I have had a lump in my breast since I was 14 and my lump was about the size of a lima bean. I am 29 now and the lump is about 1 1/2 inches around. When I went to the doctor today he gave me a sonogram and said that it didn't look like a fibroid cyst to him and he wants to remove it. I have my surgery scheduled for next week. All my family members are saying I should get a second opinion because he should have offered to do a biopsy first. I don't know what to do. Should I just let him cut it out and be done with it or should he do a biopsy first? I had a sonogram on it when I was 16 after a different doctor tried to get a fluid sample and couldn't get one. They said it looked normal and just diagnosed me with fibrocystic breast disorder. The lump is much bigger now. Help please....I don't want a second opinion. I figure that if I can't trust th doctor I have then why would I trust the next one. I just have a few close family members who are demanding I get a second opinion. I mainly wanted to see what people thought in comparison with my caring yet overbearing family. I love them but don't always agree with what they tell me.
I think what was meant by a biopsy being done after the lump is removed is that they will run tests on the it to see if there's anything to worry about. I know what you meant. ;)
Matt - It never hurts to get a second opinion. A fine needs biopsy should be able to give some answers, but you may want it removed anyway so that it is not an issue later in life. I am sure they will biopsy it after removal, so the doctor may be being cautions because it has grown in size.
ReplyDeleteMary Kontrarry - You should ABSOLUTELY get a second opinion!
ReplyDeleteDenisedds - You can always get a second opinion wherever you want one, but what would be the purpose of the biopsy? I really don’t get why you want one.
ReplyDeleteBTW they are not going to do a biopsy after surgery that makes no sense either.
I came back to see if you answered. I guess you are not going to.
EDIT: The reason I asked as there is no reason to do a biopsy and I was wondering what the reasoning is behind you/your family wanting one. Honestly I think your family is just repeating things they hear with no understanding of any of this.
This lump is being removed because it has grown in size over time and at the size it is now will make evaluating your breast on mammography very difficult if not impossible in the future. Therefore, no information will be gained from a biopsy. EVERYTHING removed from the body is sent to pathology even screws and bullets.
A second opinion is not usually because you do not trust your doctor. They are actually very helpful when you are faced with a difficult or life changing medical decision. Any good doctor will not mind a patient getting a second opinion and usually welcomes them.
ThinkAboutIt - I would let him remove it. The bottom line is something is there. What ever they remove you wont have to worry about it in the future =)
ReplyDeleteYou can get a 2nd opinion if you want, but what do you have to lose at this point? A few hours from your day?
Gina - My surgeon knew before she even removed my lump in my breast that it was malignant. She did the fine needle biopsy, but just because it was procedure for the insurance. I'm not sure if you had an ultrasound, but if you did they can probably tell if it looks suspicious. I would not leave any mass in my breast that caused any concern, especially if it has increased in size. Mine was 1.5 cm and already invaded the lymph nodes. I hope it turns out to be nothing and you don't have to worry about it anymore. Best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteMeg - Just have the lump removed. Your doctor obviously feels it should be so go with it. Once it's gone you will no longer have to worry about it. They will test it and you will know once and for all. Hopefully it will be benign and you can forget all about it. I had a core biopsy when it was obvious that I had cancer and to me it was just one more procedure (and a bloody awful one at that) to go through.
ReplyDeleteDo you really want a lump, even a benign one, there?