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abnormal mammogram

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Posted 10/11/2005 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
I recently had a mammogram that had suspicious findings for which they sent me for another mammogram.  After the second one the results came back that the findings appear to be benign and to have another mammogram in six months.  The appear to be benign did not comfort me and I requested my doctor send me for an ultrasound which I had done today.  The radiologists asked me what we were looking for and I told her that I had a finding that appeared to be benign.  Her response was that it was just a calcification and that the recommendation was to repeat the mammogram in six months.  I told her that I wanted the ultrasound done of that area.  ( I should not have even been having this discussion with her)  While she was doing the ultrasounds two " possible cysts"  showed that I could see.  she took the measurements and stated that the findings would be sent to my doctor.  I am really nervous about this.  Should I insist on a biopsy regardless of their recommendations?  What is a breast cacification and a cyst?  If it is not a cyst what else could it be?  Very scared and Unsure of how to procede.  I want to be prepared on what questions to ask when I talk to my doctor.  Any suggestions.
Posted 10/11/2005 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Turbulent-
Hooray for you for taking control! Don't let go of that tenacity!
A cyst is fluid filled and can change throughout the month. I think there is low risk of a cyst being anything but benign (key word is low). 80% of breast lumps are benign, so odds are on side. A lump can also be a solid benign tumor, called a fibroadenoma. There are loads of other benign breast conditions too....I do not know much about calcifications, so I can't address those questions.

You can insist on a biopsy and if there is something there, most of us will recommend that you get one...but not every doctor will do so. Understandably, they cannot biopsy every lump or bump...but if there is something there, please pursue it. Remember you can always get a second opinion from a breast specialist.

Good luck and keep us posted!
Lori
Posted 10/12/2005 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Turbulent. My bc was found on my mamo. The dr. who read the mamo told me that he saw something that looked like calcifications and that it could possibly wait six months. He said he would send the results to my dr. I got home that afternoon and my dr called and rushed me to have a biophy of the area. I went to the surgeon and she told me not to worry that is most likely was calcification. The next day I went in for the biophy and the evening the results were positive for interductal breast cancer. My gut told me the day of the mamo I had breast cancer and I was not going to wait six months. I explained this to my dr. when he called and never questioned me after that. GO WITH YOUR GUT FEELING!!!!
I'll keep you in my prayers and please let us know the results.
Big hugs to you
vickie
Posted 10/12/2005 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
I'm one to vote for a biosy if there is ANY question, too. It is the only way to know for sure what is there. You might check the www.imaginis.com web site for information on mammograms, cysts and calcifications. Let us know what you decide to do. No matter what, the door here is always open. Good luck. Lauri
Posted 10/12/2005 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
I always vote for biopsy if there is any question. also. Usually when the word suspicious is used there is something there, so I am confused as to why the second doctor said there was nothing. Cysts can be checked by needle tests very easily, why wait six months? You are wise to be proactive with your body. Let us know how it goes, we care. Hugs MK
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