Breast Ultrasound Findings: What You Need to Know

Breast ultrasound examination shows an abnormal finding?

Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old.
Recently, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound examination with a breast surgeon.
I have been getting ultrasound checks every year, and the doctor mentioned that there is something on the outer part of the left breast areola, approximately a few millimeters in size.
They performed a physical examination but could not feel it, and I do not experience any pain.
The doctor advised me to keep an eye on it and return for a check-up in four months.
When I asked the doctor what it could be, he said he was not sure and that we need to see if it grows.
It could be a lump or it might not be, it could resolve on its own or it might not, and it could be due to mastitis or tissue inflammation.
I am uncertain about what it actually is.
The doctor showed me what it looks like; it appears round and dark.
The examination happened to be the week before my menstrual period (as I usually get it at the beginning of the month).

I would like to ask:
1.
Is this related to my upcoming menstrual period?
2.
If it is just inflammation, will it resolve? Can an ultrasound not detect it?
3.
Can an ultrasound not determine what it is?
4.
What can be done to confirm what it actually is? I have plans to get pregnant, and I informed the doctor about it.
He said it is okay, but I found a lot of information online stating that pregnancy can complicate matters and lead to rapid deterioration, which is quite concerning.

A-Ling, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/23

Dr. Xie Wenhuai reply Surgery

Based on your description, I believe it is a benign tissue lesion, so there is no need to worry too much.
Of course, you can monitor it with ultrasound, as ultrasound will not affect the fetus.
- Dr.
Hsien-Hua Hsieh

Reply Date: 2010/02/23

More Info

Understanding breast ultrasound findings can be a source of anxiety, especially for young women like yourself who are navigating the complexities of breast health. Based on your description, it seems that you have undergone a breast ultrasound that revealed a small, round, dark area near the areola of your left breast. Your doctor has suggested that this could be a cyst, a fibroadenoma, or possibly related to hormonal changes, especially since you mentioned that the ultrasound was performed shortly before your menstrual period.

1. Relationship to Menstrual Cycle
Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can indeed affect breast tissue. Many women experience changes in breast density and tenderness due to hormonal shifts, particularly in the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and the start of your period). This can lead to the formation of cysts or changes in existing breast tissue, which may appear as lumps on ultrasound. Therefore, it is possible that the finding you observed is related to your menstrual cycle.

2. Possibility of Inflammation
If the finding is due to inflammation, it may resolve on its own, especially if it is related to hormonal changes. Inflammatory changes in breast tissue can occur due to various reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, infections, or benign conditions like fibrocystic changes. Ultrasound is a useful tool for evaluating breast abnormalities, but it may not always provide a definitive diagnosis. If the area does not change or resolve over time, further evaluation may be necessary.

3. Limitations of Ultrasound
While breast ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool, it has limitations. It is particularly good at distinguishing between solid and cystic masses, but it may not always determine the exact nature of a solid mass. If a solid mass is detected, your doctor may recommend follow-up imaging or a biopsy to ascertain whether it is benign or malignant. The false-negative rate for breast ultrasound is approximately 20%, meaning that some abnormalities may not be detected.

4. Confirming the Nature of the Finding
To determine the exact nature of the finding, your doctor may suggest a follow-up ultrasound in a few months to monitor any changes in size or appearance. If there is any increase in size or if the lump persists, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy can provide definitive information about the nature of the lump, whether it is benign or malignant.

Pregnancy Considerations
Regarding your plans for pregnancy, it is generally safe to continue with your plans. However, it is essential to maintain regular check-ups and communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider. While some sources may suggest that pregnancy can exacerbate certain breast conditions, many women with benign breast findings go on to have healthy pregnancies. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best practices for monitoring your breast health during this time.

Conclusion
In summary, while the finding on your ultrasound may be concerning, it is essential to remember that many breast abnormalities are benign. Regular follow-up and communication with your healthcare provider are crucial. If you notice any changes, such as increased size, pain, or new symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor. Breast health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and staying informed and proactive is key.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Breast Ultrasound Results: What to Expect Next

Hello, doctor. In mid-January of this year, I had a breast ultrasound. The ultrasound report stated: Breast echo: hypoechoic well-defined lumps and nodules in the breasts. No definite evidence of right and left axillary tumors and lymph nodes. IMP: R/O Fibroadenomas or Fibrocysti...

Dr. Tang Yuxiong reply Surgery
Based on the report, the findings are benign, and a follow-up in 6 months is recommended. If there is a 20% increase, then minimally invasive surgery for removal should be considered.

Understanding Breast Ultrasound Results: What to Expect and When to Worry

I recently visited the hospital for a breast screening on the second day after my menstrual period, as I often experience breast swelling and pain before my period. The doctor examined me and found no abnormalities, recommending that I have an ultrasound once a year. During the u...

Dr. Lin Shuilong reply Surgery
In general, breast cancer screening methods can be divided into four types: (1) Clinical breast examination: performed by a breast specialist through physical examination. (2) Mammography: used to detect dense calcifications or irregularly shaped masses. (3) Breast ultrasound: us...

Understanding Abnormal Breast Ultrasound Results: What You Need to Know

Hello Dr. Zhao, in this year's health check report, an abnormality was found in the breast ultrasound... it states: 1. Bilateral fibrocystic changes 2. Bilateral breast enlargement. The recommendation is for me to return to the breast surgery outpatient clinic. This is the f...

Dr. Zhao Ming reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello Ms. Cndy: This report presents the findings of the ultrasound clearly. The best course of action is to consult the original examining physician for an explanation of the condition, or to seek a second opinion for greater peace of mind.

Should You Get a Biopsy for a Breast Cyst? Understanding Your Options

Breast Ultrasound Report: 1. Cyst: +number: single location: L'T (0.4*0.4 CM, 8'/3 CM) 2. Solid mass: number: location: shape: Regular margin: smooth Internal Echo: anechoic Intensity: Homogeneous Posterior Echo: Nil 3. Calcified spot: Nil 4. Blood Flow: No flow...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
We should not address questions based on individual cases. Your physician should have explained the situation regarding mammography and breast ultrasound to you. It is not fair to compare our explanations with those of your physician. Medicine is not absolute; there may be multip...