NetWellness Breast Cancer

Chances of breast cancer

Doreen Agnese MD — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST

Question: I am 42 and just had a mammogram. It was ruled inclonclusive now that we want me to have an ultrsound. What are the chances I have breast cancer?

Answer:

There is probably a low likelihood, but it depends on exactly what was noted and follow-up is very important.

Ask an Expert: Doreen Agnese MD, Breast Cancer

Atypical cells on MRI

Donna Plecha MD — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:01:00 EST

Question: How does the MRI interpret the presence of atypical cells in the breast? does it show them as cancer cells? or show them as suspicious cells? can it distinguish between atypical changes and already developed cancer cells? Thank you so much

Answer: MRI is a very sensitive exam. It picks up many abnormalities. However it is not always very specific. MRI cannot always distinguish between atypical cells and small areas of cancer. MRI is best at picking up invasive breast cancer yet may miss some cases of early stage low grade breast cancer (Ducta . . .

Ask an Expert: Donna Plecha MD, Breast Cancer

Usage of breast enhancement oils

Doreen Agnese MD — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:12:00 EST

Question: I have small breasts. I use breast enhancement oil available in the market to increase the size of my breast. Is it safe to use those kind of oils? Anyhow,can it lead to breast cancer by any chance? Shuld I stop using those oils? please suggest

Answer: There is no data to support the efficacy of these oils, but it's doubtful that they cause breast cancer.

Ask an Expert: Doreen Agnese MD, Breast Cancer

Pleomorphic Microcalcifications and BIRADS

Donna Plecha MD — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:11:00 EST

Question: I am 38 years old. I had a routine mammogram, which showed microcalcifications, so it was requested that I get a diagnostic mammogram. My BIRADs is 4B. I was told that I have pleomorphic microcalcifications and that there are 7 to 8 of them. I have sen the maximum amount is 4 or 5. What does it mean . . .

Answer: 4B is a subcategory of category 4. This means that the area to be biopsied is in the grey zone of being not totally suspicious but not benign enough to follow. The pleomorphic comment means that the calcifications do not all look alike and this can raise suspicion. If there are more than five calcif . . .

Ask an Expert: Donna Plecha MD, Breast Cancer

Radiation from mammograms

Paula Silverman MD — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:11:00 EST

Question: Hello - I`m a 33 yr old woman, with no breast cancer history in my family, but i do have lumpy, painful, fibrous breasts. As a result - i have had 2 mammograms in my past (one film and one digital - at age 31 and 32) in addition to numerous ultrasounds. Do i need to be worry about this radiation exp . . .

Answer: There is very little risk from mammograms, and when indicated by findings your exam you should continue to have them done at your current age, then annually after 40. I would request digital mammograms, because they are a more sensitive test at your age.

Ask an Expert: Paula Silverman MD, Breast Cancer

V Strenuous Chest Exercises just b4 Mammogrm

Paula Silverman MD — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:10:00 EST

Question: Although I do regular fitness work-outs, just before my annual mammogram I did some exceedingly strenuous "chin-ups" in my fitness class, to the point that I had some swollen bumps under both my arms (armpits) for about two days directly caused by the over-exertion. During that period I ha . . .

Answer: Chest exercises do not usually cause changes in mammograms but no harm in mentioning this to the technician. "Bumps" in the armpits should be checked by your doctor if they do not resolve completely.

Ask an Expert: Paula Silverman MD, Breast Cancer

Breast cancer and miscarriages

Doreen Agnese MD — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:10:00 EST

Question: I have been pregnant two times in the past three months and both resulted in a miscarriage. Just this past week I discovered a very hard, but small lump in my right breast. I am wondering if this may sound like it could be breast cancer related, however I don`t know if this is in fact breast cancer. . . .

Answer: This could be nothing, but a high index of suspicion is required so that breast cancers are not missed. You should definitely have this checked and have a bilateral mammogram.

Ask an Expert: Doreen Agnese MD, Breast Cancer

Microcalcifications

Paula Silverman MD — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:10:00 EST

Question: I am a 54 year old woman in excellent health. I exercise, eat well, don`t smoke and have no family history of breast cancer. I have never had an "abnormal" mammogram in all the years I have been getting screened since my 40`s, except for the one I had several weeks ago. I have moderately d . . .

Answer: It does sound like a biopsy, however it can be done, is a good idea. One option would be to take your films to a second breast center to see if the mammographer there feels s/he can perform a stereotactic biopsy. However, most excisional (surgical) biopsies result in minimal scarring of the breast. . . .

Ask an Expert: Paula Silverman MD, Breast Cancer

Mammogram results

Paula Silverman MD — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:10:00 EST

Question: my doctor called after my screening mammogram and said they saw calcifications and wanted to recheck in six months..received letter today from radiologist that said..mammogram showed area we believe is benign(not cancer) however, you should have follow up mammogram in three to six months and/or clin . . .

Answer: Your care sounds appropriate. Some calcifications are not too worrisome and can be followed up in 3-6 months. The choice of 3 or 6 months is generally up to the referring physician based on your exam, history, etc. But of course if you are going to worry, you could request 3 month follow-up.

Ask an Expert: Paula Silverman MD, Breast Cancer

Blood pressure and mastectomy

Doreen Agnese MD — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:10:00 EST

Question: Why is it not recommended to have blood pressure taken on the arm where the mastectomy is?

Answer: One of the complications of mastectomy, especially if lymph nodes under the are are also removed, is called lymphedema. Lymphedema is a swelling of the arm related to collection of lymph fluid. There are many triggers for increased lymph production, and trauma to the arm (which can be ca . . .

Ask an Expert: Doreen Agnese MD, Breast Cancer