Mammogram vs. ultrasound

January 5, 2007

What is the difference in results w/ a mammogram and ultrasound? Are

mammogram's effective in younger women? (I'm 26). My ultrasound already

said the lump/mass was not a cyst would the mammogram tell me anything

more? Or should I just go back to the doctor and ask for a biopsy. If I

ask to have it removed will they do a biopsy on it then? Will they take

a good look at the tissue around it? I go to the doctor Friday the 12th

and I need some good questions to ask to make sure I get the most out

of this visit and am not left having to have unneccessary test. Or

leave wishing I would have asked something more. Like what's a

lumpectomy? what's the difference between a core biopsy and a biopsy

and a fine needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration? This is all a bit

overwhelming not realizing how much med speak comes with something. All

I pretty much know and can gater is lumps should be checked out form

everything I read on breast cancer. Well now that I have one that's not

a cyst what do I do? Sorry, some of you have answered that one already,

I'm just starting to ramble now.

I would appreciate any answeres. Thanks, my prayers are with you ALL.

Becky (arkansas)

January 6, 2007

Becky,

An ultrasound can determine the diference between a cyst and a lump. Normally if

there is a suspicious area showing in the mammo they order an ultrasound. I

would definitely insist on a biopsy. Then you will have to determine if you want

a lumpectomy or mastectomy. If you choose a lumpectomy they will take the tumor

and some of the area around it. They will then check the margins. If they didn't

get enough then they will go back for more or you could then choose a

mastectomy.

With a lumpectomy they don't take the whole breast, just the part that is in

question and some of the area around it.

A fine needle aspiration (tissure aspiration)

Uses fine gauge needle to take fluid out of cyst or to take cells out of a lump.

Usually done in a doctor's office or out patient area of the hospital. It may be

followed by a excisional or incisional biopsy.

A core needle biopsy uses larger needle with special cutting edge to take a core

of tissue out of the breast. Uses local anesthesia. Not used for very small

lumps. Usually done in doctors office or outpatient area of the hospital.

Needle localization, may also be called localization biopsy or mammographic

localization biopsy. Fine needle containing a wire put in the breast so that tip

rests in the area of change seen on the mammo. Second mammo confirms needle is

in the right place. Surgeon in the operating room takes out lump or cluster in

the area where wire is located. Fine needle portion done in radiology dept.,

with surgery in operating room with local anesthesia.

Stereotatic biopsy, or stereotatic localization biopsy or stereotatic needle

guided biopsy. Patient may be sitting up or lying on table with hole in it to

accomodate breast. Computer guides exact position for needle. Either fluid or

cells are taken from the lump. Local anesthesia may be needed.

Incisional-Since the advent of fine needle and core biopsy, rarely used for

breast cancer. Takes out part of the lump to be examined by the pathologist.

Uses local or general anesthesia. Usually done as an out patient. Operation

lasts less than 1 hour, followed by an hour or two in recovery room.

Excisional- takes out the entire lump or suspicious area. Used for lumps that

are small. Uses local or general anesthesia. Usually done as out patient.

Operation lasts less than one hour, followed by an hour or two in recovery room.

May change the shape of your breast, depending on the size of the lump,

location, and how much additional tissue is used.

Hang in ther Becky, its all overwhelming when we don't understand what is going

on or going to happen. If there is something the dr says and you don't

understand ask him to explain in laymans terms. I will keep you in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

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