Question:

I am a 30 yo felmale that found a lump in my right brest approx. 2 months ago. Had a mammogram and ultrasound done last week that revealed the following: 0.4 cm nodule that is well defined with sharp margins, but is solid. no shadowing is observed. The BI RADS rating was a IV. I went yesterday to have it biopsied and the general surgeon spent less than 5 minutes with me, said he couldn`t find it (even though he had the films in front of him) and tried to get me to be satisfied that I am merely 30 years old, it is small, so “probably nothing”. Should I be concerned? Should I find a different surgeon that will actually take the time to find the lump and do the biopsy? I am really scared b/c my family history includes my maternal grandmother with breast cancer in her early 30`s the first time and again in her 70`s. Please help…

Answer:

From your description and your age, the nodule in your breast sounds like a fibroadenoma. However, we don’t know this for sure until a biopsy is done. BIRADS 4 is defined as “suspicious” and a biopsy is usually recommended, but often fibroadenomas are given a BIRADS 4 classification. So, do not panic. I suggest you follow through with the procedure and seek a second opinion either from another surgeon or with the radiologists who found it in the first place. Often times the radiologists can perform an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy quite proficiently. As for your family history, your grandmother’s diagnosis at a young age is concerning and you can look at is as even more reason to pursue your biopsy. Once you have a tissue diagnosis, seek an opinion from a breast surgeon regarding your risk of breast cancer in the future and preventative steps you can take.

For more information:

Go to the Breast Cancer health topic.