went for an examination at hospital and doc said right one is lumpier than left I got mammogram on tuesday. But I have beeen getting sharp shooting pains on right breast from nipple to just under arm very painful to touch any advice please.
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Q: 41 year old with right breast 1.5 inches bigger than left.
Answers (1)
2/14/10 10:16am
Hi Ellie - With the pain and lumpiness, this sounds very much like fibrocystic change, which is common in younger women such as yourself. Please read our post on breast pain, too; pain isn't usually a symptom of breast cancer, nor is general lumpiness. However, I'm glad you got a mammogram; if your right breast has suddenly increased in size, it could be the sign of an infection, some major cysts, or perhaps an early sign of a rare form of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, which can begin with swelling, pain, and a general appearance of infection. So good luck; hope your results turn out to show nothing serious. PJH
2/20/10 3:44pm
My mammogram showed what may be a small cyst on right breast got to go for ultrasound could this be more serious.
2/20/10 3:59pm
Ellie, don't know what happened to my other response to this question, but it's good they're seeing a cyst. A cyst will show up clear on a mammogram, while a tumor would show up opaque. An ultrasound will definitely determine for sure if this is a cyst. Good luck - PJH
2/23/10 3:33pm
Been for ultrasound today doc said I had a 1cm lump that he thought was benign. So after ultrasound he said he would rather get a biopsy done the lump is quite deep down. How serious do you think this could be I am quite worried.
2/23/10 4:26pm
Ellie, sounds like he couldn't identify this as a cyst, so the tests continue. How serious could it be? It could be cancer. BUT about 85% of biopsies show benign (not cancerous) breast lumps of some kind. The stats are on your side, so hang in there... PJH
3/ 3/10 11:19am
If it was a cyst would they still do biopsy. I have to go next week and back to consultant on the 15th. The radiologist that is doing is off for a few days hence the delay of a week. I am worried.
3/ 3/10 12:51pm
Ellie, if they'd positively identified this as a cyst, you wouldn't need a biopsy. Are you getting a biopsy? As I said, about 85% of biopsies show no cancer, so please don't assume you have cancer. It's natural to be worried; and there's really nothing you can do about it, except try to put that worry aside and concentrate on other things. Please read our post on dealing with fear ; it might help you out. Good luck - PJH
3/ 3/10 1:03pm
Yes I am getting a biopsy with ultrasound as it is deep down. I get the results on the 15th. I was just unsure as why they wanted biopsy if they thought it was a cyst, but one doc said cyst and the other said 1cm lump. Thanks for answering me sorry for bothering you and I will let you know how I get on.
3/ 3/10 4:44pm
No bother at all, Ellie - that's what we're here for. Please do keep me posted with your results. I've got my fingers crossed for you... PJH
3/10/10 7:40am
Got to go tomorrow afternoon got my letter in this morning. it says that I have to get a US Breast Rt examination could you tell me what this means, I will keep you posted thanks.
3/10/10 7:50am
Well, sounds like they want an ultrasound (US) on your right breast, Ellie. Not sure why, since you had one more than 2 weeks ago, and it was inconclusive, right? Maybe they want to look at a more specific area? Guess you'll have to ask when you get there what's up. You haven't had the biopsy yet? Or have you? PJH
3/10/10 7:52am
no thats what I am supposed to be getting tomorrow.
3/10/10 7:57am
Just phoned hospital and it is a core biopsy I have to get they had wrong thing down is this bad a core biopsy.
3/10/10 8:57am
No, Eellie, a core biopsy isn't bad. That's what most women have to identify a suspicious lump. Remember, 85% of biopsies are negative - no cancer. So don't stress too much about this, OK? You're doing everything right, following through with the diagnostic process to figure out what this is. Good luck tomorrow - hope things turn out well for you. And stay in touch, OK? PJ
3/ 3/10 5:56pm
It can be confusing when doctors tell you different things. Remember that they are using imaging tests like mammograms and ultrasounds to make guesses about what is inside your body. Sometimes on one test a place can look like a cyst, and then another test shows a solid lump. I went through something like this once, and eventually it was determined to be a cyst, but it took several appointments and different tests before my doctor knew for sure. It sounds as if your doctor is now convinced that this is a solid lump that needs to be checked out, but keep in mind that most lumps are benign. I hope you get good news.
3/11/10 11:33am
Hi just back from getting biopsy wasnt to bad better than I thought. The doc said the reason for biopsy was because it could be a degenerate cyst but there are charetristics and some shadowing that he did not like which could be a small tumor find out on Monday will keep you posted thanks.
