Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 2/2/2008

Question
I have a lump in my left breast,diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound came back negative, even doctors felt the lump.
First doctor said to wait 1 year, I was not comfortable with this.Second doctor referred me to breast surgeon who told me he cannot guarantee me that this lump is benign but would wait until the end of April to recheck. Second breast surgeon felt the lump and wants to do a excisional biopsy next wednesday because he felt that the lump is a low suspicion,but it is suspicious.I am concerned if I am doing the right thing wednesday, I read a lot about other possible biopsies but my last breast surgeon doesn't consider those because he felt the lump was suspicious.My mother was diagnosed age 46 and died age 55, breast cancer in both breasts.Do you have any advise? Why a excisional biopsy?
My mo

Answer
Since you have a family history of breast cancer this should be taken seriously. If this lump can be felt I do not understand why no one has suggested a thin needle aspiration cytology biopsy - if available where you are - so it would be known immediately what this is without any waiting time! It is a very easy, simple and quick procedure with a high degree of certainty. So I think that such a biopsy should - if available where you are - be done. If not available then you should have the surgical excision biopsy done since that then is the only remaining option for you! Good luck!