Mammogram/breast cancer ?

[TooFarTampa]

Scooter I think your instincts are right -- she needs a second opinion/biopsy stat.

I also have to say THANKS for the thread, since I was wishy washy about getting a baseline this year like my doctor asked me to. Now I'll be sure to make the appointment. (thanks gttbm)

 

[Miss Critter]

To advise a patient to wait six months to monitor something they know is there, but just can't identify borders on malpractice, IMO. There are other tests that could help rule out cancer - an ultrasound or breast MRI among them. Is insurance an issue?

 

[Rudyjohn]

To clarify, there's definitely something there per the multiple mammograms and ultrasounds, they just don't know if it's a bad thing or a benign cyst, so they say wait 6 months.

I'm pushing for a 2nd opinion and a biopsy, but wanted feedback because I don't know what is "normal".

If they know something is there, then I can't believe they are not going to do a biopsy!!!! PUSH for that second opinion!!!!!!!

Ditto to these 2 posts and really, all of the above.

This is coming from someone who has been there and done that many, many times that it's not scary anymore. And that's even with my mom and aunt having breast cancer. I have very dense breasts with hundreds of cysts so self examination is out of the question for me.

Your friend needs to find a surgeon who specializes in breasts not just her gynecologist. And it's true, breast cancer is slow growing so 6 months is probably ok but who wants to wait for those 6 months if there's a question?? She should demand the name of a surgeon and have that spot aspirated. That would put an end to the uncertainty - for her and for her dr's.

If she's uncomfortable asking her gyno then she should ask the radiologist for another dr. who specializes in this area.
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[Miss Critter]

And it's true, breast cancer is slow growing so 6 months is probably ok but who wants to wait for those 6 months if there's a question??

MOST breast cancer is slow growing, but not all. Might be nothing, but why wait?

 

[scooterbug44]

Thank you, I never know if it's just me being overly concerned/aggressive w/ medical issues or something needing to be done differently !

I told her it's unanimous that she needs a biopsy or second opinion!

 

[Rudyjohn]

Now I have a question about mammograms (& since I'm over 50). Is it STILL 40 when it is recommended to get your first screening? Because of my history, I've been getting them since I was in my 20's. But 40 seems so late in life and you hear about so, so many young women being diagnosed with breast cancer!
.

 

[TooFarTampa]

Now I have a question about mammograms (& since I'm over 50). Is it STILL 40 when it is recommended to get your first screening? Because of my history, I've been getting them since I was in my 20's. But 40 seems so late in life and you hear about so, so many young women being diagnosed with breast cancer!
.

Well, I'm 37. My doc would have probably recommended one at 35 if I hadn't been pregnant and then nursing. Now that they are "back to normal" I guess it's time.

 

[shakennotstirred]

Now I have a question about mammograms (& since I'm over 50). Is it STILL 40 when it is recommended to get your first screening? Because of my history, I've been getting them since I was in my 20's. But 40 seems so late in life and you hear about so, so many young women being diagnosed with breast cancer!
.

I think you are supposed to get a baseline mammogram before 40 and then yearly ones thereafter. And yes, many younger women are being diagnosed. A friend of mine was 37 when she was diagnosed.

 

[Sheila]

Now I have a question about mammograms (& since I'm over 50). Is it STILL 40 when it is recommended to get your first screening? Because of my history, I've been getting them since I was in my 20's. But 40 seems so late in life and you hear about so, so many young women being diagnosed with breast cancer!
.

I had my first one at 38. I also had a history in my family. My daughter just turned 30 and she had her baseline last year.

 

[kathydwells]

I had my baseline at 35 because of my mother and aunt both having breast cancer. I have had one every year since.