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differences of procedures

I was diagnosed with a possible Prolactinoma.  I was referred to an Endocrinologist as well as referred for a mammorgram and an US of the breats.  I was told that both would show the same information, so my question is what is the major difference that would make me have to have both?  Also, what could significant pain under my right armpit lasting for almost a month signify?  I am only 30 years old, and my grandmother had a mastectomy about 30-35 years ago for breast cancer, and I have to aunts who both were diagnosed with fibrocystics of the breast..  Could I be suffering the same disease?  I am scared, as my family is in California and I am in Texas and have no real support network.  Please help to put my mind at ease.  Thank you.
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314692 tn?1214080510
Hi,

I just wanted you to know that I have prolactinoma. And in april I was diagnosed with breast cancer so if you have any question dont hesitate to ask. Im sure you are gonna be just fine.

Good luck and take care,

Tracey
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi ma’am,
How are you? Prolactinmoma is a condition in which a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland in your brain overproduces the hormone prolactin. The major effect of increased prolactin is a decrease in normal levels of estrogen in women. Although prolactinoma isn't life-threatening, it can cause visual impairment, infertility and other effects. Doctors often are able to effectively treat prolactinoma with medications to restore prolactin level to normal. Surgery to remove the pituitary tumor also may be an option.
With your family history of breast cancer, a mammogram and an ultrasound are very good evaluation tools. Ultrasound in addition to mammography helped doctors spot significantly more breast cancers in high-risk women- about 78%, compared with mammograms alone which only detects about 50 % according to studies. Regular visit to your doctor and finding support groups in your place as well as the internet would really help in putting your mind at ease. One such link is: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/mynbcf/
I hope this helps. Take care and keep us posted.
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