Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/17/2007

Question
Six and a half months ago my mom's breast got VERY swollen and sore, and she was very sick with a high fever etc. She had a lump the size of a small orange.Her doctor got her to see a specialist very quick because her symptoms were very similar to inflammatory breast cancer. The specialist ruled that out after doing an ultrasound, but the doctor at the hospital where she had the ultrasound recommended she have a biopsy because the ultrasound was still concerning. The day of the schedulde biopsy, the doctor decided not to perform it because the inflammation had gone down a fair amount, and the lump continued to  decrease over the next couple of months. The doctors decided that it was an infection that was being stubborn and taking a long time to leave, or more likely fibro-cystic breast disease. She still has a lump, although not as hard of a lump as breast cancer..more like a mass of tissue. It is still quite painful, especially in her armpits. She had an ultrasound and mammogram on it again on Friday, and got rushed in to the specialist early this morning. The tests did not show anything, but the doctor who did them recommended an MRI, so she is getting rushed in for one in the next couple of weeks. Can breast cancer come on this way? And why is it that these tests keep revealing nothing, which is good, but they keep sending her for more? They must be sure it's more than just firbo-cystic disease. Any other ideas of what it could be? And if it is breast cancer, can it still be cured even though it's been going on for so long-especially since her armpit is so sore? Please help me understand!!  

Answer
The ONLY sure way to know what her lump is is a biopsy! Mammograms, MRI scans & ultrasound scans are all very good but can NOT substitute for a biopsy! A needle biopsy is swift & easy and could have been done a long time ago! Make sure a biopsy is done SOON and we will KNOW what this is! Please do keep me posted!