Pelvic ultrasound question
Hey I just wanted to get someone else’s opinion. I just had a pelvic ultrasound done for some irregular bleeding,pelvic pressure and pain. I am 4 years on tamoxifen. It was done in my GYN’s office and was told the doctor would read it. I asked if it would be sent to a radiologist and they said no. It worries me with my history of lobular that something could be missed. Would you ask for it to be read by a radiologist or is this normal for just the GYN to read it? My anxiety of course tends to spiral when faced with any testing so I just wanted some thoughts from this community that understands!
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dani444, Ob/gyns do read ultrasounds (pelvic and sonograms) since they get training and make treatment decisions as it relates to this focused area of the body. Radiologists read them as well but they have to deal with all body parts so they are not experts in any one area unless they work at a large hospital where they specialize. My breast surgeon was able to point out evidence of my tumor on three previous BIRADS2 mammograms; she didn't blame the three general radiologists who missed it since the signs were subtle and she explained that she had an advantage since she looks at nothing but breast imaging and gets to see how it corresponds to what she views during surgery.
You could get a second opinion from a radiologist if your ob/gyn can't explain your symptoms or doesn't mention the relevant imaging items (endometrial lining thickness, presence or absence of polyps.) You would have to get the second opinion from somewhere else (doctors in the same hospital don't do rereads) but you could choose a radiologist who specializes in gynecological imaging. If you are not satisfied with the answers it is worth it to get peace of mind. I hope there's an easily treatable explanation for your symptoms.
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If I was you, I would get the Ob/gyns opinion on the ultrasound and then take the ultrasound for a second opinion. Tamoxifen does create problems with bleeding and uterine thickness and what you have may be from 4 years of tamoxifen however, we ILC patients get worried since recurrences happen after many years. Let us know what you'll find out and best of luck!
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I got a call from the office on my results. She stated that everything was normal and they would see me in a year. I just obtained the actual report and it states my endometrial thickness is 10.44 mm with few cystic Changes. So I guess all is well. Thank you all for listening and responding. I appreciate you.
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dani444, I'm glad you got good news. Thanks for letting us know.
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I have returned as I am now back with post menopausal bleeding and cramping. I am 13-14 months without any periods and then experienced some heavy bleeding. Lab work confirmed menopause. I am to be scheduled to have an ultrasound and an endosee procedure in office. Does anyone know if lobular spread would be a to be visualized with the endosee. I am hoping maybe it’s just fibroids which I have had in the past. Does anyone have any experience with this procedure and what I should specifically ask the doctor? At first she was excusing the bleeding as my ovaries kicking back in but then after learning of my history of tamoxifen use she decided we could do the endosee. I know my anxiety is elevated and I am not great at asking the right questions. Which is crazy because I have worked in healthcare for 30 years! Just any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Hi @dani444, I had a pelvic ultrasound and biopsy when OB/GYN found my endometrium was thickened prior to starting tamoxifen. The procedure was less painful than the cervical cone biopsies and LEEP procedures I had throughout my life. They found benign polyps as well as the fibroids I knew about so there are benign reasons for these issues. They did tell me no tamoxifen since it makes things worse. Hopefully your situation is just a SE of that med. All the best for a good outcome.
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