I have a lump in my breast and need some advice. Please.

[TaraF]

Hi Sc'rs. I've been MIA for a bit for quite a few reasons, but I most definitely need some advice and guidance on this. About a month ago I found a hard lump in my left breast, about the size of a large marble. I called my Dr who saw me the next day and who upon examination said it was some fibroid breast disease. I wasn't happy with that diagnosis from a simple examine and wanted further testing. My Dr is good like that, and by the time I got home that day I had an appointment booked for an ultrasound in 2 days. The results of that stated a "simple cyst" and I was told this would go away with my next menstral cycle and that they are common. Fair. Well the menstral cycle has come and gone and the lump is still there. It doesn't cause me any pain whatsoever and the discovery of it was actually a total fluke.

I was laying in bed texting on my cell phone, put it on my chest a second while doing something else and when I grabbed it to pick it up I felt something hard. Anyways, I see my Dr this friday and I'm wondering if I should ask for a biopsy to be certain? From what I've read online about breast cysts is that they can not be confirmed 100% as cysts unless they are biopsied and/or asasperated (sp??) Aside from that I'm a bit leary with the word and diagnosis of "cyst". As many know after a CT Scan and 2 MRI's 4 Drs were convinced my brain tumour was a cyst and turned out to not be. So I'm a bit leary on a "simple ultrasound diagnosis of cyst.

Am I being a hypochondriac? Do I have the right to ask for a biopsy and/or further testing? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thank you all.

[i_forget]

I do not think you are over reacting at all.
With you having the tumour I am surprised that they have just said that it is a cyst and not thought to do something more.
I think it is always better to be sure than to accept the easy answer.

[secheltsaver]

I'm sorry you have this worrying you,Tara,you've certainly been through enough in the last few years.By all means do ask your doctor for further testing to rule out any malignancy,if only for peace of mind.Unfortunately,your previous experience justifies your alarm,and I'm sure he'll understand.I had a very frightening breast cancer scare at 29-a painful lump with nipple discharge and lymph node enlargement in my armpit on that side.My doctor sent me off for a series of tests (mammogram and ultrasound and CT or MRI,I can't remember which)and referred me to a specialist.In the end,it was decided that it was a non-fluid filled cyst and I had yearly mammograms for 2 years for follow up.It annoyed and worried me for several years,but never progressed to anything more serious.I hope you'll be able to have yours investigated just as thoroughly asap,and will get good news.Take care,and good luck.

[Angela273]

pm'ing you

[vesper]

I agree with this.

I hope it is nothing serious!!

I do not think you are over reacting at all.
With you having the tumour I am surprised that they have just said that it is a cyst and not thought to do something more.
I think it is always better to be sure than to accept the easy answer.

[Patty Smyth]

Get a biopsy

[VeeVee]

Its your body so you call the shots! You absolutely have the right to ask for more testing.
Do what you feel is right for you! Get the biopsy imo

Best of luck!!

[gracesmommy]

ask for a biopsy for sure. it's not something to just wait out and see.

[Sunshyne1]

ok well, I am going to jump in here because I have had experience with this.

I had a large golfball sized lump removed from my left breast when I was about 27 or 28. It was most definately a cyst and was sent for biopsy once it was removed.

I found the lump because it was painful. The lump was on the side of my breast right where the underwire was for my bra so it was very irritating. My Dr. told me the same thing...that it should go away with a few Meunstral cycles. It didn't, it only got bigger. When i first noticed it , it was maybe the same size as yours. When I had it removed it was much much bigger because with each successive Menunstral cycle because of the hormonal changes we go to at that time.

They did a needle test on it...inconclusive. So the only option was to get it removed. They had to cut quite a bit of tissue out with it because it had kind of melded into the breast tissue because it had been in there for such a long time.
I was young when I had first noticed the lump and i was told the same thing...just keep an eye on it and we will go from there.
I was maybe 22, so i really didn't pay attention to it until it started to get painful. So that little cyst..which was maybe pea sized, had grown up into golf ball size in a matter of 7 years. And was very painful.

Because of the cyst issue, i now go for Mamograms much more frequently at the Dr's request.

I haven't read the full thread but did you say they have done a needle biopsy on it or they are going to?

sometimes that will solve the problem because it will drain the fluid in the cyst. Mine, however was just a massive lump of with no liquid, kind of like dried blood inside it so that's why it was inconclusive when they needle tested it.

i know it's hard to not worry...but I would think positive for now.

[Lynn49]

Tara, with your history, I, too, am surprised your doctor isn't treating this with more diligence and caution.
Absolutely ask for a biopsy and make certain you get one. Although I can tell you to try to be positive, I've been in
your situation and I know how worrisome it can be. In my case it wasn't anything serious at all, but after what you
went through I know you must be a bundle of nerves!
Get that biopsy and be sure, Hon.

[TaraF]

Thanks for the advice guys, I appreciate it. Originally (before the ultrasound) my Dr said no to a mammogram because he said I was too young (33) and that they don't want to subject you to the harmfulness of mammograms too early. How harmful are these damn things? lol

I will definitely ask for a biopsy on Friday. Better to be safer than sorry.

[Lynn49]

In Ontario: you might want to inform your doctor.



Breast cancer screening saves lives

Between 1990 and 2009, breast cancer deaths decreased by 37% for women aged 50 to 74, by 37% for women aged 30 to 49, and by 31% for women of all ages. This decrease may be because of increased screening with mammography, better treatments and a decline in breast cancer incidence in the early 2000s.

The OBSP also now screens women aged 30 to 69 years who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer. The OBSP High Risk Screening Centres:

• Facilitate referrals for genetic assessment for women who may be at high risk for breast cancer (if appropriate);

• Offer annual screening mammography and breast MRI for women who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer;

• Facilitate follow-up breast assessment services for women who require extra tests.

I don't intend to frighten you any more than you likely are already, but screening early DOES save lives!
Says so on the Ontario web-site:
https://www.cancercare.on.ca/cms/One...77&pageId=9430

[secheltsaver]

Well,you might be "too young"but these are extenuating circumstances.When I first called to book my mammogram,the clerk was incredibly rude to me,saying (and the words are etched in my mind forever,btw)"that's ridiculous!No-one has a mamogram at 29,for chrissakes!".I had to threaten to report her if she didn't do it asap.Still browns me off after 21 years,she was ward clerk on my unit a month before-think she'd have had some compassion,sheesh.Listen to your heart on this one,the peace of mind is worth it.

[oscarandme]

Oh my goodness, you have been burned on a misdiagnosis before and your instinct is telling you do not be satisfied with this conclusion. See what happens friday and If you have to go see another doctor, please do so, you are the patient. and insist on biopsy. They have been known to be wrong, you have the evidence unfortunately and you are not being paranoid, you are being human and worrying like we all would be. Please stay strong and you are your own advocate and if you have to bring back-up at doctors' apointment to insist. Back-up is good moral suport and espicially an important meeting as this and let them come in and listen to doctor and you. Is there history in your family?

Anyway stand your ground, he works for you. For peace of mind, you cannot take a chance with something as important as this. If this was your child, your mother what would you do??? you do the same for you!!!!

Please stay in touch and we will pray that all is fine and looking forward for a biopsy date. Take care dear.

[Giving-Small]

TaraF - it's very likely nothing BUT it's on your mind and you need that energy for more positive things in your life. If it were me, I'd do it.

Good luck and positive thoughts whatever you decide.