Having Lump On Breast. Mammogram Showed Abnormality. Should I Go With Chemotherapy?

Posted on Thu, 7 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 7 Nov 2013 Answered on

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a lump in my breast over a year ago. mammogram showed abnormal but on my visit to a specialist I was told we would watch and return in 6 mths. There had been no change and they said I could have it removed or just watch it. I chose to just watch. It was small and I had no family history. Since my visit my sister has passed due to invasive breast cancer. She was diagnosed 9 mths ago. She also had a small lump removed the previous year and was told it was benign. then developed another lump under her arm and that was the beginning of her sickness. I have developed another lump and am schedule for another mammogram. my question is if it is abnormal can I opt to have chemotherapy no matter what my result would be of a lumpectomy?? I just want to go ahead with chemo no matter what!!!! to be sure!!!

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Abnormal lump,lumpectomy,chemotherapy... Detailed Answer: Hi, I run through your medical history and I am sorry for the situation you are in. I also understand your worries, and am happy to hear that you are already taking medical assistance. Breast lumps are not necessarily cancerous unless biopsy might determine it better. Furthermore, if your breast lump resulted to be cancerous, the next step is to evaluate if it is spread or not. The right therapy is determined based on the severity of the cancer. Usually, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy could be suggested by the oncologist after reviewing the test results and possible surgical techniques. All the best! Hope it answered to your inquiry! If you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact me again! I'd be glad to assist you further! Dr.Bardha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D