3/11/10 12:32pm
OK, Ellie, you got that over with - good! Now you need to wait. Challenging, but keep yourself busy, and expect the best. Check back when you find out, OK? PJH
3/15/10 9:40am
Hi just back from my appointment the cosultant said that it is clear and I will get a scan in about 2 weeks, but he has to discuss me with radiologist tomorrow and and he will call me at home tomorrow. He gave me a slip of paper to give to appointments that said something plus watchful waiting to come back to him on 17th May. If it is clear I understand need for a scan. But why does he have to discuss me and call me tomorrow. Confused but happy he said it is clear.
3/15/10 10:36am
It's a good sign that your doctor wants to consult with someone else. Medicine is so advanced and technical these days that no doctor knows all the details of another specialty. It sounds like he wants to get enough information to make sure he gives you the best advice.
3/16/10 2:00pm
Hi there breastcare nurse called and the radiologist wants ultrasound in 3 months to see if it is ok or if has grew. Go to consultant on July. As for the advanced monitoring/watchful waiting that is what they are doing monitoring watching and waiting. Thanks for all your help and time will keep you posted.
3/16/10 10:06pm
Sounds like a plan, Ellie - this kind of "watchful waiting" is quite common, and an effective way to ensure this isn't cancer, without having you go through needless surgery. Glad it's worked out well for you. Peace - PJH
4/13/10 10:00am
Hi just an update to let you know got to go for ultrasound in 3 months and back to consultant in July. I am on active monitoring/watchful waiting. I have just felt a small lump on upper outer arm about 2 inches from armpit. This is on the left side. My biopsy was the right side. Do you think it could just be on the vein.
4/13/10 10:02am
Could be lots of things, Ellie, but in the interest of playing it safe, it's always good to report ANY breast changes (including lumps in the armpit) to your doctor, OK? PJ
4/13/10 10:23am
Thank you keep you posted.
5/14/10 6:21am
Went for ultrasound today radiologist says that lump is still there but has not got any bigger. He said that the charecters coming off it tells him something not right but biopsy was clear so he is quite happy, so I will see consultant on July 12th. I am not happy because I would rather it was took away I dont know what to do.
5/14/10 6:33am
Ellis, sounds like this is very stressful for you. You might want to take the next step, and see a breast specialist to determine exactly what it is, rather than continueing to pursue "watchful waiting." You could also discuss with your doctor simply having the lump removed, even though it shows no cancer; this would probably ease your mind, though not sure if insurance would pay... Worth the discussion, though. Good luck - PJH
5/14/10 6:44am
Thanks very much will let you know what happens. Its not that my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer about 8 weeks ago and it is triple negative which has spread to liver lungs and spine they say there is no cure. But she has started paclitaxel chemo on Monday and will get it weekly and they have referrred her to marie curie nurses but she is not realising the seriousness of it she thinks she is going to get better as she has been very forgetful the last 2 year.So I think a straight answer is better rather than skirting about things if biopsy is clear why is it looking suspicious.
5/14/10 6:45am
Thanks very much will let you know what happens. Its not that my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer about 8 weeks ago and it is triple negative which has spread to liver lungs and spine they say there is no cure. But she has started paclitaxel chemo on Monday and will get it weekly and they have referrred her to marie curie nurses but she is not realising the seriousness of it she thinks she is going to get better as she has been very forgetful the last 2 year.So I think a straight answer is better rather than skirting about things if biopsy is clear why is it looking suspicious.
5/14/10 6:48am
So sorry you're having to go through this, Ellie - both what you're experiencing, and now with your mother-in-law... Sending you healing energy - PJH
5/15/10 11:49am
Hi spoke to my gp yesterday evening he said core biopsy showed fiboros lesions told him what radiologist said and he said to try and not worry as he is sure it is ok but I told him I would rather get it out go to see him om Tuesday. Dont know what fiboros lesions are.
5/15/10 1:43pm
Hi Ellie - Fibrous lesions are an overgrowth of breast tissue - NOT CANCER - and many women have them. They're a part of fibrocystic change. I'm glad your doctor thinks this is what the issue is. So, if you decide to get it removed, that's fine; but in the meantime, please don't stress about cancer, because it sounds like you've got your "all clear" here, OK? Good luck - PJH
3/11/10 5:15pm
I'm glad the biopsy went better than you expected. I'm sending you plenty of hope and best wishes for a good report next week. Let us know what you find out.
3/15/10 3:13pm
It was advanced monitoring/watchful waiting couldnt remember my head is a wreck.
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By Ellie— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 02/14/10
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