Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 5/27/2011

Question
QUESTION: My recently passed of breast cancer. In April I noticed a clear milky stick discharge that came from both breast when i pressed them only. I was concerned and went to our ER and the set me up for a diagnostic mammogram on May 4 2010 that came back normal. My discharge and pain still persisted and two days ago i found a lump that is movable and is kinda of rubbery. Went to my doctor and he said it didn't feel like cancer to him but he scheduled an ultrasound and blood work. Why didn't the DM pick this up?I am scared to death

ANSWER: What relative of yours recently passed away due to breast cancer? This type of breast discharge is rarely - if indeed ever - associated with breast cancer. You tell me that you have breast pain. Breast pain is not much associated with breast cancer either. Your description of your "lump" makes it probable that both it and your breast pain are associated with a fibrocystic breast condition. That has nothing to do with cancer but makes it harder to detect breast cancers with mammography. Mammography in your case should therefore ALWAYS be combined with ultrasound breast scans AND MRI breast scans. To be sure of what your "lump" consists of I also suggest a fine/thin needle aspiration biopsy. A wider bore needle biopsy is also possible. Your discharge can also be checked cytologically. These tests are much more relevant in your case than blood works. Good luck!



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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It was my mom. The radiologist basically said what you are saying  Fibrocystic condition when he viewed my ultrasound. Wants to come back in six months. I asked my dos about biopsy and he still suggested waiting. Should I basically demand one anyway?

Answer
Thanks! I see. Well in your situation I would DEMAND a biopsy! Then you would KNOW and NOW - or almost so! I did when my prostate cancer was suspected! My urologist did not think my cancer risk was high. He looked like a wet cat when he handed me the pathology report - cancer in 5 out of 8 medium bore needle biopsies! Good luck!




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