Tuesday, February 28, 2012

After finding a breast lump, I had a blood test that came back normal. Can I still have breast cancer

After finding a breast lump, I had a blood test that came back normal. Can I still have breast cancer?
After finding a breast lump, I had a blood test that came back normal. With a normal blood count, is it still possible to have breast cancer?
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Blood tests are not used to diagnose breast cancer. If a lump is felt the doctor will usually send you for a mammogram or sonogram (depending on your age). If this shows a lesion that is suspicious for cancer then you need a biopsy which is where the surgeon removes a small part of the mass and sends it to the pathologist to be analyzed to see if the mass is cancerous.
2 :
Most definitely. Breast cancer is not like prostate cancer( detected via a prostate sarcoma antigen or PSA test). Usually it is detected by breast self examination, mammography, and sonography. However a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Usually the lump is surgically excised and sent to a pathologist for examination. The patient can elect to have a lymph node dissection done at the same time. Several lymph nodes nearest to the suspected cancer are removed and sent for examination as well. This will tell the doctors if the cancer has spread-if the lump is a cancer tumor. Knowing the type, and stage of the cancer is crucial to choosing the right treatment.
3 :
It's a possibility, because breast cancer can't be detect from blood test. The following test usually used to detect breast cancer : 1. Halo Test. This is an amazing new early detection test similar to a cervical pap smear that is relatively quick and painless. It involves getting fluid from the breast through a pumping action similar to a breast pump. No needles or radiation involved. Since this test is new it may be hard to find a doctor in your area who will perform this test. 2. Thermography. This is a great early detection test that can start screening woman as young as 20 years old. Approximately 25% of women are younger than 49 when they get breast cancer. This is especially important as these cancers tend to be more aggressive than cancers of post menopausal women. 3. Sonogram. A sonogram used in conjunction with other tests such as a mammogram or x-ray can be very good at finding tumors. However, this test is only as good as the technician reading the pictures and is subject to interpretation. 4. Mammogram. A mammogram is similar to an x-ray in that it takes pictures of the breast using radiation. In fact, this test is 1,000 times more radio active than an x-ray. This test is also not recommended for women under 40 and has a significant amount of error. Unfortunately, approximately 20% of all breast cancer goes undetected on a mammogram and patients are often treated for cancer too late because of this margin of error. 5. Self Exam. This test should never be ignored. If you feel something, say something. Go directly to your doctor for a very good exam. Make sure to have additional tests performed and get a second opinion if necessary. If you see any physcial changes in your breast such as bleeding, puckering or lumps, please see your doctor right away and go for diagnositc testing immediately

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