NetWellness 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

Breast cancer spread

Doreen Agnese MD — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:09:00 EST

Question: how does breast cancer spread to ovaries?

Answer: Breast cancer can spread to the ovaries through the blood vessels. This is a rare site for breast cancer to spread to, though, and the possibility of an ovarian cancer needs to be ruled out.

Ask an Expert: Doreen Agnese MD, Breast Cancer

DCIS diagnosis

Paula Silverman MD — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:09:00 EST

Question: I am 49 years old and on September 1, 2009 I was diagnosed with DCIS in my right breast after a biopsy completed on August 24. During this initial biopsy, it was a challenge for the radiologist to obtain enough microcalcifications for the sample.

I had a Lumpectomy on September 10. Prior to sur . . .

Answer: These are good questions but should be discussed with your doctors. Meet with your surgeon and the radiation oncologist. Get second opinions if your questions are not answered. Be sure you are seeing the most qualified specialists in your region. Is there an NCI designated cancer center or universit . . .

Ask an Expert: Paula Silverman MD, Breast Cancer

Stereotatic Mammatome Biopsy

Paula Silverman MD — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:09:00 EST

Question: I am scheduled for the above biopsy but am extremely afraid of having it. Last year, in the same breast a lipoma was seen in my right breast. I had to have my mammography done at a different location this year and they recommend this biopsy due to an abnormal, suspious, possibly malignant calcificat . . .

Answer: The stereotactic biopsy is the best and least invasive way to make a diagnosis on calcifications. It is time consuming and may be somewhat uncomfortable (having mammogram and needle biopsy while on your stomach on a table) but should not be at all disfiguring. It is probably best to have this done i . . .

Ask an Expert: Paula Silverman MD, Breast Cancer

Scared and need help

Doreen Agnese MD — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:09:00 EST

Question: My birth mother had both breast removed due to having breast cancer. I am 30 years old and doctors tell me that there is nothing to worry about at my age and it is too soon for the mammogram. If that is so, then what is early detection? For the last two weeks my breast have been hurting very bad and . . .

Answer: When you should start screening depends on how old your birth mother was when she had her cancer. I usually recommend that women start to have mammograms about 5-10 years before the earliest diagnosis in the family or by age 40, whichever is earlier. In addition, your doctor should perfor . . .

Ask an Expert: Doreen Agnese MD, Breast Cancer

Breast pain

Paula Silverman MD — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:09:00 EST

Question: i am 20 years old and single. Last three days ,my left breast pain. so i check there is something in it . i think it is round . Can i be happen breast cancer? can i meet with doctor? and please answer my question quickly.

Answer: At 20, a painful lump is unlikely to be cancer. Most painful lumps represent cysts and often resolve with a menstrual cycle. BUT, it should be checked out. Most women start with their gynecologist or primary care provider.

Ask an Expert: Paula Silverman MD, Breast Cancer