Hi I am 36 years old. I went in for my yearly mammogram (family history of breast cancer). they ended up taking extra films... because of my age the tissue is very dense. As a precaution the DR decided to do an ultrasound of the area. She found nothing in the area of question but upon ultrasounding the rest of the breast she found what she thinks is a complex cyst. She decided to do a needle aspiration and is sending it to the lab. I will get the results tomorrow afternoon. Does anyone know the incidence of this being cancer or the possiblity of a false-positive occuring. I am very very scared. If nothing conclusive comes back I will have to have a core biopsy. Thanks
Deanna
Hi Deanna-
I don't know much about cysts, but I can tell you that about 80% of breast lumps are benign. If the lump is fluid filled, it is a cyst and not a tumor. Tumors can be benign or cancer, most often benign. An ultrasound is not conclusive, can only offer a suggestion on what it looks like. If the doc aspirated it and got fluid, I think it is better chances to be a cyst and benign. However, it will also depend on where the needle hit the tissue.
I think the doc is on the right path of investigation...and hooray for you and your docs for monitoring so closely, especially at your age. I too am 36 and was diagnosed 5 1/2 years ago, no sign of cancer since it was removed.
Keep us posted...
Lori
Hi Deanna, Hi Lori,
Actually, a cyst can be cancerous. In my case I found a lump in each breast, and had three swollen lymph nodes under my arm. The lumps did not show on mammogram, and for some dumb reason the ultrasound tech couldn't find anything on the right, so she wouldn't do the left (where I had the lymph nodes). The surgeon would not do a needle biopsy, even though I had family history, because they were just fibrocystic changes, according to him. They were cysts, but they had cancer in them, which was found by another doctor six months later - then I was diagnosed with advanced cancer instead of early stage disease. It's been over a year and I'm still in chemo.
Your doc is on the right path, but don't let up. I had a needle biopsy at two hospitals, the first one did say cancer in both breasts but the second hospital only found cancer on one side, because the cancer cells in the fluid were already removed by the first hospital; A core biopsy was done, and then it was
found in the second breast.
So what I'm taking too long to say is if you get the news that everything is OK, still get a second opinion.
And get copies of all the medical records (mammogram report, US report, doctor's notes) to make sure you and your doctor have really heard each other.
I'm really hoping that this is nothing for you to be worried about.
Actually, a cyst can be cancerous. In my case I found a lump in each breast, and had three swollen lymph nodes under my arm. The lumps did not show on mammogram, and for some dumb reason the ultrasound tech couldn't find anything on the right, so she wouldn't do the left (where I had the lymph nodes). The surgeon would not do a needle biopsy, even though I had family history, because they were just fibrocystic changes, according to him. They were cysts, but they had cancer in them, which was found by another doctor six months later - then I was diagnosed with advanced cancer instead of early stage disease. It's been over a year and I'm still in chemo.
Your doc is on the right path, but don't let up. I had a needle biopsy at two hospitals, the first one did say cancer in both breasts but the second hospital only found cancer on one side, because the cancer cells in the fluid were already removed by the first hospital; A core biopsy was done, and then it was
found in the second breast.
So what I'm taking too long to say is if you get the news that everything is OK, still get a second opinion.
And get copies of all the medical records (mammogram report, US report, doctor's notes) to make sure you and your doctor have really heard each other.
I'm really hoping that this is nothing for you to be worried about.
Jen is giving you very valuable information about getting copies of all tests. Used to be they kept everything in your file a secret, but no longer is that true. You are entitled to have a copy of everything. It is a good idea to keep a file yourself.......... And never take anyone's guess as gospel. They guess wrong sometimes. Keep us updated. We care and can help. Hugs, Mary K. MK
I advised the getting the actual report because when I had the first mammogram, the letter I got from the imaging service said,"there are no areas of concern".
The letter my doctor got (which I didn't see until a year later when I had my records copied) said," tissue is dense, which may reduce sensitivity of mammogram...there are three lymph nodes on the left side".
Shame on me for not getting all of the data.
Hi Gabbie,
I was told I had a complex breast cyst based off of an u/s. I pushed to have a biopsy done and found out that it was solid...not a cyst. The radiologist told me he was just going to stick a needle in it, drain it, and that would be it. One failed needle aspiration and one successful core biopsy later, he didn't have much to say but "Good luck." Thankfully it came back benign, though they are going to repeat the u/s in another month or so to follow it up.
I am hoping that since I didn't see another thread from you that it came back negative!
Jen, that is awful and something that I worried about as well. I wish you a full recovery!
Is it true?
