Seeking Questions to Ask My Doctor About Recent Mamm and Ultrasound of Breast

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Dear D., I work as a medical transcriptionist and transcribe mammograms and breast ultrasounds on a daily basis. I first just want you to try and be calm because the vast majority of "recalls" for ultrasound after mammogram do not find a cancerous growth. Try and pray, meditate and believe in your wellness and the power of your mind and body to be well. I personally have had to go back for additional mammogram views and also ultrasounds in two of my mammograms in the past few years. Radiologists are being very careful to err on the side of caution so as not to miss anything, but more often than not, "lumps" found in breast self-exam and "masses/nodules" on mammogram are found to be either fibroglandular tissue (benign) or cysts. They will let you know when you get the results of your ultrasound. Even if there is a solid mass found and you have a biopsy, oftentimes it is simply an irregularly-shaped fibrocyst or fibroadenoma, both benign. For now, I think you should try and be confident that you are well and pray and meditate and remain calm. I will pray for you and wish you health now and always. Sincerely, V. G. :o)

My mom had a recall once. I went with her because she was worried (there is a history of cancer in my family). When she got it done the technician was able to tell her their opinion on the recall and they said it didn't look like a problem but wait for the doctor. Her doctor called her back and she had no problems it was just a fiberous growth or something like that. I would make sure to ask the doctor what they think it is, ask what would be the next step for any outcome that happens, ask how long it will take for the results to come back and if they say its not cancerous ask what it is then and how it will affect your future mammograms.

Hi. Try not to worry, that's the hardest part. I was diagnosed with breast cancer when my daughter was 6 months old and all has worked out just fine. (She'll be 2 next week.) Are you by any chance breast feeding now?

The mammogram is probably showing a difference from your last one and there is a white spot that they cannot be sure of. The ultra sound will be able to 'see' if it is a mass or a tumor. If it turns out to be a tumor further testing will need to be done, and it doesn't necessarily mean that you have cancer, because it could be benign. If it's a mass they may leave it alone, watch it, or want to take it out and biposy it or even aspirate it.

Most importantly take it easy, and wait until you get the ultra sound. Have someone go with you to your ultra sound so they can listen to the results with you. You should also find out if they can tell you the results of the ultrasound before you leave, try and demand that.

My last bit of advice is to NOT go online and start researching 'what it might be', because that will make you crazy and very scared. All that info will be there when and only if you need it.

Take care.

Hi D.,

I agree that you should try not to worry too much. Because, I am sure you will worry until you find out the results. Last year I was told my mammogram showed a lump and that I should have an ultrasound. I also am a member of an HMO. The ultrasound did confirm the existence of a tumor near the chest wall.

Questions I wanted to know were the location of the tumor, its size, and whether or not you should have a biopsy. Although, they were pretty sure, after the ultrasound, it was not a cancerous lump, I along with my primary physician chose to have a core needle biopsy done. It is a type of biopsy in which a large hollow needle is inserted through the skin to the site of the abnormal growth to collect and remove a sample of cells for analysis. This procedure uses an automated needle, which obtains one sample of tissue at a time and is re-inserted several times. After the several passes of the needle, because of the size of the tumor, it was virtually obliterated. The result of the biopsy was that the tumor was not cancerous. They did follow up, six months later, with another mammogram, which again was clear. So, do ask questions and try not to worry too much.

I realize everyone is different. However, I did choose to do some research on the internet which helped to put my mind a little at ease and helped to prepare me for any potential news. If you choose to have a biopsy, it is best to take someone with you to that appointment as they did not even want me to carry my purse after the procedure. I hope all goes well for you. Take care.

M.

My ob found a questionable lump and ordered a digital mamogram and an ultrasound. She said it was probably just changing breast tissue. After the mamo and ultrasound I was given the all clear. I asked what could account for the changes in the tissue, why it not a problem at this point, did I need followups sooner rather than later. I too was worried, not knowing any family history (I'm adopted). It turned out well, so all I can say is to wait and see. I was skeptical after the all the exams and couldn't believe nothing was wrong because of the extra exam. Be positive.

I just had this 2 weeks ago and the good thing about the recall is that you stay there until they figure out what's going on and the doctor came to speak to me as well. I had a 2nd mamm and the ultrasound at the recall. Turned out to be a lymph node. This was my 2nd recall in 3 years so I wasn't too concerned.

I just went through the same issues. I had a mammogram that showed a lump, the ultrasound was questionable and I went into the docs office and he took a needle biopsy and stated he was 95% sure it was cancer. I had to wait a week before the results from the pathologist were back and had so many questions because no one in my family has cancer and how could it happen to me. Finally, the results came back and it was benign. So, I am still having the lump removed (in fact this Friday having surgery) and since it is being done in the hospital, the pathologist will be right there to look at the lump and see if there are still any issues. Until the pathologist gives a report, do not believe anything and even then, always get a second opinion. Get a needle biopsy done and get an idea what you are really looking at before jumping into the cancer world. The questions to ask are at that point. The American Cancer Society webpage is really good for information and questions to ask and how to deal if it really is.
So, get your doctor to have a biopsy done asap and hope you don't have to wait too long for the results.
Stay in touch and let me know how it goes.
T.

Make sure you ask your doctor how often you will need to monitor the lump (ultrasound/mamo) and stay on top of it. It is important to make sure the doctor knows of any changes to the lump, as any changes over time could indicate more serious problems. Also ask if a biopsy is necessary. I have a couple of lumps that I've been monitoring for the last 4 years and asked if I could get a biopsy done prior to starting a family since lumps are harder to detect if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Hope this helps.

If this helps....if its a malignant tumor they will let you know within 24 hrs of the biopsy. Best to be aware that every ultrasound doesn't say its cancer. Just be positive & wait for the result.....from a BC survivor

Whenever I go for a mamm I always have to come back for an ultrasound because I have lumpy breasts and that is normal for me, my mom and daughter are like that too, believe they are cysts and they get big and then get small so could very well be that situation for you so ask them if you have these types of normal lumpy breats. If not then hopefully everything is still fine and they just want to double check which is what an ultrasound does. Good luck!!!

I am an ultrasound tech and I do recalls all the time. Try not to worry, most times it's a cyst or a fibroadenoma. When you feel the lump does it feel round with smooth edges?

I've had 5 masses removed in three different breast surgeries. All masses were bening. I got worried and upset for the first surgery but less with the second and finally not at all with the third.

Its a waste of spirit really until you know for sure.

That said, in Eureka, we have the Breast Health Project. They answer any questions and help you to learn to be an advocate for yourself. They are great and you don't have to live here to call them.

You should ask....
Is this a new lump or larger than one found in the past?
When will the biopsy be scheduled? How long will it take to get results? What will the follow up be after the biopsy?
What should I do prior to the biopsy? Skip certain meds? Will you be awake or asleep? Can you do a spinal instead of general (if it is general)?

Also check out this website...http://www.healthywomen.org/healthcenters/breasthealthcen...

This is from the site...
How about an MRI or an ultrasound?

Will I need a biopsy?

What does a biopsy involve?

How long will it take to get the results?

How will I obtain the results?

If all tests are negative but the lump is still there, do I still need a biopsy?

If the lump goes away and all the tests are clear, should I follow up with you more often than normal?

Stephanie