Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 12/13/2007

Question
2 weeks ago I had a mammogram and ultrasound for swollen lymph node in left breast (more under armpit).  2 years ago I had a lymph node removed from this area with results being necrotic lymph.  My mother was first diagnosed with lymphoma at 38 and died at 53.  I am 40 years old.  After getting results from mammogram and ultrasound, the lymph node is fine but there was an impalpable area detected in my left armpit.  I saw a surgeon within a few days who performed another ultrasound and I am having a biopsy next week.  My 2 questions are as follows:  He walked me thru the ultra sound and discussed it is a mass and not a cyst.  There are either 2 masses right next to each other or what I believe he called a bilateral mass or one mass with two areas.  Is there a difference in treatment/prognosis if the biopsy does come back cancerous?  My second question is whether to have the mass/es surgically removed or biopsied.  The surgeon felt that a biopsy would be more effective given the location b/c the ultrasound would confirm the entire mass was biopsied.  Thank you for any input you may have.

Answer
It is not enough to know if it cancerous or not. To be able to answer I would also have to know what type of cancer etc. But of course, if it is NOT cancerous no further action is probably needed! I personally think a biopsy or biopsies is/are enough for diagnosis. THEN further action can be contemplated!