What to do?

Question

I am 29 years old. I had breast reduction surgery 9 years ago. Last week I found a lump in one of my breast, went to the doctor and she ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. My doctor said it may be a cyst. I had both done today. Well the radiologist said it doesn't look like cancer but she doesn't know what it is. She says that because of the size (5.25 cm) it should be removed. I meet with my surgeon tomorrow to discuss the plan to remove it. I wonder how she can say it's not cancer, if she doesn't know what it is? I don't want to get too happy and then be told something different. Am I paranoid? Should I still worry?

Answer 1

because cancer has a distinct appearance, and a mammogram and ultrasound are usually more than enough to diagnose a probable tumor

Answer 2

Keep in mind that most growth are benign. The radiologist knows what he is looking at. However a biopsy or removal with biopsy will show exactly what it is.
I was in the same situation, but the radiologist did see something in the cyst he didn't like. Had a biopsy and it turned out to be cancer.
I wish you the best, nobody should have to go through this. The waiting is the worst by the way.

Answer 3

Been there! It's going to be a roller coaster of emotions until you find out for certain, but try to stay positive. I guess after seeing many cancers they know a lot just by looking at the mammogram and ultrasound. They were almost certain my was cancer even before the needle biopsy. Even if the news is worst case scenario, stay strong! It's beatable. I'm a five year survivor of two bouts of breast cancer. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or just need a shoulder. Hugs and prayers!

Answer 4

I'm sorry to hear about this problem, especially since you are so young and beautiful.
Several female members of my family have gone through this sort of thing before, including complete mastectomies for cancer. Benign breast cysts are relatively common. Cancer has distinct characteristics and appearance.
Sounds like you are on the right track if you do breast self-examinations on a regular basis. If you keep doing that, there is no need to worry. The sooner a lump is caught, even if it is malignant, the better your chances of recovery.
IMHO, you don't have any reason to worry.

Answer 5

If it a cyst (most likely if it isnt a tumor) It is easily treatable and shouldnt come back. If it is a non-cancerous tumor, again it should be easy to treat and not cause you too much stress. If it isnt either of those it could be fat trying to regrow, or scar tissue from your previous operation. however i think this is unlikely. Rejoice in the fact that it isnt cancer and try not to worry, it is almost certainly harmless!

Answer 6

If she said it isn't cancer I wouldn't worry too much. My heart goes out to you and I will say a prayer for you. Best of luck and don't fret too much about it or you'll stress yourself out and make matters worse.

Answer 7

only worry when it is time to worry. don't upset yourself until you find out for sure. then there is no reason to worry. what will be, will be. ask God for guidance and let him take the burden for you. he will you know. i had a cyst removed from my left breast and it turned out to be just a cyst. so don't worry and git your biopsy done. good luck to you. please post again and let me know if every thing turns out o.k. i will pray for you and burn a candle for you.
blessed be,
Elizabeth

Answer 8

Worry until you get a definite answer from your doctor. Good Luck to you.

Answer 9

you are right to worry...she may have been saying it to comfort you, but I doubt it...she shouldnt give false hope and I am sure that she knows that...she may not just think it looks thick enough to be cancer...good luck honey