Does the "records room" give patients a different report than they give their doctor?
I have picked up many reports from hospitals and radioloogy offices. I always read the report and look at the films before my consults. The doctor usually tells me the same thing he reads on the report whether it was faxed to him directly from the radiologist or if I gave it to him.
Some times the fax is still sitting around my doctors office waiting to get filed, so the report I pick up needs to be accurate for evaluation.
Thank you.
KatP
Does the "records room" give patients a different report than they give their doctor?
I have picked up many reports from hospitals and radioloogy offices. I always read the report and look at the films before my consults. The doctor usually tells me the same thing he reads on the report whether it was faxed to him directly from the radiologist or if I gave it to him.
Some times the fax is still sitting around my doctors office waiting to get filed, so the report I pick up needs to be accurate for evaluation.
Thank you.
KatP
Hi to all,
I found a hard lump in my breast(I have a history of Fibrocystic Breasts), but this feels very different to me. It hurts, and I feel like I am having 'chest pain' and back soreness as well. Has anyone experience that? Anyway, one diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound later, I was told I have a complex breast cyst filled with 'debris'. I go back after the holiday to have a needle aspiration and biopsy.
Warm thoughts and prayers to all,
s.
I found a hard lump in my breast(I have a history of Fibrocystic Breasts), but this feels very different to me. It hurts, and I feel like I am having 'chest pain' and back soreness as well. Has anyone experience that? Anyway, one diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound later, I was told I have a complex breast cyst filled with 'debris'. I go back after the holiday to have a needle aspiration and biopsy.
Warm thoughts and prayers to all,
s.
Hi to sjh317,
Your description sounds a lot like things happening to me. Have you received results to your tests?
Good Luck,
PaceRose
I felt a lump in my right breast two days ago. I was able to get an appointment today with a doc. She did a u/s and showed me a cyst. She pointed out a bit of something inside the cyst and said this probably makes it a complex cyst. She told me to get a mammogram within the next two months. She didn't seem to think it was anything to be alarmed about but said to get it double checked with the mammogram. Is this really nothing to worry about? I am 29 and an American living in Germany and would appreciate any feedback in English that you can give me.
Hi ktmay. Sorry you have to be asking this question. Remember that 80% of all lumps are benign. Cysts I am not sure if they fall into that category, but I do think your doctor is right. Get the mamogram as soon as you can. I would call and get it set up now as why worry for 2 more months. It may very well be nothing to worry about, but it is always better to get it thouroghly checked out. Please keep us informed and we will help all we can.
Hugs, Gail
Hugs, Gail
It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.
Elisabeth Kubler Ross
I first want to thank you all for sharing your experiences and knowledge. I thankfully have a very attention gynecologist who noticed changes in my breast texture - I am hard to examine due to a breast reduction 13 years ago. I noticed very dark fluid leaking from my left breast a few months before my annual exam but everything I read told me leakage is usually nothing, but I told him about it. He biopsied the fluid but that came back normal as diud blood tests. He sent me to a breast surgeon for a second opinion. The surgeon tested the fluid for blood - but nothing. He ordered an MRI due to the density of my breast tissue and my surgical history which has caused much internal scarring. The insurance company denied it and asked for a mammogram first. promptly went for a digital mammogram and received a call from the radiologist of my local hospital's Breast care Center asking me to come in for an ultrasound because he saw a mass. I did that today and he found a complex cyst. The waiting for test after test without clear answers yet, has been so difficult - I am emotionally exhausted. I am now waiting a call from my doctor to talk about the impending biopsy. Both my mother and a cousin on my dad's side have had breast cancer, so I am terrified. I am 37 years old - same age as my cousin when she was diagnosed 3 years ago - still undergoing chemo. My mom, is 6 years in remission, thank God.
I am praying that everything will be fine for myself and for those of you who are also waiting for answers.
Wendyleigh
Yep, the waiting is one of THE hardest parts! I am glad you have an attentive doctor! Hang in there and keep us informed. We are here if you need us!
Hugs, Gail
Hugs, Gail
It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.
Elisabeth Kubler Ross
I discovered a lump in my breast in February. I went to the doctor. Upon examining it and performing an ultrasound in her office she said that she felt that it was a cyst. She also said that she would not be able to drain the cyst. At that time the cyst was only painful at times. Therefore, I decided to leave the cyst alone and wait and see. Well, the cyst has grown much larger (double in size / to about 3 inches wide) and is much more painful. Upon having my mammogram and ultrasound the radiologist concluded that it is not a simple cyst. She also mentioned that there were echos there. I am scheduled to have the mass removed August 8th.
