Terrified after my diagnostic mammogram & ultrasound — spiculated mass & possible node involvement
Background: No immediate family history of breast cancer. I’m 39 and this was my first mammogram. :(
I observed an inverted left nipple in mid to late February (which couldn’t have been there long, I self check often) that led to my very first mammogram and ultrasound yesterday. They found a spiculated mass that my gyno couldn’t even feel in my left breast with possible axillary node involvement and two smaller, less suspicious masses in my right breast. The radiologist came in after a lengthy ultrasound and frankly seemed pretty concerned, hinting at the fact that I might be near the tail-end of stage 1 and beginning of stage 2 even before a biopsy. My biopsy is scheduled for next Wednesday and I am terrified, especially because of observed involvement/thickening of four left axillary lymph nodes. The full report is below.
IMPRESSION: 1. Left breast: Suspicious. BI-RADS Category 4.
Recommend ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of a 2.0 cm mass at 3:00,3 cm from the nipple.2. Left axilla: Suspicious.Recommend ultrasound-guided sampling of a 1.1 cm morphologicallyabnormal lymph node 17 cm from the nipple.3. Right breast: Suspicious.Recommend ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of a 0.4 cm mass at10:00, 13 cm from the nipple.4. The above findings and recommendations were discussed with thepatient the conclusion of the exam by Kyle Wilson, MD. The patient isamenable to this plan. Biopsy will be scheduled.M4-R8
NarrativeBILATERAL DIGITAL DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM WITH TOMOSYNTHESIS, BILATERALBREAST AND LEFT AXILLARY ULTRASOUND 3/3/2025 7:35 AMCLINICAL INDICATION: New left nipple inversion.COMPARISON: None; baseline exam.MAMMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS:Breast Density: There are scattered areas of fibroglandular densityRight Breast: Two adjacent masses, measuring 0.5 and 0.3 cm, upper outerquadrant, posterior depth. No associated calcifications.Left Breast: 2.0 cm spiculated mass, slightly upper, slightly outerquadrant, anterior depth. No associated calcifications.Computer-aided detection was used in the interpretation of thisexamination.ULTRASOUND FINDINGS:Focused sonographic evaluation is performed.Right Breast:-10:00, 13 cm from the nipple, corresponding to the mammographic masses:0.4 x 0.2 x 0.4 cm circumscribed hypoechoic mass with parallelorientation, and peripheral vascularity. Findings may represent a lymphnode. However, recommend ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy in thecontext of left breast findings.Left Breast:-3:00, 3 cm from the nipple, corresponding to the mammographic mass: 2.0x 1.0 x 1.7 cm spiculated mass with posterior acoustic shadowing andassociated vascularity. A bridge of tissue extends from the mass to thebase of the left nipple. Suspicious.Left axilla:-17 cm from the nipple: 1.1 x 0.8 x 1.0 cm morphologically abnormallymph node. Suspicious. In total, there are at least four morphologically abnormal lymph nodes within the left axilla.
Comments
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Hi @amoderndance, I’m sorry that you have to deal with the stress of a biopsy. Only 5-10% of people who are diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of it. Imaging can’t diagnose cancer which is why a biopsy needs to be done. About three quarters of biopsies turn out to be benign so hopefully you will be among that group. In any event stage 2 is still considered early stage (that was my diagnosis) and has a good prognosis. Come back and let us know how things work out. All the best.
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@maggie15 I am absolutely grateful to be getting a biopsy soon; no matter the outcome, I know it will be easier once I have a sense of the next steps. Thank you again 💓
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I’m going through a similar situation in that I just turned 40, no family history, first mammogram yielded needing additional imaging, and last week on 3/3 my additional imaging (two more mammos and an ultrasound) showed persistent focal asymmetry, Bi-Rads Category 4: Suspicious for Malignancy. No lumps or masses detected thus far, but they were looking at a particular area on the screen and I could tell things were just not right. Biopsy scheduled for a week later, which is now tomorrow- 3/11/25. (core needle)
This is such excruciating waiting. I will be thinking of you. You are not alone!
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@amd.lola1212 it's the worst. sending love and light — it looks like your biopsy is today, mine is tomorrow!
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Hello @amoderndance and @amd.lola1212. I’m thinking of you both as you go through this really difficult time with so many unknowns and agonizing waiting. We always hope everyone will have a benign outcome and I wish that for both of you!! Hang in there!
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@amoderndance and @amd.lola1212 did you get your biopsy results yet? I am really hoping they were benign. I am in a similar situation and just had my biopsy yesterday. The waiting period is making me so anxious.
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@boymama25 unfortunately it was cancer. IDC, grade 2, strong ER+/PR+, HER2-. My first appointment with a surgeon is on April 7 to learn more about testing for staging, etc. hoping for the best for you ❤️
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@amoderndance, we're so sorry to hear this. Please know that we’re here for you. As you wait for your appointment, you might want to take a look at this thread we have compiled for the newly diagnosed:
Hope this helps. Please let us know if you need anything. We know it's very overwhelming at the beginning, but we're all here to support you!
Sincerely,
The Mods
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Oh @amoderndance, I’m so sorry to hear it’s cancer!
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@amoderndance, I'm sorry that the biopsy was not benign. Following the link from the mods and reading about the various treatment options for ER+/HER2- IDC before you meet the surgeon will give you some background information so that you can ask good questions. Many people find that bringing a relative/friend to take notes is helpful because you are provided with so much information at once. I hope the appointment goes well.
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