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Breast Cancer/solid mass in the breast

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Expert: - 5/6/2008


Question
I have just had two mammograms and an ultrasound which have come back that I have two solid masses in my right breast.  One is 1.6 x 1.0 x 1.2 cm and is a solid mass at 2:00 position and is more lobulated and indeterminate....one is 1.1 x 1.2. 0.5 and cm and is solid too.  There are also calcifications at 12:00 and there are small cysts there too but they can tell that some are milk of calcium type calcifications.  The radiologist recommended to me that they cut them out and test them.  On the report, she recommended that a ultrsound guided biopsy be done and said an MRI may be helpful.  What do you think?  I'm going to meet with the surgeon today at 3:00 for the 1st time..... do you think a biopsy is the way to go before they just cut them out... that is what I am thinking but I'm just looking for answers... should I have testing done on the calcifications?  She said they are probably benign but are asymmetric..Can they look at those at the same time of the biopsy?

Thanks in advance.


Answer
The solid masses are easiest for you checked with ultrasound guided needle biopsies. I see NO reason for doing surgical biopsies if needle biopsies are available. Also the calcification area can most probably be checked with the same ultrasound guided needle biopsy technique or with a stereotactic needle biopsy based on mammography. Good luck!
An MRI breast scan may also be of value!  

Breast Cancer

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

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