I would appreciate any information that anyone can share on the subject matter. I am trying to stay as positive and optimistic as possible. But it's hard especially when the initial diagnosis was incorrect.
I would appreciate any information that anyone can share on the subject matter. I am trying to stay as positive and optimistic as possible. But it's hard especially when the initial diagnosis was incorrect.
Hi all,
My mum has recently been to the doctors about a lump she found in her breast, she has had a (and excuse my spelling) mamagram and an ultrasound, on the ultrasound the Dr said they found a mass, a mass that they have them at a loss. This mass was first thought to be a cyst but now they are unsure what it could be.
They said that they have never seen anything like it, descibing it to be like "a cadbury's cream egg", shaped like an egg with a solid centre yet a liquid outer shell. My mum has now seen multiple Drs and none of them have seen anything like it. While researching it online i found information about Complex Ovarian Cysts which are both solid and liquid. I thought maybe a Complex Breast Cyst could be responsible for this unknown mass.
I was hoping/wondering that someone here could shed some light onto the subject, any information would be very greatly appeciated, both my mum and myself are really worried about this, and after her appointment at the hospital today when the doctor said "Oh, its still there? We were hoping it would have gone by now" neither of our minds have been put to rest what-so-ever.
Thanking you in advance,
Jack
Hi! I am a 52 y.o. who had a lumpectomy 11/09 for atypical hyperplasia and now I have a complex cyst on the same breast. Frustrated because of density in breasts and negative mammograms for years. Have seen 5 different breast surgeons over the past 15 years with 5 different biopsies. Because of the surgery in November, should I request a biopsy of the cyst vs: watching and waiting? Any help would be appreciated.
These are the hardest posts to answer! We've all read the studies that say "rarely" is a complex breast cyst cancerous. You've had 5 biopsies. Usually that tells me that this in not the kind of person who will be content to "watch and wait." I think you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with. If you are going to be stressing over this for 6 months, a biopsy is a small price to pay for peace of mind. Have they done an aspiration yet?
Hugs...
BEV
"There's a difference between a philosophy and a bumper sticker." --Charles Schulz
Hugs...
BEV
"There's a difference between a philosophy and a bumper sticker." --Charles Schulz
Hi,
I'm a 44 year old woman and for the past month i've been having really strong shooting pains on my right breast. I recently went to the doctor because I also started leaking small amounts of blood mixed with some clear liquid. My doctor has been pressing the liquid out by hand. But ever 3 days I end up going back to get the same treatment because the pain comes back and this time with fevers.
The doctors told me it's just cysts. But now I think it's spreading to my left breast. What's wrong with me?
Lillian
I'm a 44 year old woman and for the past month i've been having really strong shooting pains on my right breast. I recently went to the doctor because I also started leaking small amounts of blood mixed with some clear liquid. My doctor has been pressing the liquid out by hand. But ever 3 days I end up going back to get the same treatment because the pain comes back and this time with fevers.
The doctors told me it's just cysts. But now I think it's spreading to my left breast. What's wrong with me?
Lillian
I would find a second opinion immediately. If this is a family doctor you are seeing, go see your ob/gyn. What you're experiencing is not normal, and in my opinion, neither is your doctor's treatment of the situation.
Let us know how it goes...
Hugs...
BEV
Let us know how it goes...
Hugs...
BEV
Hi Everyone, I'm new here and wanted to share my experience with everyone here.
I went for a Mammogram/Ultrasound and the results came back that I have a Nodule in my right breast. I was immediately sent to see a Surgeon. I told him that back in 2010, I was informed by the imaging facility that I had a cyst on my right breast. That it was very small 3mm and that we just needed to keep an eye on it, but that it was nothing concerning. I was shocked to learn, that this had grown in size and is not a cyst but a nodule and that I need to undergo a lumpectomy to have it removed. The surgeon said that these things do happen, it changes due to hormones. We don't know why. But it's becoming more common, perhaps it's the environment or the food. Basically, he attributed it to me having undergone IVF Fertility Treatment. He said that the Infertility medications could very well have caused it. And that I must have it removed surgically and have a biopsy done. I felt the lump, it felt like a small ball in the upper right side of my breast. So, I agreed to have the surgery performed. I was going to go to Sloan Kettering in NYC for a second opinion, but after discussing it with my husband thought it wasn't necessary. There was a lump there, no question. We felt it.
