Why Surgery?

[Ashley52]

Nine years ago, doctor found a lump in my breast.  After much anguish and conflicting opinions, I decided to have a needle biopsy under guided ultrasound.  I watched the whole procedure and saw the mass "gush" when the needle pierced it.  The diagnosis was a benign cyst but the lump did not go away entirely.
Today I had a mammogram and ultrasound and the radiologist (different doc) says the cyst has grown.  She is recommending an excisional biopsy.  I'm not keen on this unless someone can give me some darn good reason.
The best she could come up with is she thinks it will continue to grow and I will "look like an alien".  She did not suggest any suspicion of cancer.  Doesn't this fall into the realm of unnecessary surgery?

[Ashley52]

I guess I just have an aversion to cutting.  That always seems to be the medical community's answer.  One of my favorite sayings is "don't consult a surgeon unless you want to have surgery".  What about another needle biopsy?  What about conservative treatment with progesterone cream? vitamin B6? evening primrose oil?  All of these have been reported to shrink cysts.  I am leaning toward finding an alternative health practioner who is familiar with the work of Dr. John Lee.
Comments?

[PaulMD]

Hi there!

If this cystic structure is really growing, then it is really prudent to have a more invasive diagnostic procedure such as the excisional biopsy that your doctor is suggesting.  She may have other reasons for recommending that and I suggest you discuss this with her seriously, for all we know, she might be considering cancer after all.

A suspicion of cancer will always be at the back of our minds though the suspicion may not be strong in some cases.  Discuss also with her regarding the risks of this procedure (which are usually small).  

Regards...