Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/19/2008

Question
I recently had my physical and along with the physical came the annual mammogram.  My appointment was set for January 2nd, and just last Monday, I was contacted by the Women's Center to come in for more pictures.  I contacted my doctor for the orders and discussed what was going on with the phone nurse.  She called me back after getting the test results and told me that I had a 6 mm mass in my right breast that needed bit more information.  Apparently the comparison of my last mammogram had shown that I had one similar to this one, but in a different place.  I agreed and asked what the procedure would entail, as I had never been called back for more procedures.  She explained that they would most likely be taking a sonogram.

When I arrived this morning for my appointment, they started me with another mammogram.  I inquired as to why they were doing this, and she showed me the films from my previous visit on the 2nd and stated that they needed to take the mammogram to rule out the fact that this little pencil eraser sized "thing" wasn't simply tissue.  After three pictures, and then 2 more, they determined that I it was a lymph node and want me back in 6 months.

I am not one to become alarmed over things, and have determined that I need to get smart before I place an opinion on what occurred this morning.  I do remember, years ago, that it was difficult diagnosing breast cancer when these "things" were so small, and that often by the time it's been diagnosed, you have a problem.

The technician explained to me this morning, that an ultrasound would not have seen this lymph node anyway and sent me on my way.

Just wondering if I need to get a 2nd opinion, wait the 6 months, or get an ultrasound.  I have no history of breast cancer, but my mother had uterine cancer, my grandmother died of colon cancer, and I have had total hysterectomy from tumors that were originally diagnosed as complex (one 10 cm on the left ovary and one 7 cm on the right according to the ultrasound), but when they opened me up, discovered I had just one big 13 inch tumor that had completely twisted itself around everything. Lucky me!

My mother's physician had told her when she had her surgery, that I could easily be predisposed to breast cancer as uterine cancer/colon cancer in relations have a tendency to develop breast cancer in the next generation.  True?
Can you give me some advice?  My apologies for the lengthy text, but I felt you may need the information.

Thank you in advance!

Julie

Answer
Well I have not seen your pictures so this is somewhat tricky. But a 6 mm (almost a 1/4 inch) mass has been seen! At that small size it IS difficult to be sure what it is. So I think a second opinion would be justified! And a high frequency ultrasound breast scan CAN see a 6 mm lesion! An MRI breast scan can also do it and a stereotactic or untrasound guided or MRI guided needle biopsy CAN tell us exactly what it is you have in that little lesion without much waiting time!