Tuesday, November 8, 2011

If you have breast cancer does a lump always develop

If you have breast cancer does a lump always develop?
My mom might have breast cancer, but she said she doesn't have a lump. She's had two mammograms in the past two weeks and now we're waiting to see what the docter says. Can you exhibit no physicals signs and still have cancer?
Cancer - 4 Answers
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1 :
Unfortunately, often by the time a lump can be felt, the cancer is already pretty far along. And, of course, you can have a lump that is not cancer. Your mother is wise to have mammograms. I'm wondering why it's taking so long for you to get answers. It's probably nothing, but if there is a problem, it will help a lot that it was caught early. BTW, if they say she has something called "calcifications," they may want to do a biopsy, but very often those are nothing to worry about.
2 :
A lump does not have to be noticeable (one that can be felt) to have breast cancer. If there are other symptoms, such has discharge from nipple/nipples, change in breast shape, inverted nipple, unusual tenderness, etc. then you are most likely catching it early. The earlier the better. It's a good thing that your mom is having mammograms. Although, they do not always detect cancer. It is usually found by the individual, unknowingly, and they seek medical advice. If it is very early, she has a good chance of not losing the breast. Most likely a lumpectomy can be done. I, myself detected a 3mm lump in my right breast. It happened to be an aggressive fast growing form of cancer. I was only 43 and had to have a complete radical mastectomy. I also had a positive lymph node which required four months of chemotherapy. It is very difficult, but very worth it. I've been cancer free for two years and my hair has grown back even prettier than it was. So be kind to your mom and stick by her side. She needs all the support she can get right now. Good luck and my prayers are with you.
3 :
no when i was diagnosed there were no lumps at all and it had all ready spread through most of my breast
4 :
I am sorry to hear that your mother is going through the stress of wondering whether or not she has breast cancer. I had breast cancer found in both breasts. My right breast had two lumps, but my left had something called "calcifications" and did not show up on the mammogram as a one solid lump. I had an ultrasound and they showed up there. Then, I had a stereotopic biopsy and that revealed the cancer. The only reason that I had the biopsy is because I was leaking blood from the left nipple. There was nothing else that gave me cause or reason to believe that I had breast cancer. My advice, get a good surgeon and get a biopsy. That is the only wat to know for sure what it is and to put your mind to rest. Wondering will only torture her (and the rest of the family). Good luck to her and to you too!! Jen

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