New here and don't know what is going on - Cancer: Breast Message Board

Sprout07 · 05-18-2008, 05:04 PM

Hi everyone. I am 28 and I just had a baby 6 months ago. In addition to being pregnant, I also took progesterone supplements to help carry to term. I recently discovered "the" lump in my right breast at about the 9 o'clock area towards the outer edge. I went to my ob/gyn a few days later and after feeling it both lying down and sitting up, he concluded that he thought it was a cyst. It is rather hard, smooth, and can be moved around. It kind of feels like a grape. I am a D cup and my breasts are very dense. His first comment was that he thought I had fibrocystic breasts. Anyway, he sent me for an ultrasound. When I went, the tech couldn't find the lump. SHe had me show her a few times and had me show her so she could feel with her own fingers. She never found anything on the screen. The thing that makes me confused is that she told me that ultrasounds can only show if there is a cyst or not and that she did not find a cyst. She went to speak to the radiologist and said he may recommend a mammogram even though I'm younger than 40. She then came back and said "Nope you can go ahead home. Your doctor will get the results." She told me it is up to him what to do next and that he may just want to watch it for awhile. I don't understand because everything I've read says that ultrasounds are a better tool for younger women with dense breasts to further evaluate any mass AND can tell if the lump is cystic or solid. I don't see my doctor until tomorrow morning and I'm scared! I don't know if the fact that I didn't need a mammogram or that she said he may just want to watch it is a good sign.

Also, I swear I can feel other areas of my breasts that feel similar. I can feel a similar spot up near my armpits in both breasts in the same area.

I just don't know what to think at this point. I have no family history of cancer of any type. My mother-in-law has reassured me that it is probably a fibroadenoma because she had the same exact situation happen to her when she was in her 20's. I am just such an anxious person. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all!!!

leea1206 · 05-19-2008, 11:53 AM

At your age and with no hx of cancer, it's highly likely to be something OTHER than cancer. - Remember, 80% of breast lumps are beneign.

Personally, even though you have dense breasts, I would want a mammogram, especially if you are a worrier. Usually I think they do both a mammogram and US to make sure they don't miss anything. I think a digital mammogram is a little easier to read, so if you get one, you might want to ask for a digital.

Leea

Christine73 · 05-19-2008, 01:57 PM

Agreed...especially if the lump can be moved I doubt you have anything to worry about

Sprout07 · 05-21-2008, 06:11 AM

Hi again. Thank you for your replies and support. I just wanted to add that I saw my doctor Monday morning and he said nothing showed up on the ultrasound. He confirmed what I read on the internet that any mass-solid or fluid filled -would be detectable on the ultrasound. So he said I have fibrocystic breasts. I have to go back in a month and he said I have nothing to worry about. I just can't trust that because of my age that there is no chance it's not cancer. I know that cancer doesn't just pick people over a certain age and without a biopsy, I don't think my doctor can know for certain that it is benign. He also said he doesn't recommend a mammogram because it is not very effective for women my age and that ultrasound is better. I know I sound like a pessimist, but I've been through a lot with trying to have a baby and it always seems like I have some uncanny ability to defy odds. I just keep feeling my lump and wishing it would go away.

leea1206 · 05-21-2008, 09:38 PM

Spout-

If you are really worried about it, you can insist on a biopsy. - That is the only way you will know for sure. Your Dr. may think the request is a little radical, with nothing on the ultrasound: But afterall, it is your body.

It might give you piece of mind.