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Dont know if I'm being paranoid but...

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Breast Cancer
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Posted 4/12/2010 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
I found a lump in my breast in January, went to the docs and he said to come back in 3 months for a check. I've obviously been doing a lot of research on lumps and have kinda spooked myself a lot!

So I went to the docs again today and was tols again he didn't think there was anything wrong. I not too sure.

Is there really any way for anyone, even a doctor, to tell if a lump is cancerous or not? I know all the odds are in my favour, but there are those unlucky few.

Like I said maybe it is paranoia, especially with all the reading I've been doing but just wanted to know for sure.
Posted 4/14/2010 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
I think some lumps are more suspicious than others. Let's face it, most women have lumpy, bumpy breasts. That's why self-exams are so important, so women learn to feel what is normal for them and what is new or different. But we have had plenty of women who have been told, as I was, that "it's probably nothing," only to learn later that they have breast cancer. The only definitive answer is a biopsy. And your peace of mind is probably worth discussing the subject with your doctor again. Don't be afraid to ask him WHY he thinks this is probably nothing. Has he done any imaging tests to support his position?

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 4/14/2010 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply bev,

Well this is definately a new lump, I regularly self examine and its different thats for sure. He keeps saying its a hormonal thing, or a fatty lump. Im sure it probably is but cancer just seems to be everywhere I look at the moment.

But no, he hasnt done any tests at all, just an examination. I would feel more at ease if he did a biopsy, I know they can do that at my surgery, my friend had one done there so its not an inconvienience to wait for appointments at the nearest breast clinic etc.

Paranoia is a fickle thing :)
Posted 4/14/2010 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
You need 1) a breast ultrasound and 2) a diagnostic mammogram if you haven't had one within the last 6 months, assuming you're over 35-40. (If you're younger than 35, you may not need a mammogram.) If they're both negative, and your doctor still thinks it's nothing, waiting 3 months is not a bad idea. If US and mammogram are both negative, and you're still worried, you can get a second opinion from a surgeon. If she feels a significant lump, she can do a biopsy, but if she doesn't feel a significant lump, she will not do a biopsy. Good luck!
Posted 4/15/2010 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Ty,

I am under 35, and I have already been waiting 3 months, I am at low risk, had kids, breastfed, under 30, etc. but I dunno maybe its just for peace of mind more than anything.
It can be really scary finding a lump, and I can only imagine how scary it is to be told you have the big c, but I think I'd prefer to know than not if you know what I mean :)
Posted 4/16/2010 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
I'm with you. I would always prefer a definite "no" to a "probably nothing."

BEV
Posted 4/16/2010 7:09 AM (GMT 0)
There seems to be a lot of people being told by doctors 'its probably nothing, your too young, etc' its wrong.
So the statistics say your unlikely to get cancer but shouldn't doctors be testing anyway, the cancer rate isn't going down, if anything its going up.

I found a lump in my other breast when I was 17 and even though the doctor I had at the time thought it was nothing she said 'Lets get it checked out just in case'. It turned out to be a cyst but I was so comforted just knowing everything was ok, rather than this horrible wrenching feeling something 'might' be wrong :(
Posted 4/16/2010 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
I'm also of the opinion it is better to be sure. If you are willing to have the test, why not? The last dr did. I found a lump 40 yrs ago and the dr sent me immediately for a biopsy. There seems to be more cancer today than back then. Let us know what you decide. Hugs, mk
Posted 4/16/2010 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Ty everyone for the support, no-one in my life knows about the lump so its nice to have someone to talk too. I am going to get an appointment with a female doctor, see if that will make any difference.

And I'd just like to say you guys are all amazing women and men, you have been through, or are still going through such a tough time in your lives yet still you find the time to reassure and comfort others, you all deserve medals! xxx
Posted 4/17/2010 6:17 AM (GMT 0)
It's always good to get a second opinion. But make sure she orders an ultrasound. That is the normal standard of care. Good luck!
Posted 4/18/2010 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
It does no good to be afraid of your doctor. We can't tell you if you have breast cancer or not. We are not doctors here, and only a doctor can tell you what is going on with your body. So the first and best advice I can give is, "Get over it! Go to the doctor!" It is well worth the peace of mind of knowing for sure what is going on!

Hugs...
BEV
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