Insist on biopsy?

Marnold49
Marnold49 Member Posts: 11
in Breast Cancer #1

I have a history of breast cancer on the maternal side of my family. I am 30 years old and found a lump in my right breast. I was sent for a Mammogram and ultrasound and was told that given my age, it was probably just a fibrous something or other (sorry, can't remember the term). Anyway, I feel like I'm just getting blown off because of my age. I just can't seem to get past feeling uneasy about it. Should I insist on a biopsy? 

Comments

  • ComfortablyNumb
    ComfortablyNumb Member Posts: 45
    #2
    I was diagnosed a month ago 2

    I was diagnosed a month ago 2 weeks after my 30th birthday having no family history whatsoever on either side, so my advice is to push for a biopsy, even if its only for your piece of mind. Best of luck, it's probably nothing serious, but its always best to know. 

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #3
    wow even with family

    wow even with family history...I am surprised..

     

    I would get second opinion if your insurance allows..

    Denise

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #4
    ComfortablyNumb said:

    I was diagnosed a month ago 2

    I was diagnosed a month ago 2 weeks after my 30th birthday having no family history whatsoever on either side, so my advice is to push for a biopsy, even if its only for your piece of mind. Best of luck, it's probably nothing serious, but its always best to know. 

    I had NO lump, felt nothing

    I had NO lump, felt nothing (me or Drs) but mammo looked suspcious-I had NO ONE IN family with any cancer AT ALL..and i was sent for needle biopsy. I did have DCIS-had surgery and radiation.

     

    Denise

  • kmenurse
    kmenurse Member Posts: 217
    #5
    Yes!!! push to have a

    Yes!!! push to have a biopsy... take no chances with your family history.  Then after the biopsy if I were you I would seek another doctor that takes care of your health more seriously...

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #6
    Get That Biopsy

    Given your family history, I think it would be foolish NOT to have a biopsy. I would agree that your doctor is minimizing your risk given your age, however, it is not unheard of to have breast cancer under the age of 35 or even 25. The procedure itself is not bad and it will let you know if you merely have a benign cyst or a malignancy. Either way, you deserve to know. Please insist.

    IRENE

  • Marnold49
    Marnold49 Member Posts: 11
    #7
    What kind?

    Should I ask for a specific kind of biopsy or will either kind give me the information I'm looking for? Thank you so much for all of your replies! At first, I was thinking I was just being a hyperchondriac but maynot that's not a bad thing to be in this situation?!

  • Marnold49
    Marnold49 Member Posts: 11
    #8
    Indianapolis?

    areIrate any of you from around the Indy area? I just moved here and this showed up during my 1st appt with my new OB/GYN.  I think I would like to find someone else.  Onr who will be more proactive than reactive, but I have no idea where to find such a Doc. Any chance one of you could guide me down the path to finding him/her?

  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    #9
    Get a biopsy

    Get a biopsy.I've had benign tumors since I was 20.At 62 I was dx with BC.All my tunors years ago were removed(before mammos and needle biopsies).The tumors were taken out then and tested. 

    Now after dx I've had 3 benign tumors.One was found during my prep to remove the cancerous one, next one I found just before my check margin surgery(3 weeks after the cancer surgery) and about a year later a tumor was found on a check up.I was scheduled for a needle biopsy.It was benign so I still have it and watched.

    Either get another doctor or tell this doctor what you want for peace of mind.I would never feel comfortable not having either a needle biopsy or have it removed and tested.  

    I also have a family history of breast cancer on the maternal side.My mom at 21(lived 60 years) my niece at 29, me at 62 and my sister just last year at 62.No way would I let a doctor ignore any tumors. You can't tell by feeling.Biopsies or removal are the only way. 

    Wish you the best but don't let this go any longer.If you feel this doctor won't do a needle biopsy Don't go back. Find another doctor for a second opinion. 

    Lynn Smith

  • lintx
    lintx Member Posts: 697
    #10
    Lynn Smith said:

    Get a biopsy

    Get a biopsy.I've had benign tumors since I was 20.At 62 I was dx with BC.All my tunors years ago were removed(before mammos and needle biopsies).The tumors were taken out then and tested. 

    Now after dx I've had 3 benign tumors.One was found during my prep to remove the cancerous one, next one I found just before my check margin surgery(3 weeks after the cancer surgery) and about a year later a tumor was found on a check up.I was scheduled for a needle biopsy.It was benign so I still have it and watched.

