MRI did pick it up and Biopsy confirmed it was stage 3 invasive lobular b/c.   2010 was a long year going through chemo, mastectomy, lymph node removal under arm, & radiation but I am a survivor... My advise is to don't let it go 6 mths. demand more tests,best regards

[lav50]

Thank you for your response.  I guess the reason I am concerned is due to reading about cases where a lump is felt but does not show up on mammogram, but turns out to be cancer. I also know that mammograms are not 100% accurate.  Are ultrasounds more likely to show fibrocystic condition than mammograms?

[japdip]

I would advise you to ask you personal Physician to specifically ORDER an Ultrasound; I wouldn't insist on a biopsy until something is "seen" on film though. You might also consider seeing a Breast Specialist for an opinion. From what you describe that your Dr. palpated it does sound like Fibrocystic Condition or lumpy breast tissue. I doubt anything else is going on .... if it were something else I'm certain it would have shown up on Mammography. Regards ....