ultasound

[honey11]

Recently had yearly mammogram and 2 masses showed up on left breast so was sent for ultrsound.  This is the 4th year in a row that I have been called back to follow up with ultra sound as I get those cysts.  Went for ultra sound yesterday and they actually found 3 masses on left breast but seemed sure again that it was cysts and so recommendation to my gyn was follow up mammogram/ultra sound in 4 months.  Should I be more concerned and get a biopsy or take the advice of the radiologist and do the follow up 4 month?
Thank you for any advice!

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear honey11:  Ultrasound is best at differentiating solid from cystic (fluid filled) structures.  Mammogram is not as good at making this distinction.  Cysts are, by definition, benign.  If the radiologist feels certain these are cysts, there is no reason to remove them unless they are causing pain or discomfort.    

[honey11]

Thanks for your replies and yes,,,,I will definitely do the follow up but did agree that for the 4 month followup,,,,seemed to me that they were hesitant whether it was definitely cysts!
I picked up the report today from radiologist and the conclusion reads:

Three lesions as described above between seven and eight o'clock.  All of the lesions exhibit benign feature and are likely to be cysts filled with thick fluid. For monitoring these lesions, either ultrasound or left breast mammogram in 3 to 4 months requested.

Then under that it says:

ACR Classification (111)

What does that mean?  Anyone know?

[Montana girl 06]

I've never heard of the ARA classification. Did you get a Birad Rating on the radiology report?  The report looks like they're quite certain they're cysts which is reassuring. Some doctors just follow-up more often. They would be more likely to aspirate the cysts than do a biopsy but you could ask to meet with a breast specialist if you're uncomfortable waiting.  You need to decide what you're most comfortable with.

[Montana girl 06]

4 month followup seems unusual for cysts. It makes me think they're really not sure they are cysts. I have yearly ultrasound followup for my cysts, altho I do 6 month CBE for lumps and 6 month mammograms due to calcifications. I would definately ask for a copy of the radiology report to get more information.  Once you have that you may want to post again and ask your question.

[japdip]

First of all ... every case is different as is every Physician / Radiologist so I wouldn't say that a 4 month follow-up is all that unusual. Perhaps the fact that an additional area was seen on US prompted the 4 month thing. Be glad that they are being extra vigilant and be sure you make that appointment.Don't base your case on anyone else's experience. Best of Luck to you.