Hello Moms, I need a little advice here...
I have a very small lump in my breast that Drs have been watching every six months for about a year and a half. The Dr. is not concerned and feels that if my next recheck is unchanged he will suggest I go back to just yearly checks.
My family is suggesting I need to have a biopsy done anyway just to be sure.
I am not having any pain or problems. There is no history of breast cancer in my family.
What would you do?
A little more info: I am 43. The rechecks have all included an ultrasound. My family Dr. referred me to a breast surgeon when I started to question whether or not to just "wait and see". The surgeon switched me to a different breast center than I had been going to, hoping they would be a little better and give me more information. The second radiologist was very good, and he is the one saying that he is not concerned at this time.
I had a biopsy done last week and found out yesterday that everything is clear! The biopsy itself was not bad at all, they did a great job. The area ruptured when the Dr. inserted the instrument, which indicated that it was probably just a cyst. The downside was that the procedure cost over $3000.00
Have you gotten a second opinion? Personally, if I had a lump in my breast (or anywhere), I would have it biopsied. I had rather be safe than sorry.
If you doctor's are aware of it, it hasn't changed, I'd listen to them. No need for extra tests. However, if you are feeling stressed over it , just get a second opinion - it is much more cost effective than running in for a biopsy on a benign lump. BUT if your family is the one stressing about it, tell them nicely it is ok and you and your doctor have it under control, but thanks for caring:)
My 2 cents.
I would get the biopsy, while most likely you're fine, just get it to be sure and for peace of mind! If this doctor won't give you one even after asking for it, find a different doctor.
For years, I was told I had an abnormal thyroid with several nodules, my regular doctor had an ultrasound done and kept telling me it was fine and that I didn't need a referral to a specialist. I finally went to a new doctor who gave me the referral to a specialist who immediately ordered a biopsy after seeing the ultrasound. Everything was fine but for years, I worried that it could be cancerous. Don't put yourself through the worry and have it done.
Depends on your age. Also as to if you are currently getting mammograms and or MRI's....I would first do an ultrasound then a mammogram, possibly a MRI depending on your age then a biopsy. My mother died from breast cancer so it is nothing to mess around with, it could be something as simple as a cyst and a ultrasound will show that. You say there is no pain which only means it isn’t an infection of a lymph node...cysts and cancer usually do not have pain. I would push the issue with your dr and go for the next less invasive cheaper way of finding out what is causing the lump and go from there.
I would insist on the biopsy. Like someone else here said - if its negative, good for you, and if its positive, you have caught it early. You just never know with these things. Better safe than sorry. Just lost a friend to breast cancer - she was diagnosed for the first time at age 37 - no family history - she passed away at age 40, after the cancer spread to her lungs. We all wish her initial treatments had been more aggressive... but the doctors weren't "concerned" at the time. Dont want to scare you, probably things are fine, but go get it done anyway, just in case.
I would first go to another doctor and get a second opinion. I too have heard of Thermography and that would also be a consideration. Cancer runs in my family, breast, ovarian, uterine and cervical so I do not wait for things like this. I personally would opt for the least invasive procedure first.
I would have a biopsy. Otherwise the "unknown" would consume me.
I would have a biopsy so I would know what is going on and rest easier.
The what if's would worry me, especially if I had put it off and then realize I could have treated something bad earlier.
For me, I would need peace of mind. I could not go a long time ignoring something is there. It could certainly be NOTHING. and probably is, but why chance it ..............especially that your ins will cover it. I say have PEACE.
I don't understand - what does your dr. think the lump is, if he/she doesn't feel the need to biopsy it?
If it is small, round and hard, I think it should be biopsied, or I would want to know what the dr. thinks it might be.
Listen to your family. Get the biopsy. If it is negative, good for you. If it is positive, good for you too because you will have caught it early.
My best friend died of breast cancer and her scenario was similar to yours. I still think about how her doctor did not have a biopsy done earlier. (He waited for the lump to change...6 months....then biopsied, then found cancer.) She was "cancer-free" for twelve years and then it came back in her bones.
Another friend is starting chemo today for stage four colon cancer (liver). She had symptoms for a year, but when she first went in, her doctor did not strongly recommend a colonoscopy because she was so young. She was instead diagnosed with hemorrhoids, anxiety, Crohn's disease before they finally figured out she had cancer.
I have had breast cancer and I will tell you the lump doesn't hurt. You don't know you have it until you get a biopsy. Usually it is slow growing. Don't be too worried, but at some time you need to check it out.
I would get a biopsy to put your mind at rest. You shouldn't feel a thing when the needle is inserted.
As another poster mentioned you are your own advocate for your health care. You could prevent something from spreading by getting this done that the "wait and see" approach would could be detrimental.
If it doesn't feel right, it isn't right. Do something to make it right!
The other S.
Breast Cancer Survivor 14 years
Biopsy. If your doctor won't do it, go to one who will. "Wait and see" what? If it spreads?!! You need to be your own advocate here and the only way to know for sure is to biopsy.
Wishing you a happy, healthy outcome...
I would gather more facts on the topic.. that is definitely what I would do.. also, I think there is an interesting read on DrMercola.Com regarding this matter.. check it out,it's a free site. It suggests that they OVER do biopsies and use scare mongering tactics. Additionally it discusses why Thermography might be a better route. (there is also much info on the net) I think no matter what you decide, being armed with ALL the useful facts and information will empower you to make a decision that you feel is right for you. Sometimes, mainstream doctors (not all) but some just follow suite and do what has been done for years.. mammograhpies , then if they see something that doesn't look right, a 2nd one (more radiation) and then a biopsy and so forth... definitely check out both sides of the argument.. I wish you the best..
