posted
I have a lump which they can see on a sonogram but not mamogram. Radiologist doesn't know what it is but says it definitely isn't a cyst. I am scheduled for a ultrasound guided biopsy.
What I don't understand with any biopsy that leaves part of the mass is how the cancer cells, assuming cancer, don't escape through the incision or hole and spread throughout the body.
Anybody know?
Posts: 832 | From Somewhere | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
I think they DO spread that way. That is one of the problems.
Praying that all will be fine with this!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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hiker53
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posted
Terv,
First of all, don't assume cancer. I had this procedure done a few months ago. The needle is extremely thin and works under some kind of pressure so that does not happen.
I had the lump taken out. The biopsy could not rule out cancer, but it turned out not to be cancer.
If this happens again I will skip the needle biopsy and just have the lump removed, since I am a bit older than 50 and the chances of cancer go up.
Best wishes and prayers.
Hiker53
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8890 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
I doubt it is cancer (hopefully). It just kind of bothered me that the lump is opened up and I didn't know what happened after that. I doubted that they closed the holes.
I watched a ultrasound guided biopsy video on the Komen website. They took a lot of tissue out of the woman. If they take that much out of me they may as well take the whole lump.
Posts: 832 | From Somewhere | Registered: Nov 2010
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hiker53
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posted
I actually think taking the whole lump and skipping the biopsy is the way to go. That is what they used to do ten years ago.
The biopsy was quite expensive and then I had to have the lump out anyway as the biopsy could not rule out a certain form of cancer. You might talk to your MD or surgeon.
Hiker53
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8890 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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linky123
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posted
Maybe you could discuss the possibility of taking the whole thing out with the doctor?
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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map1131
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terv, be sure to read all the posts of recent days over in the medical forum about this very subject.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
I think I just read the thread on the medical forum. Lots of good info.
I shouldn't have said that I am scheduled for a biopsy but rather I am "penciled in". The biopsy people are waiting orders from the NP I saw about this.
The biopsy people seem hungry for work. It kind of bothered me that the radiologist who said I should just have it removed changed to a biopsy after speaking with the biopsy doctor. Then they called to temporarily schedule me.
When I saw the NP she mentioned that depending on the results she would just send me to a breast surgeon. It sounds like I should talk with her first about my options before being whisked into the biopsy room.
Posts: 832 | From Somewhere | Registered: Nov 2010
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hiker53
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Terv,
Glad you are considering the options. I have had 4 lumpectomies since 1996. All benign. Only this year did I have to have a needle biopsy.
The surgeon said if I get another lump to skip the biopsy. Both surgeons I have used have said that the biopsy isn't necessary if the lump is going to come out.
This fall the surgeon said that lumps can change from benign to cancerous as you age, so I will just have them removed if another one comes up.
I guess it depends on you age, the size of the lump etc.
Hiker53
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8890 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- Some lumps can disappear, too, be assimmulated (sp?)back into the body. A follow up imaging with another kind of machine would be in order, IMO.
There are more specialized MRIs for breast tissue, now, etc. I'd do that before anything goes in to probe.
Of course, there are many different kinds of lumps and if cancer, of course, you'd want to be proactive. But it could be nothing of consequence.
I would just wait a while - no need to rush into this right away. Study more, connect to other experts. Explore certain nutrients can that can affect breast tissue health.
You might ask for a genetic blood test first, before an invasive biopsy (even if a needle biopsy, that is invasive).
Tell your LLMD about this as lyme can cause all kinds of changes in breast tissue. I'd consult first with a LLMD who is more specialized in breast matters, too. And a LL ND, as well, for they would have more ideas of what can help. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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map1131
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posted
terv, I got "herded" into a Sleep Study pre-visit evaluation place in Nov. I got so angry while I was there but instead of being able to tell them, hey nobody herds me anywhere....I broke down a balled like a baby in the chairs lined up with the rest of the cattle.
My heart doc and my PCP had both told me I needed this done. For months I refused to go because my fatigue is not from sleep apnea.
My husband assures me yes you might snore sometimes, but it's not all the time and he's never heard anything close to me stop breathing or gasping for air.
But then I did my research and Dr B and Dr H recommend Lyme patients to have the sleep study.
