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My mother (62 yrs old) had a mammogram and was told that she needed a follow up breast compression and ultrasound because they had found some abnormalities. When she had the ultrasound done, she told me that she could see the white spots, one of which can be felt by hand and is 4mm in size. The hospital did not take any pictures where her lymph nodes are. The radiologist said that nothing was abnormal, yet her doctor told her to go to a surgeon and have them make a determination. So my questions are......Is it normal not to take pictures of the lymph nodes to see if any abnormalities are found, especially if the breast shows the white spots? Could the white spots and lump indicate cancer? Without a biopsy, is it possible to tell from the imaging that everything is 'normal'?
Cancer does run very high in her family, and I am quite concerned. I have tried to talk her into coming up where I live so she can go to either Mass General or Dartmouth Hitchcock, because I feel there is inconstancy with the treatment she is receiving. Had she not asked for a copy of her bone density report and the mammogram report, she wopuld be in the dark about the test results because it just got filed away.
Thank you for any help you can give me!!
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Want to leave a comment? Login or Register now!your mom is blessed to have you in her corner just continue to get all the facts and you will both do well. My prayers will include you.First thing to do is take a nice deep breath, stay calm, many of these white spots are nothing to worry about. that being said I think for your own sense of comfort and just to be very very sure it would be wise to go for that 2nd opinion. I am 64--with cancer and surgery coming in a couple weeks--i didn't take good care of myself. I knew cancer could be a real threat for me as I had several abnormalities over the years. I didn't want to think of it so I skipped mammograms and didn't follow up on tests I should have had. Don't let your mom be a should have. your mom is blessed to have you in her corner just continue to get all the facts and you will both do well. My prayers will include you.
Hugs!
MerrieDon't panic, it is common practice to send a patient to a surgeon for determination of a non palpable lump. A 4mm spot is not a palapable lump the surgeon will possibly suggest just watching the lump for changes or they might recommend a lumpectomy. My aunt has been watching a small spot through mammograms and ultrasounds monthly for the last 4 months, without any change. As for the lymph nodes the sentinal node is usually removed during surgery and test it for cancer. I have never heard that they can take pictures of them. Mine were removed during surgery, I was given a radio active dye that travels through the lymphatic system so they could be identified during surgery. These node hang in the arm pit like grapes. Your mom is being directed properly currently. You can always have her request her ultrasound slides and pathology reports and you could take them to anyone you want for a second opinion where you live. It's really great that you are looking out for your mom and seeking the best information on her behalf. Hugs! Merrie