Breast Lump Question?

Question

My roomie found a lump in her breast and went to the doctor who said she needed to have a diagnostic Mammogram. Shes 29.

My question is why does she need the mammogram, why not just have a biopsy done right away (since I think the biopsy is the next step). Will it even show anything since she's under 40 (breast density wise).

What happens next (the results aren't for one week) after the results. Anyone who's been through this and can tell me basic proceedures and good links for young women with risk of Breast Cancer.

She did get the mammogram. Her doctor seems like she doesn't take our lack of knowledge seriously so we wanted to know why these steps as opposed to the other (miss?)information we've had.

Thank you. Any good sites would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I've been in the same situation. The doctor tried to aspirate the lump, with no success, so ordered a biopsy. This had to be done in a day surgery situation, under anesthesia, and it turned out to be a benign lipoma. But it was about 10 years ago.

Nowadays, diagnostic mammograms have improved to the point of being able to diagnose tumors vs nontumors, and are much less invasive than surgery. I had a diagnostic mammo after a screening mammo recently, in order to check out some microcalcifications (sometimes they indicate a tumor). A tumor was ruled out by the diagnostic mammo, so surgery wasn't necessary. And the result was given to me immediately after the mammogram. A week for the results of a dx mammo sounds way too long!

Answer 2

A mammogram is far less invasive than a biopsy. They can tell a lot about the type of lump from the mammogram, thereby not needing a biopsy (which can be painful). Mammogram technology is becoming better, so that breast density isn't as mich of a hinderance as it once was to clear results.

After the mammogram, she should get counselling and a follow up for the next step, whatever that happens to be.

Answer 3

The mammorgram is used to determine what is the next most appropriate step. Going immediately to Biopsy isn't always the best solution for growths that might be cancerous.

This is because the biopsy analysis takes longer then the mammogram does. If the growth is localized and there is no observed depth to the lump, they'll simply cut it out. However, if it's more severe, they can treat it quicker (which is very important in breast cancer).

The lump is probably nothing, so you should tell your friend not to worry too much. Also, Breast cancer (when detected early), is very, very mild. Breast cancer is only dangerous when ignored.

Answer 4

Mammogram is the first step, then ultrasound and possible biopsy, which they did with a local anesthetic. The ultrasound can confirm if the lump is a fluid filled cyst or something that needs further testing by biopsy. I was blessed enough that I got all three done on the same day so I didn't have as many sleepless nights waiting for results.

I would highly recommend looking at Dr. Susan Love's website. She wrote an excellent, if not very technical book "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book".

If you or your friend want to talk more, please let me know. I'm more than happy to.

Answer 5

At age 29 it's almost certainly a fluid filled cyst or a fatty tissue deposit. I have a lump in my breast right now, actually. I had a sonogram on it about 6 months ago and am supposed to go in for a follow up. I'm already pretty much positive it's not anything bad as it has shrunken and shifted, indicating it's just lumpy tissue which is very, very common in young women. It might not be in the best interest of your friend to get it biopsied when it's highly likely that it's not a malignant tumor.

Answer 6

The purpose of the mammogram is to see if it has fluid in it. Since your friend is so young, it's more likely to be cystic and, if it is, a fine needle biopsy should suffice. If it is solid, an excisional biopsy should be done. Her doctor could have gone straight for the fine needle biopsy, that's not a wrong answer, but this may be the less expensive route.

For more info, go to the American Cancer Society website:

Answer 7

Well lets see...you are not supposed to get your first mammogram done till 40 years old...if she is 29 and she has a lump...its an emergency...so she has to get one done just to see if she has breast cancer or its something else. They can't do anything till they can see what is wrong with her breast.

Answer 8

Please see the webpages for more details on Breast self examination, Breast lump, Breast biopsy, Breast lump removal and Breast cancer.
(1) Physical examination (2) Mammography- a non-invasive procedure (3) Biopsy / needle aspiration- an invasive procedure. (4) Surgical removal -An invasive procedure. (5) Radiation (6) Chemotherapy (7) Metastasis- spreading to neighbouring organs (8) .and so on.....

Answer 9

I am sure the doctor knows what he is doing. Besides you can get a momogram at any age it is just reccomended for women 40+ because that is the average age of the breast cancer patient . .

Answer 10

a mammogram determines the exact location and size of the lump. the lump could be benign ( no cancer) or after the biospy they may just remove the lump if it has cancer and get a few radiation treatments