    Either get another doctor or tell this doctor what you want for peace of mind.I would never feel comfortable not having either a needle biopsy or have it removed and tested.  

    I also have a family history of breast cancer on the maternal side.My mom at 21(lived 60 years) my niece at 29, me at 62 and my sister just last year at 62.No way would I let a doctor ignore any tumors. You can't tell by feeling.Biopsies or removal are the only way. 

    Wish you the best but don't let this go any longer.If you feel this doctor won't do a needle biopsy Don't go back. Find another doctor for a second opinion. 

    Lynn Smith

    Yes, insist on a biopsy!!!!!!

     

    Your young age doesn't eliminate the possibility of cancer.  I hope it is a false alarm but please follow your instincts.  Hugs, Linda

  • taylor manny
    taylor manny Member Posts: 113
    #11
    kmenurse said:

    Yes!!! push to have a

    Yes!!! push to have a biopsy... take no chances with your family history.  Then after the biopsy if I were you I would seek another doctor that takes care of your health more seriously...

    If I were you, I would really

    If I were you, I would really push for a biopsy, considering your family history.

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #12
    lintx said:

    Yes, insist on a biopsy!!!!!!

     

    Your young age doesn't eliminate the possibility of cancer.  I hope it is a false alarm but please follow your instincts.  Hugs, Linda

    Definitely .. insist on a biopsy !!

    No question about this!!  Your body, be your best health advocate. 

    Please let us know what happens, next.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

  • taylor manny
    taylor manny Member Posts: 113
    #13
    Marnold49 said:

    What kind?

    Should I ask for a specific kind of biopsy or will either kind give me the information I'm looking for? Thank you so much for all of your replies! At first, I was thinking I was just being a hyperchondriac but maynot that's not a bad thing to be in this situation?!

    I'd probably seek a 2nd

    I'd probably seek a 2nd opinion and see what they say.  But, I'd want a biopsy to know for sure. 

  • Hoot Owl
    Hoot Owl Member Posts: 35
    #14
    Biopsy for Sure!

    I had a very small calcification that showed up on my mammogram. (No Lump and no family history) My surgeon recommended a biopsy and it came back malignant.  Had a lumpectomy and 2 nodes removed last week.  Early detection can make a HUGE difference.  Insist on a biopsy!  Don't count on them "guessing".  Be sure!   Good luck.  You're in my prayers.

    Debbie

  • burcu123
    burcu123 Member Posts: 66
    #15
    You have the right to ask for biopsy

    You have the right to request a biopsy. I hope it will turn out to be benign. Since you have family history you are high risk. PLEASE KNOW THIS IT IS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER. IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH RISK YOU CAN BE TREATED WITH A MEDICATION CALLED TAMOXIFEN WHICH WILL DECERASE YOUR CHANCE OF DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER BY 50% ER positive cancer by 70%.

    PLEASE ASK TO BE REFFERED TO A HIGH RISK BREAST CLINIC ( MD ANDERSON AND MANY OTHER CANCER CENTERS HAVE ONE) THEY WILL KNOW HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR RISK AND OFFER PREVENTION. AS YOUNG AS YOU ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF TAMOXIFEN DOES NOT EXIST FOR YOU. YOUNGER PATIENTS TAKING TAMOXIFEN DO NOT HAVE INCREASED RISK FOR UTERINE CANCER OR BLOOD CLOTHS.THESE RISKS ARE ONLY FOR 50 or ABOVE

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #16
    burcu123 said:

    You have the right to ask for biopsy

    You have the right to request a biopsy. I hope it will turn out to be benign. Since you have family history you are high risk. PLEASE KNOW THIS IT IS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER. IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH RISK YOU CAN BE TREATED WITH A MEDICATION CALLED TAMOXIFEN WHICH WILL DECERASE YOUR CHANCE OF DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER BY 50% ER positive cancer by 70%.

    PLEASE ASK TO BE REFFERED TO A HIGH RISK BREAST CLINIC ( MD ANDERSON AND MANY OTHER CANCER CENTERS HAVE ONE) THEY WILL KNOW HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR RISK AND OFFER PREVENTION. AS YOUNG AS YOU ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF TAMOXIFEN DOES NOT EXIST FOR YOU. YOUNGER PATIENTS TAKING TAMOXIFEN DO NOT HAVE INCREASED RISK FOR UTERINE CANCER OR BLOOD CLOTHS.THESE RISKS ARE ONLY FOR 50 or ABOVE

    Burcu123, this is not true if

    Burcu123, this is not true if the cancer is not estrogen dependent.  Not sure why you keep posting this?

