Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 3/16/2008

Question
Hello there, around a week ago my wife(38 yrs old) found a lump in her left breast, it is firm, oval textured and seems "fixed", location is outer left breast about three to four inches under her armpit below the skin,size 1 to 2cm, naturally we're all very worried as we have been told these combination of factors tend to be suggestive of cancer more than cysts etc,

She is receiving an appointment within the next ten days to attend the hospital for further tests, after being referred by our local GP,

Is there any other non-cancerous conditions that could cause this type of lump in this area, general info seems to point to cysts or fibrocystic changes but in almost all they indicate more movable or soft lumps, her general health is fine, though she underwent a hysterectomy 4 years ago, not sure if this makes any difference,

Can you provide any addition help or information, it goes without saying that I would be very grateful if you can,

Many Thanks

Answer
It is actually quite difficult to base any kind of accurate preliminary diagnosis on "how it feels like" and it demands a lot of experience. Even with that experience mistakes are common - in both directions - and it is almost impossible to do it based on somebody else's description (except in extreme cases). In this case I do find it impossible to - with any confidence - give you any kind of preliminary diagnosis. I will limit myself to just state that both cysts and fibrocystic changes as well as cancer are all possible. Her hysterectomy is hardly of much importance here. With mammography, ultrasound scans, hopefully MRI breast scans too and a needle biopsy a SURE diagnosis should be possible even without any surgery! Please do keep me posted!