$Unique_ID{BRK01138}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Should a Small Lump in the Breast be Removed to See if it is Cancerous?}
$Subject{breast breasts lump lumps mass masses biopsy biopsies Subcutaneous
Tissue tissues neoplasm neoplasms cancer cancers mammography checkups
mammogram mammograms checkup}
$Volume{L-19,B-19}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Should a Small Lump in the Breast be Removed to See if it is Cancerous?


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QUESTION:  If there is a very small lump in the breast that the doctor cannot
feel but shows up on the mammogram more than once, is it supposed to be
tested?  Should a biopsy be taken even if it is very small or should it be
removed to see if it is cancerous?  Please answer these important questions
for me.

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ANSWER:  Your questions require some real judgement calls, based upon the
small amount of information you have provided me, but since I feel that many
other women may have similar concerns, let's see if we can work through this
problem together.  To begin with it is apparent that we are dealing with a
very small mass indeed, one which can not be felt by the physician, and that
means we are dealing with something, not necessarily a cancer, in its earliest
phase.  And that is good.  In addition, it would seem that there has been more
than one mammography taken, and still the report is that the lump is small.
That leads me to believe that it is not growing, and probably has none of the
characteristics of a malignant or cancerous growth on the mammogram.  And that
is great.  Most breast lumps are not cancerous, you know, and keeping track of
them on a regular basis is all that is indicated.  I doubt that a biopsy is
needed here unless your family history reveals a close relative with a breast
cancer and your age and personal history reveals some additional risk factors.
At any rate, a biopsy at this stage of the game would most certainly remove
the entire mass, since it is so small.  You can be an important part of the
ongoing evaluation, by learning how to perform a breast exam on yourself.  It
may be possible for you to feel the lump even before a doctor can, and your
sensation of any growth is an important clue.  I can only infer that if a
mammogram was taken before any mass could be felt, that you are following the
good rules of regular checkups to detect any abnormalities before they
progress too far, and so allow treatment to begin when it is most effective.
And that is the stage you are at now.  Continue to follow through with your
physician who is still the best source of personal advice in these situations.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.