Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 8/25/2008

Question
I am 31 years old my maternal grandmother had breast cancer, I do not know about my mother, she has not been to a dr. in probably about 20 years for any type of checkup. I go for ultrasounds every 6 months and I have had 3 previous biopsies. Last biopsy was August 2007 and it showed fibroadenoma in the right breast. My most recent sono done last week shows "Left breast 10 o'clock, 2.0 cm from the nipple, 0.8 x 0.4 x 0.8 cm superficial hypoechoic nodule, new. 10 o'clock 5.0 cm from the nipple, 1.2 x 1.3 cm mixed echogenic complex nodule located 1.0 cm deep to the skin surface, new. There is color flow near the edge of this nodule. Axilla, 0.9 cm lymph node." Biopsy of both these nodules recommended. I have already set up the biopsy for Sept. 3 but I am very anxious. If anyone can give me any advice as to what a mixed echogenic COMPLEX nodule is and what does it mean when they say there is color flow near the edge of the nodule? Does this sound like it could be breast cancer? Any help greatly appreciated?

Answer
Dear Teresa, the main reason why biopsies are suggested is that the information given in this report is NOT enough for a sure diagnosis! With regards to the nodule it means that you get a mixed echo back to the machine with both strong echoes and weakened echoes. The color flow has to do with a doppler measurement of blood flow (seems to be somewhat increased there). None of these changes - really technicalities - in any way indicate a sure cancer but of course there MAY be a cancer there or no biopsy would be necessary. So it cuts both ways. We will NOT KNOW until we have the biopsy results! Please do keep me posted!