My operation was scheduled for yesterday. I went through my medical clearance and pre-surgery testing. I was brought up to the operating room, wearing my hospital garb, lying on the gurney. The technician came in to take an ultrasound of the lump. She said, "Just a few more images and we'll start the surgery... the surgeon's waiting for you." I told her that the surgeon's assistant told me that I need to remind someone that there are actually two lumps (one that you can feel on top, and one that you cannot feel on the bottom of my breast). She asked, "Who told you this?" I responded, the doctor's assistant when she was scheduling my surgery date. The technician checked with the Ultrasound and was completely baffled. She only saw one lump, the one I could feel. Very confused, she told me to wait one second. She called the surgeon and asked him. He looked at the films and said, "I don't know who told her that. She only has one lump." At that point, the woman came back in the room with a Radiologist who specializes in breasts. As soon as, the Radiologist looked at the Ultrasound, he said, "You don't need surgery! That's not a Nodule. That's a Cyst. There's no way that is Cancer." I could not believe it. I was stunned. I was, literally, minutes away from being cut open for absolutely no reason at all. The Radiologist spoke with the Surgeon. The Radiologist came back with my husband and explained that I could have him perform an Aspiration, where he would give me a local anesthetic and simply drain the cyst of fluid. If it collapses, it's a Cyst (if not, then I would need to be operated on). But he was absolutely 100 percent certain it's a Cyst. And just to be extra safe, they would send it to a Pathologist for a Biopsy. Of course, without hesitation, I agreed. He drained the fluid, and the Cyst collapsed just as he suspected it would. The Surgeon came in afterwards to check me. I could see he was absolutely mortified and embarrassed. Someone in the hospital told me this happens all of the time.
My husband and I are still shaking our heads, when we think of what could have happened. My husband said it best, "I'm 80 percent ecstatic and 20 percent very angry!" It's so true...
I wanted to share my experience. If this helps one person, it was all worth it.
I went for a Mammogram/Ultrasound and the results came back that I have a Nodule in my right breast. I was immediately sent to see a Surgeon. I told him that back in 2010, I was informed by the imaging facility that I had a cyst on my right breast. That it was very small 3mm and that we just needed to keep an eye on it, but that it was nothing concerning. I was shocked to learn, that this had grown in size and is not a cyst but a nodule and that I need to undergo a lumpectomy to have it removed. The surgeon said that these things do happen, it changes due to hormones. We don't know why. But it's becoming more common, perhaps it's the environment or the food. Basically, he attributed it to me having undergone IVF Fertility Treatment. He said that the Infertility medications could very well have caused it. And that I must have it removed surgically and have a biopsy done. I felt the lump, it felt like a small ball in the upper right side of my breast. So, I agreed to have the surgery performed. I was going to go to Sloan Kettering in NYC for a second opinion, but after discussing it with my husband thought it wasn't necessary. There was a lump there, no question. We felt it.
My operation was scheduled for yesterday. I went through my medical clearance and pre-surgery testing. I was brought up to the operating room, wearing my hospital garb, lying on the gurney. The technician came in to take an ultrasound of the lump. She said, "Just a few more images and we'll start the surgery... the surgeon's waiting for you." I told her that the surgeon's assistant told me that I need to remind someone that there are actually two lumps (one that you can feel on top, and one that you cannot feel on the bottom of my breast). She asked, "Who told you this?" I responded, the doctor's assistant when she was scheduling my surgery date. The technician checked with the Ultrasound and was completely baffled. She only saw one lump, the one I could feel. Very confused, she told me to wait one second. She called the surgeon and asked him. He looked at the films and said, "I don't know who told her that. She only has one lump." At that point, the woman came back in the room with a Radiologist who specializes in breasts. As soon as, the Radiologist looked at the Ultrasound, he said, "You don't need surgery! That's not a Nodule. That's a Cyst. There's no way that is Cancer." I could not believe it. I was stunned. I was, literally, minutes away from being cut open for absolutely no reason at all. The Radiologist spoke with the Surgeon. The Radiologist came back with my husband and explained that I could have him perform an Aspiration, where he would give me a local anesthetic and simply drain the cyst of fluid. If it collapses, it's a Cyst (if not, then I would need to be operated on). But he was absolutely 100 percent certain it's a Cyst. And just to be extra safe, they would send it to a Pathologist for a Biopsy. Of course, without hesitation, I agreed. He drained the fluid, and the Cyst collapsed just as he suspected it would. The Surgeon came in afterwards to check me. I could see he was absolutely mortified and embarrassed. Someone in the hospital told me this happens all of the time.
My husband and I are still shaking our heads, when we think of what could have happened. My husband said it best, "I'm 80 percent ecstatic and 20 percent very angry!" It's so true...
I wanted to share my experience. If this helps one person, it was all worth it.