I have big masses in both my breast. The mammogram and ultra sound does not show it. Do I request a biopsy?

Question

I found the masses about a month ago and still don't know what they are. One doctor say's it's tumors and another calls them large masses that could be cancer. My mammogram and ultra sound did not pick this mass up because I have density in my breast. The MRI is not covered on my insurance because the mammogram and ultra sound come up clean. Doctors seem to drag their feet.

Answer 1

First off, bilateral breast cancer (both breasts being affected) is not very common. Also you say you have dense breasts, which leads me to believe you are younger. Breast cancer in younger women is also not so common....yet, it can happen. And, if you are still menstruating, make sure you go through a complete cycle before doing anything. Many breast lumps come and go with your menstrual cycle. If your doctor is dragging his feet, it probably means that he is not very worried about these masses. If I were a betting woman, I would say you probably do not have a cancerous condition. But, we shouldn't bet on our health.

Here is what I would do if it were my body. If the mammo and the u/s did not show a lump, and you and your doctor felt lumps, I would ask for a biopsy. Some breast cancers are not seen on either mammo or u/s. Certain types of breast biopsies are fairly easy now. I would not go into surgery and have the whole lump removed. I would ask for a core biopsy. There is less scarring (scars can mess up your future mammograms because a scar and breast cancer look very much alike), core biopsies are cheaper, have a shorter recovery time and are actually more accurate (only the tissue of concerned is removed, so a pathologist does not have to search for a needle in a haystack). Best wishes to you.....

Answer 2

Doctors do drag their feet and if you have cancer time is precious so that it does not spread. Since the doctors don't agree, get your films and get to another doctor, preferrably a surgeon and have him evaluate the films. It could be something such as fibrocystic breast disease which does make breast density and that can certainly cover cancer so it wouldn't show. You need a biopsy most likely.

I'm a cancer survivor and I have dense breasts, I have the fibrocystic breast disease. If you just have the fibro problems, you can get bodywork called Manual Lymph Drainage therapy it's a specialized bodywork for people with lymphedema, it breaks up the fibrosis in the breast tissue and also helps reduce cysts. I have lymphedema and because I'm prone to breast cancer now I do have the breast massage done, it has broken up all the thick dense areas. Doctors are just now learning about how it helps women with fibrocystsic breasts.

If you decide you want to try this therapy, email me and i can send you a list of practioners in your area. it might be worth it to break up the density and then see if there really is any mass under it.

Answer 3

Lumps in the breasts are a disease process called fibro cystitis. There are two types of lumps: One which is tissue mass (tumor) and one which is a fluid filled sac (cyst). Most times when a lump is discovered, the MD will insert a needle (needle biopsy), withdraw the syringe, and if fluid is expunged, then the lump goes away. If fluid is not expunged, then he/she will know it is a tumor. If it is a tumor, then now it must be determined if that tumor is benign or malignant. The tiny bit of blood and tissue that is expunged during the needle biopsy is sent for pathological testing and in 2-3 days, the MD will recieve a report re: the results. If it is determined to be benign, most times the lump will go away within a few months - it not, the MD will determine whether or not it should be removed. If it is malignant, the MD will discuss options with you. Caffeine (coffee, bananas, chocolate) is a major source of breast lumps. So avoiding it will show a marked improvement in the number of lumps. Keep an eye on the lumps you have noted, as sometimes they will disappear as quickly as they appear. Remember this tho...cancer anywhere will appear "spidery" in appearance on x-rays...non-cancerous spots appear smooth on the edges...these are the first things the docs look for to determine if more extensive testing is needed.

Answer 4

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Insurance companies won't pay for anything that is not medically necessary. If you have masses in your breast that do not show up on ultrasound (or mammogram) the Dr. doesn't have anyplace to biopsy. You need a mass that can be shown on untrasound to have a biopsy because the surgeon has to know where he is looking. (I have had 2 breast biopsys under utlrasound) and while I watched I could see the needle go into the mass on the ultrasound screen. If you still are worried about this I would see a surgeon who specializes in breast disease. But remember that 90% of all breast biopsys are negative!

Answer 5

Given that one doctor says it is a tumor, and the other doctor says it is a large mass that could be cancer, it seems the first step in this answer is another question: What course of action are they recommending given that the mammogram/ultrasound are showing up negative?

It seems odd that they would not step in and advocate for an MRI on your behalf in this situation despite the insurance company rules.

I think you need to be more assertive and get a direct response from each of them before you start diagnosing yourself and asking for a biopsy.

Answer 6

While they're looking for possible cancer, your doctors may also come across other 'masses' or structures in the breast that deserve further investigation, including:
Calcifications
Cysts
Fibroadenomas
However they found NOTHING!
Are you sure you are not getting confused over normal breast tissue and masses?
You state you found them, but they are NOT showing!

Answer 7

Hi, you'd better visit a speciality doctor to have a further examination. Cancer is more possible to be cured in the early stage, so hurry up.

You also need to learn more knowledge about breast cancers. There is a good website for you "www.smile.org.au"

Answer 8

Hopefully it is nothing, but I think you should get a 2nd opinon. I also think a biopsy would be a good thing.

I totally understand about the insurance and not having a lot of money, it sucks! Its your life and you are worth it.

Sometimes hospitals can help with your payments. Our hospital helped with mine.

Please call around and see if you can get some help.

GB

Answer 9

schedule a biopsy very early in the morning, when things are more settle down in your body, and also the doctor wont be in a huge rush like they would in the after noon, depending on the biopsy you might schedule a lumpectomy and have the masses removed in case they are cancer.

Answer 10

If there was any chance of it being breast cancer, I would confront the doctors and tell them they are dragging their feet, and that you will, if necessary find someone else to treat you and consult an attorney about their apparent lack of immediate action.
That should get you some attention and concern.