  • JJDS
    JJDS Member Posts: 258
    #17
    CypressCynthia said:

    Burcu123, this is not true if

    Burcu123, this is not true if the cancer is not estrogen dependent.  Not sure why you keep posting this?

    I am with the others in

    I am with the others in saying to insist on a biopsy.  I would think your doctors would agree to it with the history of your family. Post when you can to let us know what you decide.

    JJ

     

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #18
    lintx said:

    Yes, insist on a biopsy!!!!!!

     

    Your young age doesn't eliminate the possibility of cancer.  I hope it is a false alarm but please follow your instincts.  Hugs, Linda

    A biopsy!  Please get

    A biopsy!  Please get one!

    Jan

  • burcu123
    burcu123 Member Posts: 66
    #19
    CypressCynthia said:

    Burcu123, this is not true if

    Burcu123, this is not true if the cancer is not estrogen dependent.  Not sure why you keep posting this?

    yes it is true

    yes it is tru, if you do not believe me please go to Komen's web site and search chemoprevention. Go to Amercan cancer institude web site and search chemoprevention of breast cancer. Or just google chemoprevention for breast cancer.

     

    FDA has approved tamoxifen and ralxifen for primary breast cancer prevention for breast cancer. Yes these willonly prevent Estrogen positive cancer , however 70% of all breast cancers are estrogen receptor  positive.

     

    I keep posting it becaus eit is someting that every body should know. Especially women with high risk. It does not mean that all have to use this approach but they have to be offered and make an informed decision.

     

    It is a crime not to make this knowledge available for woemn at risk

     

    there is also other medications taht are shown to prevent breast cancer

    Exemesteme an aromatose inhibitor decreased berast cancer risk 65% annually in postmenopausal woemn in a recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine. Exemestene does not have the side effects of blood cloths and endometrial cancer.

    THIS ISSUE IS OGNORED ENOUGH. SO MANY LIFES COULD BE SAVED IF CURRENTLY AVAILABLE PREVENTION METHODS BECOMES COMMON KNOWLEDGE

  • Lynne P
    Lynne P Member Posts: 165
    #20
    lintx said:

    Yes, insist on a biopsy!!!!!!

     

    Your young age doesn't eliminate the possibility of cancer.  I hope it is a false alarm but please follow your instincts.  Hugs, Linda

    Anymore age means nothing

    Anymore age means nothing with bc.  There are many that are diagnosed very young.  I hope you will get a biopsy and that it will be negative.

    Good luck, Lynne

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #21
    burcu123 said:

    yes it is true

    yes it is tru, if you do not believe me please go to Komen's web site and search chemoprevention. Go to Amercan cancer institude web site and search chemoprevention of breast cancer. Or just google chemoprevention for breast cancer.

     

    FDA has approved tamoxifen and ralxifen for primary breast cancer prevention for breast cancer. Yes these willonly prevent Estrogen positive cancer , however 70% of all breast cancers are estrogen receptor  positive.

     

    I keep posting it becaus eit is someting that every body should know. Especially women with high risk. It does not mean that all have to use this approach but they have to be offered and make an informed decision.

     

    It is a crime not to make this knowledge available for woemn at risk

     

    there is also other medications taht are shown to prevent breast cancer

    Exemesteme an aromatose inhibitor decreased berast cancer risk 65% annually in postmenopausal woemn in a recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine. Exemestene does not have the side effects of blood cloths and endometrial cancer.

    THIS ISSUE IS OGNORED ENOUGH. SO MANY LIFES COULD BE SAVED IF CURRENTLY AVAILABLE PREVENTION METHODS BECOMES COMMON KNOWLEDGE

    I am not disagreeing with

    I am not disagreeing with you, but my family falls in the ER+ category.  I have 1 out of 4 sisters who have not had breast cancer and she did exemestane (post menopausal) for 5 years.  So far she has not had breast cancer.  She is having a bilateral mastectomy next week because she is tired of the scans and feeling like a sitting duck.

    I respect your strong feelings though there are many cases here that I do not believe it would have helped (IBC, triple neg, etc).

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