Thought it was a lump, now not sure? Who do I see? - Cancer: Breast Message Board

11marie11 · 01-07-2007, 06:58 AM

Hello,

Two weeks ago, I found a lump in my neck and then had ultrasound on thyroid which found a lump there. The lump in the neck went away. I had a really really bad viral infection that cause sinus infection and I guess the lump in neck. Anyway, it was right before my menstrual cycle so I know I should not have checked my breasts then, but I was so paranoid about all these lumps popping up, I did. I found a lump right before period and my breasts were really sore due to getting my period. I showed my endcrinologist, who was checking my thyroid issue. And she sent me for an ultrasound.

The ultrasound happenned after my period and by then my breasts were no longer sore and I was not sure I could feel the lump or not. Sometimes, I think I can feel it if I push down really hard but then I am not sure. Maybe it is a gland? It is below my breast right where the milk ducts are supposed to be. Well, I had the ultrasound and they did not find anything there. They said it was all normal. But they did it really quick because I said I was not sure I could feel it anymore.

I did not get a mammogram nor have I ever had one yet. I might have to have radiation if I have thyroid cancer and wanted to hold off on the mammogram for now. I am 36. Should I still worry if ultrasound says clear? Should I have someone else check it because I can not tell if it is a lump or not?

newfie11 · 01-07-2007, 08:36 AM

Breast cancer does not go away. If you cannot find the lump and the ultrasound didn't see anything I would not worry. One thing about breast ultrasounds, it is always wise to be sure the technologist doing the ultrasound is ARDMS registered. Ultrasound diagnosis is very dependant on the person doing the scanning. Sometimes the radiologist will come in and scan after the technologist and that is fine. It is always better to have a radiologist read the scans instead of another type of doctor. As of right now most states do not require an US technologist be registered. That means anyone off the street can walk in and do an US with very little training. However I don't know any radiologist that would read them.
The same can be said for x-ray technologists. There are still states out there that will allow anyone to do x-rays,ct,mri, etc on people. The on the job training lacks lots of important information.
Newfie11