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What Does A Lump Under The Breast Indicate?
Question: A few months ago my husband discovered a lump in his breast under the nipple. It is not a nodule, more like swelling in an oval shape. He saw our family doctor who did an ultrasound and from the results told my husband it was nothing to worry about. Since then it has gotten bigger and is sometimes sore and tender. He went back to the doctor and again was told it was nothing to be concerned about, but just keep an eye on it and come back in a month. Should my husband see another doctor? Even though the doctor said it was nothing to worry about, we are still worried. Can cancer be detected by having an ultrasound? Should it be removed?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXX,
I think the ultrasound was a good idea, but unless the radiologist who interpreted the ultrasound, and your family doctor, can conclude what the nature of the mass is (benign appearing fatty tissue? etc), I think it would be best to see a general surgeon. You might want to find one that specializes in the breast.
Sometimes in men the size of breast tissue can increase from things that suppress or block male androgens or increase estrogen.
Regarding whether cancer can be detected by ultrasound, the answer is sometimes. But for breast tissue, it isn't the most definitive way to diagnose cancer. A biopsy may be needed, and the surgeon would be the one to do that.
So here are 2 options I would suggest:
1. Go back to the FP doctor, discuss what specifically the ultrasound showed, and what recommendations the radiologist made in his/her report. Then depending on this discussion, take the next step. The FP may have a surgeon in mind that he/she recommends.
2. Or - go directly to a surgeon for consult.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXX,
I think the ultrasound was a good idea, but unless the radiologist who interpreted the ultrasound, and your family doctor, can conclude what the nature of the mass is (benign appearing fatty tissue? etc), I think it would be best to see a general surgeon. You might want to find one that specializes in the breast.
Sometimes in men the size of breast tissue can increase from things that suppress or block male androgens or increase estrogen.
Regarding whether cancer can be detected by ultrasound, the answer is sometimes. But for breast tissue, it isn't the most definitive way to diagnose cancer. A biopsy may be needed, and the surgeon would be the one to do that.
So here are 2 options I would suggest:
1. Go back to the FP doctor, discuss what specifically the ultrasound showed, and what recommendations the radiologist made in his/her report. Then depending on this discussion, take the next step. The FP may have a surgeon in mind that he/she recommends.
2. Or - go directly to a surgeon for consult.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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