Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/29/2006

Question
Hi, I am 41. Had my first mamo last year...They found a benign nodule (cyst) in my R breast. Did u/s and follow up mamo at 6 mo. No change then or w/ this next year screening mamo.

However, all of a sudden, a "distortion" has cropped up now in my *left* breast where there was nothing before. What concerns me is 1) the rate of growth- it wasnt there last year, and 2) the language on the report- "distortion" is much more concerning to me than "nodule".

I get a more comprehensive mamo and probably u/s this week, but I also want to meet w/ my Dr to talk about all this in a comprehensive fashion.

I guess the biggest thing that concerns me is the possiblity of the BRCA 1 or 2 mutations. There have not been a lot of women in my family (i.e., aunts, etc). My grandmother had BC (but did not die from it. My mother died at a young age (not from BC, but I also dont know if she would have ever developed it...she died at 32).

My GGrandmother lived very long (95) but was riddled with cancer at death (not surprising with her lifestyle), however, I did just find out that her mother's maiden name is a surname that is Ashkenazic Jew in origin (we were never told if we might be Jewish since my family were always devout Catholics).

I am wondering if I should ask for the genetic testing? I dont have a sister, but I have 2 daughters. Also, I wonder if I should be asking for a biopsy of the cyst in my right breast as well considering new research (but I guess that is another question!)

thanks!

Answer
The fact that you may have East European Jewish ancestry hardly in itself increases your risk of breast cancer. Yes if your grandmother had breast cancer that may increase your risk of developing breast cancer yourself. BUT only a few percent of breast cancers are yet associated with known genetic defects, so I can not recommend any genetic testing. Only that also your daughters should be observant in the future. Wel,l first of all this "distortion" whatever that may be should be examined, but if it would ease your mind you can also ask for a biopsy of the nodule.
Good luck!