Breast Tumor (Fibrocystic) and Biopsy

 Breast Tumor (Fibrocystic) and Biopsy

We are lucky because Dr. Meredith Garcia, a cancer specialist at PGH, gave advice on breast cancer. Here is the explanation of Dr. Garcia:

Since this is the most frequently asked question, here is the knowledge about breast FIBROCYSTIC CHANGES.

First, fibrocystic changes are NOT cancer. This is the most common benign condition of the breast.

FIBROSIS means scarred flesh. CYSTS is round with only liquid. This is usually diagnosed by a doctor based on the symptoms of bulging breasts, swelling, and pain.

Its symptoms often increase during menstruation due to changes in the structure of the breast caused by hormones associated with menstruation.

But if you have these symptoms, we are still not sure that those are just fibrocystic changes. You need to see a doctor to diagnose your symptoms, to find out what your tumors are, if a biopsy is needed, and what to do.

BIOPSY of the lump, helpful in treatment:

Misconception: "Doc, I don't want to have a biopsy because they say the lump will spread even more when it is touched."

Dr. Garcia answers: Cancer that is NOT biopsy cannot be treated properly so it is sure to spread and worsen.

According to a scientific study of more than 2,000 patients who underwent a biopsy at the Mayo Clinic in America, there is NO sufficient basis for this assumption.

In fact, they found that cancer patients who underwent biopsy had a LONGER life. This is because a biopsy is important so that doctors can determine the exact type of cancer and provide the most effective treatment.