Understanding Palpable Lumps After Negative Mammogram & Biopsies
QuestionI seem to have ongoing issues in my L breast had 2 b9 excisional biopsies in the past, the last issue 2 palpable lumps (1 to the left of the nipple and the other 9 o'clock 'ish position), went in for mammo/CAD (digital) and us per order of a CMN that I work with (after her clinical breast exam per my request). Results on mammo were 38 yr old dense breasts L multiple nodules are identified a new well-circumscribed nodule and persists on spot comp. view, as well as an at least partially well circumscribed nodular density of the R breast. I do have a stable well-circumscribed nodule in the R breast that is unchanged from previous study in 2004 'ish BI-RADS 3 for probably benign findings per new report. US, several new and old pulmonary nodules on the mammo, innumerable cysts throughout both breasts using realtime gray-scale us w/color flow doppler imaging . Cysts range in size from 2-3mm and 1.2cm by 0.8cm, it is anechoic w/thin imperceptible wall and increased through transmission. No abnormalities are seen in areas of questioned palpable abnormality. The tech that did the us told me he didn't even see anything in the area of new lumps. How can I have 2 new lumps that show nothing? I also had issues many years ago w/nipple discharge in both breasts that was wnl milky yellow/white but before my new clinical breast exam (my CNM was aware before breast imaging) I was having issues again in both breasts but this time in the L breast I had............. dk brown like a watered down Pepsi color discharge, and thick almost particulate (currently it is yellow and thin) do you think this could have come from the excisional breast biopsy I had a few years earlier, you know "old blood"? The radiologist said it is probably a cyst that ruptured. I really think everything is fine but I am not comfortable having these 2 new lumps and being told everything is fine but we want you f/u with your provider for the palpable lumps and come back in 6 months for imaging just to make sure everything is fine. Why come back in 6 months for cysts, when cysts are normal? I am upset with myself that I didn't just go to a breast center because if I had, I think I would feel more comfortable with the f/u advice. My husband thinks I should request an mri due to reading I have been doing, and my mom thinks I should just wait and see. I don't want to make a fuss but I know if I go back to the doc for f/u she will say see the gen. surgeon, that usually means biopsy and honestly I would rather have further testing. I am so confused, PLEASE HELP
Thank You,
Sherry
AnswerI think your husband is right! As in all dense breasts (and the rest too) mammography should be complemented with MRI breast scans. Breast discharge is NOT a cancer sign unless mixed with blood. This period of dark color was probably a temporary thing so now without importance. The lumps you can feel but that can not be seen should be checked with thin needle aspiration biopsies - quick, easy & simple and not really a surgical procedure - in order to be on the safe side! Also all other lesions that in any way are uncertain should be checked with needle biopsies. That way you do not need to wait! Good luck!
