Here's the story of my breast cancer.
I found a lump in my left breast in October during a self breast exam. It was small, pea-like, very defined and felt very close to the surface of my skin. Throughout the past years I have had a few "lumps" which, once removed, were discovered to be fibroid adenomas - benign tumors (sort of a solid fatty growth), NOT related to cancer or the potential of later development of. Although in a sense this particular one did feel different to me, I honestly was not overly concerned but regardless, a lump is not something that should be overlooked and so I scheduled and appointment with my primary care Dr.
I was seen within a couple of weeks at which time she scheduled me for a mammogram and referred me to general surgery. The detection of the lump made her visibly nervous but I attributed this to her being a relatively young doctor. She was so involved with my care that she actually scheduled the MRI for me as well as call the surgical clinic to get me in as a priority. I think it alarmed me more that she went out of her way and called me on my cell to let me know of the appointments far more than the detection of the lump.
My appointment with the general surgeon was prior to that for the mammogram. After reviewing my medical history (and believe me, my ta-ta's have history!) and examining the lump she assured me with all confidence that it was a mere subcutaneous (or surface) "skin lesion" and that I had nothing to be concerned about. In fact, she was so confident that she told me I need not have it removed but have the mammogram anyway.
Shortly thereafter I had my mammogram. Although by touch the lump was unmistakably there, even visually to a point, the mammogram showed no sign of it whatsoever. Based on the findings, or lack thereof, the radiologist then did an ultrasound of the area which showed a 1 centimeter solid mass that she too, like the general surgeon, was convinced was a skin lesion and need not be removed. Much more than concerned, I was confused as to how the lump could be felt as well as be seen on the ultrasound but not visible on the mammogram. Believing that mammograms are the most accurate detection for breast cancer I was not too alarmed, having every reason to believe that the specialists were correct in their diagnosis. (I have since found out that although mammograms are the best detection for early breast cancer, it still only detects 80% of cancerous masses. That doesn't mean don't get them - it means monthly self-exams and annual clinical exams are all components of early detection.)
I followed up with the general surgeon once she received the radiologist's report. Once again, even more convinced after having seen the mammogram, my doctor assured me that it was completely safe to leave the lump in my breast but I just didn't feel completely comfortable with that.
