Breast Tumors: What You Need to Know After Your Mammogram

Breast tumor

Hello, I recently had a mammogram that revealed a tumor on the right side.
The doctor then performed a breast ultrasound and a physical examination.
During the examination, the doctor mentioned that they did not feel a lump and indicated that the absence of a hard mass likely suggests it is not concerning.
When reviewing the mammogram report, the doctor stated that it appears to be benign and advised me to return for a follow-up in February next year.
I would like to ask, since the doctor only referred to it as a tumor without providing detailed information on the type of tumor, and given that they only mentioned it looks benign and did not feel a hard mass, even though the examinations are complete, I still feel uneasy.
Without further testing and only being told it looks benign, can I feel reassured? Thank you.

v, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/18

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid

1.
All examinations can only provide possible diagnoses and cannot confirm a diagnosis.
For instance, mammography can only suggest suspicion, and its sensitivity is not good, being below 40%, which leads to a higher misdiagnosis rate.
It is generally not recommended for women with a sensitivity below 40% to undergo mammography.
2.
I am unsure about the mammography report: what do the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 indicate? You can follow up based on the report and recommendations for follow-up intervals (every 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) can be made accordingly.
3.
If breast ultrasound does not reveal any abnormalities but mammography shows abnormalities, it is generally recommended to return for a follow-up in 3 to 6 months for another ultrasound.
4.
For further examination, the only option may be an MRI scan.
However, most physicians do not recommend this because it is out-of-pocket and only a few hospitals can perform it; at least, our hospital cannot provide this service.

Reply Date: 2015/10/18

More Info

Understanding breast tumors can be a daunting experience, especially after receiving a mammogram report that indicates the presence of a tumor. It's completely normal to feel anxious or uncertain after such findings, and it's important to clarify what these results mean for your health.

From your description, it seems that your mammogram revealed a tumor in your right breast, but subsequent examinations, including an ultrasound and a physical examination by your doctor, did not reveal any palpable hard lumps. Your doctor’s reassurance that the findings "look good" and the recommendation to return in February for a follow-up suggests that they are not currently concerned about the tumor's nature. However, it is understandable that you still feel uneasy due to the lack of detailed information about the type of tumor.

Breast tumors can be categorized into two main types: benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors, such as fibrocystic changes, adenomas, or lipomas, often do not require aggressive treatment and may simply be monitored over time. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, require more immediate and thorough evaluation and treatment. The fact that your doctor did not find a hard lump during the physical examination is a positive sign, as many malignant tumors can present as hard masses.

The mammogram report likely used a classification system, such as the BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System), which helps in categorizing findings based on their level of suspicion for malignancy. If your report indicated a BI-RADS category of 1 (negative) or 2 (benign), this would suggest that the findings are not concerning. However, if the report was categorized as 3 (probably benign), it would typically recommend a follow-up in six months to monitor any changes.

It's also worth noting that breast density can affect the accuracy of mammograms. Dense breast tissue can obscure small masses, making it more challenging to detect abnormalities. In such cases, additional imaging, such as breast ultrasound or MRI, may be recommended for a clearer assessment.

If you are still feeling anxious or uncertain about your diagnosis, it is essential to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They can provide more detailed information about the tumor type, the significance of the findings, and the rationale behind the follow-up plan. It is your right as a patient to seek clarity and understanding regarding your health.

In summary, while your doctor’s reassurance is a positive sign, it is crucial to remain proactive about your health. If you have lingering concerns, consider requesting a more detailed explanation of your mammogram results, including the specific characteristics of the tumor and any recommended follow-up actions. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare team are key components in managing your breast health effectively.

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