Breast Nodules

[A bit worried]

I went for my yearly mammogram today and was also given an ultrasound.  Think the ultrasound was a normal thing and I have had it done before because the mammogram itself does not seem to show everything.  The ultrasound results showed several nodules on each breast.  The doctor at the radiology place said that most nodules are not a problem.  I have to wait till next week to see my gynae to get her opinion when she sees the films.  Has anyone else been through this?  I am told it is quite common but would like to hear from others.  Thanks

[mammographer]

An ultrasound is usually done in conjunction with a mammogram, if you are young and or have dense breasts still. Mmmograms are most effective on breasts that contain mostly or all fatty tissue, which happens over time and after breastfeeding. Also if you have naturally lumpy breasts ( which many ladies do) an ultrasound can be very helpful. if the radiologist said not to worry about the nodules then I wouldn't. If there is something abnormal seen on a mammogram or breast ultrsound you would they would normally indicate this to you at the time of examination as follow up and further investigation is done as quickly as possible.

[A bit worried]

Thanks, Mammographer.  She said there was a 5% chance that it could be something suspicious.  Just not nice having to wait to see my gynae to find out what she thinks.

[trynottoworry]

From what I understand a cancerous breast lump is extremely dense (it's how they make an initial analysis) and that is what an ultrasound does. They measure the size and density etc. If your ultrasound had discovered these densities they would have referred you immediately.

[Aliya]

I have lumpy breasts and have this done each year.  It sounds like you might these too.  As the above posted said if they were worried they would have said so, I had a bit of a scare last ultrasound when the lady went "oh what is this" sort of comment, but after measuring and poking around etc all was fine.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Just on girlie things I have also started having an ultrasound of my girlie bits as well as the usual yearly pap smear - cervical and ovarian cancer are on the rise worldwide and women dont pay enough attention to this.  Breast cancer is much more easily detectable than ovarian cancer which is almost undetectable in the absense of ultra sounds and blood marker tests for cancer - many people have cancer but it doesnt show up in their tests so that is unreliable.  So I have started having a girlie bits ultrasound and recommend that others do as well.   

A full WOF a year is a good thing, esp if you have kids.

[Mammo mum]

If there really is any risk your dr will whisk you off to a mamogram which while not the most comfortable procedure in the world is very quick.  In singapore the results are instantaneous.
4 years ago I had an issue and was sent to a great specialist.  Had mammogramm and ultrasound on the day I saw him.  Into Gleneagles two days later for a biopsy and one week later had the all clear.  Unlike the UK where the waiting list is now up to 6 months in some areas you will not have this uncertainty hanging over your head for very long.

Don't get too stressed about the wait.  All the best

[A bit worried]

Thanks, ladies, for your replies.  I called the gynae's office today and whilst she doesn't work there on Fridays, her nurse was great and said she would fax the report over to where the hospital where my gynae was today.  Within ten minutes she called back to say that the gynae said not to worry - that they look like normal nodules for a 'lumpy lady', and that I should do another ultrasound + mammogram in 6 months' time.  Yes, the speed here is amazing, as I know in the UK this would take forever.  The worry is half the battle.
Thanks again for your replies.

[trynottoworry]

OP

Take this experience as a warning! I have always been a real scaredy cat over tests etc. and have avoided them. I had to have some tests in Sept as I had a lump in my breast. I was very distraught. Eventually I went to the Doc and he was fantastic and I had an ultrasound and mammogram. It was all clear. He then asked me to have a cervical smear (2 years overdue!!) All was fine. He told me that I need to have these done every year so they can be compared. He said that if there is ever anything there and you see it early, the chances of recovery are very high. If you catch something more advanced (having not checked for ages) then your chances are much lower.

Now that I have a young child I think it is my duty to take better care of myself and make sure I am still around to help him grow up. I feel better for going.

[trynotoworry]

Ooopps sorry I just saw that you do this annually.

Just one more thing (for others benefits). I would have an annual check up even if you are under 40. I am in my mid 30's and I have decided to do this annually. It is so cheap here that it's worth it.

[mammographer]

There are many reasons why screening mammograms are not reccommended until a woman is over 40. As I stated previously mammograms are most useful in breast tissue which is mostly fatty tissue. This is an age related thing, younger women have dense breasts ( though of course always exceptions). Also as much as we carry on about what a low dose of radiation is involved, it is still a dose of radiation being received by a radiosensitive body part. It is a compromise between the benefit of early detection against the danger of the x-rays causing the cancer in the long term. Beginning early screening is only reccommended where there is a strong family history, or a current symptom.

[A bit worried]

Many thanks to those of you who replied.

I saw my gynae and she said that in her opinion, these nodules are not anything to worry about for 2 reasons:

1.  They are well defined cyst-like nodules, not 'blurry' which more suspicious ones tend to be.
2.  There is no unusual blood flow to the breasts.
She said it is obviously my choice - I can wait 4 months and then have another ultrasound to see if there is any change (cysts come and go), or have them aspirated (needle inserted to withdraw fluid to check the contents).  She seemed to think there was absolutely no doubt so whilst I am normally one for checking everything out, her experience, age and maturity told me to hang on and have another ultrasound in 4 months' time.
Just to let you know - I was worried and a bit scared but somehow it has all been put into perspective.  Hopefully I have made the right decision.