Cancer Survivors Network - How can you tell the difference? - Comments

and that is why i wanted to

expresslove — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:51:27 -0500

and that is why i wanted to ask how to tell the difference between a lump and scar tissue.

Yes, i have been diagnosed

expresslove — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:50:16 -0500

Yes, i have been diagnosed with bc, but i have a rare type of it... My only type of treatment is surgery. Meaning rads,chemo, or hormone were not an option for me. My tumor turned out to malignant after my second biopsy. I had the tumor removed and it was later sent to Stanford for multiple opinions.
Belen

No, they didn't refer me to

expresslove — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:40:22 -0500

No, they didn't refer me to an oncologist for my type of tumor. and yes, my tumor was malignant phyllodes tumor. The reason why she said i was too young for mammograms was because my breast tissue is too dense. I dont really know much about this b/c well i have never had a mammogram. I did have an ultrasound before, and a biopsy (the result was benign) before i saw another doctor who advised me to have a surgical biopsy.

First off, I think you are

expresslove — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:39:25 -0500

First off, I think you are super sweet for finding information about my tumor! :D Its hard to explain the whole thing for me and maybe that's probably why people are so confused about it,esp because it is rare. With respect to chemo and radiation, those were the answers i got from my doctor, and my second opinions. (My second opinion came from Standford). I mean, all she really told me was that if i found a lump i have to make an appt asap. But yes I am going to make another appt. to figure out an answer to my questions. I just thought I would ask on this board first.
Thanks!
-Belen

So sorry

cindycflynn — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:02:20 -0500

It seems like you're not getting the answers you need. I looked up a little information on the type of tumor you had and it does seem like an ultrasound would not pick it up, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be more aware of what is going on in your breast tissue. The article said that it is a rare form of tumor and could be benign or malignant, but is most often benign. If it is malignant the only treatment is surgery. Apparently chemo and radiation have no effect on this type of tumor. From what I read (and I'm no doctor) an MRI would pick up any future tumors of the type you had, so there still may be something that could be done to put your mind at ease about what you're feeling.

As others have said, I would look for another doctor who will take your concerns seriously and tell you what CAN be done instead of what can't. Don't just take no for an answer. Sometimes all of us have to push to get the help we need.

We are always here for you.

Take care,
Cindy

they thought my lump was

carkris — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:57:49 -0500

they thought my lump was scar tissue from a previous biopsy mammo, ultrasound, Mri did not rule it out needed an MrI biopsy-not scar tissue. not trying to say you would need all that but every lump should be checked out to be sure!!!!

yes you need a top level surgical oncologist

New Flower — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:26:44 -0500

You need to find a new team, including breast surgeon/oncologist who specializing in your type of cancer; women's heath doctor because you are too young you need have good care.

I just read your profile and

elizarose — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:27 -0500

I just read your profile and was also a little confused. Did you see an oncologist? When they removed the tumor did they determine it was benign or malignant? Also, you're not too young for mammograms and ultrasounds do work. BC is scary and I can only imagine how hard it must be for someone so young.

I am confused.

Ritzy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:53:37 -0500

I am confused. Have you had bc? If you have, then you need a new oncologist. Because yours makes no sense and isn't smart. This just doesn't sound right..sorry. Have you had surgery? Was it malignant? Are you going to have rads, chemo or hormone therapy? Your situation isn't clear to me.

Sue :)

I think also you need to

Marcia527 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:44:00 -0500

I think also you need to find an oncologist/surgeon who takes your questions seriously. She hasn't noticed that there is no such thing as "too young" anymore. Find someone that you are comfortable with.

Please find a knew

BELIEVEx3 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:35:01 -0500

Please find a new oncologist..................

I asked my doctor about

expresslove — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:46 -0500

I asked my doctor about lumps in the future and what they would do about it... all she told me was that i was "too young" to have a mammmo and that ultrasounds dont work... : /.

Talk to your doctors

New Flower — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:35:44 -0500

Belen,
I was operated on the left side too.I had a mastectomy. i think ultrasound can differentiate between scar tissue and lump.
Healing is very individual. I was told that scar tissue could be massaged to avoid pain. Ask you surgeon about it.
Hugs

How can you tell the difference?

expresslove — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:50:37 -0500

Hello ladies! I hope someone understands what I am trying to ask here: but how do you know or how can you tell the difference is between the scar tissue that has formed and a lump? Also, i was told that I might have back pains after my procedures because of the size difference between my breasts... exactly where am i supposed to feel it? [This sounds weird i know, but i have become so paranoid about anything that doesn't feel normal that I freak about anything small]. My upper back left back, (i was operated on my left breast) has been hurting on and off after my second surgery. Is that where it is supposed to hurt, or is this probably caused by something else? Simply a coincidence?