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Question
Last week I discovered a 4 centimeter hard lump in my breast. There was a slight bruise over the lump. My Internal Medicine Dr. sent me for a diagnostic mammogram. The radiologist said nothing showed on the mammogram but she felt the lump and did an ultrasound. She said she really didn't think this was a cancerous lump; but rather a hematoma and scheduled an appointment for a follow-up ultrasound in one month.
Considering the fact that my only sister died of an aggressive pre-menopausal breast cancer at age 45 and my mother developed a post-menopausal breast cancer at age 83, does this sound like a safe course to follow.
I am age 53 and post menopausal with total hysterectomy at age 49. I do not remember sustaining any notable trauma to this breast and I am very anxious about the situation. Should I seek a second opinion at this point or be comfortable and patient with this radiologist's recommendation.
Thank You,
Melissa Elmquist
You can always ask for a second opinion and that may be a good idea in this case. In case of doubt ask for a thin needle aspiration cytological biopsy of the lump. Then you will know more WHAT IT IS, not just WHAT IT MAY BE! Where from in Sweden did your family come? Just curious!
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Answers by Expert:
Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.
Expertise
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.
Experience
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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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.
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