is it infection or a lump when mammogram neg but feel lump

bpage · Guest

After living with horrendous menopausal symptoms for more than a year (at about year 6 of 7 year menopause process), I asked my gyn to evaluate a bump feeling in one of my breasts. I was shocked that his treatment is so matter-of-factly a rushed appointment with a breast surgern . The diagnostic [b]mammogram caused some additional symptoms[/b] that I had not experienced during the gyn's exam, such as severe pain during mammo compression and the technician alerted me to a white discharge from nipples.My breasts are very small,flat-chested and not much to photograph. [b]My frustration leaves me with questions now,[/b] is the discharge normal for a woman whos last pregnancy was 16 years ago and in midst of menopause.? Last period was 2 years ago. The mammogram did not show any kind of mass or lump, which the doctor seemed so sure of to rush me to a surgeon as his treatment plan. I am hesitant to pursue the appt with surgeon if what I have is simply mastitis or infection. I have left gyn message about my questions, which he has not answered! Should I get a 2nd opinion from another gyn?
He has not convinced me 'Yet" that this is a tumor that requires cutting open my chest. Tell me about breast infection, like in the duct . What are the symptoms for infection? ThanksP

Guest

Hi,

Some tumors do not show up on mammos, especially if the breasts are dense. Have you had an ultrasound and/or MRI? I think I would go that route first. If you feel a lump or thickening and it does not show up on a mammo, it definitely should be investigated further.

Regarding the nipple discharge - I don't know because I've never had any. But I do believe that all nipple discharge should be checked out. I also believe that an infection in the breast/nipple would be resolved with an antibiotic.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. I'm sure Dr. Leo will explain.

Good luck to you,

Margie

MNlady13 · Guest

Hi, I guess I would want the discharge checked out. Doesn't sound "normal" to me. A good Web site to visit is imaginis.com for good information regarding breast health. And, doing a surgical biopsy really does not involve cutting the chest open. It is a small incision that heals quickly. I've had two and recovery was easy and discomfort minimal. It is the best way to get positive answers. Take care and keep us posted. Lauri

MuttsMom · Guest

I'm not trying to scare you, but my mammogram missed a 5.5 cm tumor. I use to feel at ease after I had one, that I was safe for another year, but the fact is, according to the info I got from the ACS is that mammograms miss 45% of all breast cancer in women under 50 and 35% of those over 50. I had just turned 43. My gut told me something wasn't right and I pushed it and found out I had Stage III BC with the large tumor and 9 positive lymph nodes out of 16. Had I not listened to my gut, I have no doubt I wouldn't have been here today, the only stage after III is 4.

The only good lump is one that is in a jar. If your doc doesn't want to persue it, find another one.

Don't get me wrong, it could VERY likely be B9 but it's not worth taking any chances. Get a ultra sound (mine was misread, but I'm sure that isn't the norm). The only way to know for sure is with a biopsy.

Take care and keep us posted.
Nancy

Guest

I just want to say that I agree with all the others. I don't mean to scare you but any lump should be checked out, especially if the mammo does not pick it up. I had a 1.5 cm (pea size) that I felt and you could see and the mammo didn't pick that up. The surgeon didn't even want to biopsy it, he just wanted it out and thank GOD he did.
I also want to inform you all that you should get copies of the mammo report. Like someone else said here, I got the OK and felt I was safe for another year, however when I actually read all my mammo's from age 35..I am 42 now...I was shocked because I felt if I had been informed that the only reason I was given the OK each year was only because the severe denseness of my breast made it impossible to see anything.
My point is, I had no clue about dense breasts and if I had been I would have been more diligent about self checking.
I am not sure about nipple discharge but would have it checked out regardless. I hope it all turns out well for you!
Kristen

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Hello

If you have a nodule, you still could have and ultrasound, maybe it is a cyst. Breast discharge is not normal especially in a post-menopausal woman. This definitely needs evaluation, not necessarily a biopsy right away, but maybe some more imaging before the biopsy.

regards,
Leo
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Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

poodle · Guest

I too have found a lump in my breast. After a mammogram and ultrasound nothing was found. My thinking is just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. No discharge but the breast is somewhat sore. Waiting to hear from the doctor on what to do next. I'm not comfortable with the 'let's watch it and see' theory. Anyone have suggestions/advice?

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