Well that's not the end of lousy doctors and treatment. In fact I did the sleep study and now I refuse to see the herder pulmonary doctor to get my results.
I want the info sent to my PCP. Goodness why does one have to educate themselves about the system. It's really sad.
You are in charge terv. You can get 2nd and 3rd opinions. Take charge lady.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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Keebler
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- "a lump which they can see on a sonogram but not mammogram" (end quote)
Well, it's true that sonogram can be very helpful, still, it's not a true image. There are sites where you can find out more about the best imaging methods before any invasive procedure would be considered.
A sonogram is sound bouncing off of something. It could be scar tissue, etc.
I would want the best image possible first. And I would talk with your LLMD before any invasive method, even a needle biopsy.
If done, adrenal support should be on board well beforehand. Those with lyme can be tossed off the tracks by certain appointments and even "light" procedures. When at all possible, avoid such stress.
I've been railroaded into far too many cattle calls. Wish I had known then that many were just not necessary.
I'm not saying ignore it, but don't jump too soon all the way past the basic steps. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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The lump I have is very palpable and is not connected to anything which I am told is good. While I am looking for it, I can see it when I raise my arms. I don't think it was on the mammogram because of its location. It is on the very side of the breast so I am not sure it made it into the mammogram.
My mom did have breast cancer when she was my age (50). She was treated and it hasn't returned in 20 years.
Since my family doesn't have a strong history of breast cancer I am on the fence regarding genetic testing. I was genetically tested for hemochromatosis and am positive. Now the life and health insurance companies know that I have a risk of developing all these health issues if I dont keep up my maintenance program. I have already been denied by multiple life insurance companies when I try and get a private policy, and HH is the reason cited. Of course with all my lyme treatment, I would probably be denied anyways so maybe I shouldn't be concerned.
The NP works in a LLMD's office where the office takes insurance. The LLMD also takes insurance but no new patients. I chose them because I figured I wouldn't get any grief regarding lyme. However I will contact my LLMD's office and inform them about this.
I will spend today educating myself on the different imaging and other options available to me before talking with the NP.
Thanks everyone.
Posts: 832 | From Somewhere | Registered: Nov 2010
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map1131
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Yes, don't jump to soon. Make sure you are comfortable with what YOU choose.
Knowledge is power. I'm sorry that you have this stressor. Please take care of you during this time when life has handed you some lemons.
Stress can cause one to spiral down. Make lemonade.
Don't forget to use search icon here to and you can ready threads for the last 10 yrs on this subject.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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lpkayak
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"Hungry for work"
That is what i think of all the time now 7 months after my lumpectomy
It seemed everyone involved was in this feed frenzy
I am now trying to figure out what to do in the future
My mom had similar history to tervs
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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lpkayak
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Lisren to map-excellent suggestions
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
I went to a breast surgeon. She didn't think it was anything to worry about but said she could either watch it or was willing to take it out.
She also said the biopsy person would have a difficult time "hitting" it and would end up taking samples all over the place
Since I am not in the mood to worry about anything else health-wise I am going to take it out. It is small and the surgeon said I would only need a local.
The other good thing is that she is willing to take my port out. I was trying to schedule this but now get two things done in one visit, assuming my LLMD agrees.
Posts: 832 | From Somewhere | Registered: Nov 2010
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Pocono Lyme
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I think you made a wise decision.
How nice if it works out to be a one stop shop and get both things done at the same time.
All the best wishes to you that you can then put this behind you.
-------------------- 2 Corinthians 12:9-11
9 But he said to me, �My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.� Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ�s power may rest on me. Posts: 1445 | From Poconos, PA | Registered: Jul 2004
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lpkayak
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posted
"The surgeon said if I get another lump to skip the biopsy. Both surgeons I have used have said that the biopsy isn't necessary if the lump is going to come out."
this is good news to me. i have been trying to sort it all out. i was given 2 procedures that werent necessary at all...and now i hear the biopsy wasnt necessary and could end up spreading cancer...along with the squishing of 20 extra mamm shots
im kinda bitter right now...but yes...educating yourself helps...its hard to sort out good and bad info tho. even my new gyn said that to me...she is close to my age...and concerned about herself as well.
she may be my best asset in fighting this new thing
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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