Do I need other opinions on breast masses?

[Nanci]

I'm so lucky- when I go get my yearly mamm, I pick the tech who does it, and then the rad tells me the reading right then- no agonizing wait for the "It's normal" postcard.

Nanci

(Blame all typos on my too-long fingernails, which would probably be short by anyone else's standards. I like 'em shorter than the tips of my fingers!)

[makbike]

I had a similiar experience several years ago. I found a mass in my breast and immediately saw my doctor who ordered an ultrasound and complete mammogram series. The radiologist could not come up with a definitive answer so my doctor gave me two options, wait 6 months and recheck or seek a second opinion. I could not image waiting 6 months so I sought the second opinion. By the time I was able to get in to see the second doctor the mass had gone down in size and he felt it was probably the result of some trauma (I run into things all the time) and it was safe to sit on it. If it will give you peace of mind seek the second opinion.

[traveller_62]

If you had some other risk factor for breast cancer that your doc knows about he might be more agressive about what he is recommending to you. A six month "wait and see" is pretty common.

That said, I agree with makbik and the others. If the worry is keeping you up at night, get a second opinion. Is there a breast care center in your area?

Hang in there and keep us posted.

[KnottedYet]

Second opinions are always high on my list of "good things." If only for the peace of mind. That being said, I only have one oncologist and haven't done second opinions for my treatment! (I like him, he takes me seriously, and doesn't mind me demanding he excise stuff - usually it's benign but I've hit the jackpot a couple times.)

[Derf]

Good call re a second opinion. It doesn't hurt to be careful. I had a fibroadenoma when I was 27 (32 now) and had it removed. During the ultrasound, the doctor told me that it was a solid mass and took a needle biopsy right then. The results came back showing it was benign, though they said they couldn't guarantee it with 100% certainty. I decided to get a second opinion at UCLA. Same diagnosis. I ended up having it removed because I am a worry wart and because they said there was a chance that it would get larger if/when I got pregnant.

[mmelindas]

Yep, Snapdragon's got me pegged, I do overreact --- bigtime. Didn't plan any wardrobe or anything but I did postpone some family plans expecting surgery this week or next. I was relieved to read ALL of your posts, gals, and get a wider view of things.

My primary care physician, is a woman, but I don't really like her all that much. So I am considering changing to another. She will only deal with one problem at a time, and I usually come in with a list of things I want to deal with. (my last doc in Wa state knew when I came in, I was really sick and he listened and dealt with every thing on the list.)

My girlfriend's cancer doctor is a woman and she's highly recommended by others who have used her services, but she's not a primary care physician, (dang!) or I'd change to her. But I am going to talk to her nurse and then again to my doctor to see if I can get those xrays seen by this cancer doc and get another opinion.

I am in the risk category: first child late in life and menopause late in life also, and am overweight, all three of which are in the risk factors. I was so relieved to hear how many other women have had lumps and boo-boos that turned out to be nothing. Naturally I thought as so many of us women do, if it ain't supposed to be there, it's baaaaaaad!

In my case, since I've had 22 surgeries in my long life, another, even minor surgery with general anesthetic could be risky, so that is also something my doctor may be considering. I'd have to have a local unless it was a mastectomy. I have had about five surgeries done with local instead of general anesthetic because of my multiple surgeries.

It's amazing what a good dose of Versaid (sp?) before surgery, will do to erase the most horrible experiences under local anesthetic, because if I hurt, I don't remember it! I've also learned to take candy to the recovery nurses BEFORE surgery to make sure they keep me comfortable after it.

I will be looking around for a new primary doc....I thought since this one was a woman she'd be sympathetic, listening and so forth, but she's hard as nails and her bedside manner is like a bedpan! What was I thinking?!! Her nurse warned me not to ever tell her I thought I had the flu because she would stick this huge long needle up my nose into my sinuses and it hurt like heck and would bleed like a son of a gun! Is that wierd or what?

Anyway, I know she's going on the opinion of the radiologist, who is supposed to know his job and so probably it's benign like he said. I will do some calling around and see what happens as far as having someone else look at the xrays. You gals sure relieved me of a lot of anxiety in the meantime! THANKS!!

[Blueberry]

Her nurse warned me not to ever tell her I thought I had the flu because she would stick this huge long needle up my nose into my sinuses and it hurt like heck and would bleed like a son of a gun! Is that wierd or what?

Umm...run...or pedal...quickly...to a new Dr. When the nurse warns you that you can't tell your doc if you think you have a serious illness, time to find a new doc....

Carrie Anne

[mmelindas]

Yeah, when she told me that, I about had a cow!! I have never had flu (of any kind) and so I made a point NEVER to mention flu to that lady doc!! I have also never had a doctor's nurse warn me about her doing something like that!

In her defense, (only because I feel it's fair to tell the good with the bad) she will and does work you in immediately the very day you call for an appointment, and she keeps half of her daily appts open for this type of walk-ins. She gives you free samples when she prescribes a new med, so you don't go out on a limb filling an expensive prescription that doesn't work in the end for you. She does give you eye contact and appears to listen.

Secondly, her nurse is absolutely stupendous and I love her, the nurse, to bits. She returns calls right away or the very next day and if she's out, she has another nurse who covers for her. Some doctors have nasty nurses, but this gal is so conscientious and loving.

Well, I will let you know what I decide to do. There's another doctor in the office that other patients have recommended to me. I might switch to her.

Once again, thanks tons for all the input. I don't have any women here at home to talk to, all surrounded by menfolk and you know what they are like!!!

[Selkie]

When I was in my early 30s, my doctor found a tumor in my breast. Needle biopsy, ultrasound and mammogram were inconclusive. I saw a surgeon, at my gyn's request. He recommended 1) removing it or 2) "watching" it. I opted for having it removed and luckily, it was benign.
I have never regretted having that tumor taken out. The peace of mind was worth it. I don't have much of a scar, either. So my career as an exotic dancer and nude model were not adversely impacted. (haha, JUST KIDDING--I'm a good Irish Catholic girl who never ever even wore a bikini!!).

[Nanci]

Mmelindas,

Don't forget, the radiologist _is_ the expert. He/she is VERY experienced in this, and knows your life depends on the reading. I can assure you, working with them every day, they take this very seriously.

Nanci

[JLD]

Second opinion is needed here. Period. If there is a family history of cysts benign or otherwise, or fat deposits, then have the tests sent on for a second viewing. No doubt it will still all come back as benign, but you will have given yourself some sound relief to be double-checked.