Question about breast nodule? ?

Question

I am 31 years old my maternal grandmother had breast cancer, I do not know about my mother, she has not been to a dr. in probably about 20 years for any type of checkup. I go for ultrasounds every 6 months and I have had 3 previous biopsies. Last biopsy was August 2007 and it showed fibroadenoma in the right breast. My most recent sono done last week shows "Left breast 10 o'clock, 2.0 cm from the nipple, 0.8 x 0.4 x 0.8 cm superficial hypoechoic nodule, new. 10 o'clock 5.0 cm from the nipple, 1.2 x 1.3 cm mixed echogenic complex nodule located 1.0 cm deep to the skin surface, new. There is color flow near the edge of this nodule. Axilla, 0.9 cm lymph node." Biopsy of both these nodules recommended. I have already set up the biopsy for Sept. 3 but I am very anxious. If anyone can give me any advice as to what a mixed echogenic COMPLEX nodule is and what does it mean when they say there is color flow near the edge of the nodule? Does this sound like it could be breast cancer? Any help greatly appreciated?

Answer 1

I understand you are nervous and knowing something is better than knowing nothing for you right now, but honestly if the radiologist who is a specialist at reading these things does not know what it is, neither will anyone else.

There is obvious reason for concern. Apparently there is something in your history causing you to have ultrasounds every six months and 4 biopsies. This is not the norm for a 31 year old woman even with a grandmother who had breast cancer. It is always concerning when a 1.3cm mass with a slightly enlarged lymph node shows up within 6 months.

To answer your other questions:

Mixed echogenic means the reflection of the ultrasound waves on the nodule are not consistent, some are brighter than others.

A complex nodule is a nodule that is made of more than one substance, usually part cystic or fluid filled and part tissue.

Color flow is vascularity at or near the edge of the mass.

I hope the biopsy goes well for you.