Could it be Breast Cancer - Found nodule and area of hardening in left breast

	Asked by bethszmargarita (Male ) on Tue 22, Apr 2008 02:41am :
	After many exams diagnosed with Diabetes and ITP. CEA positive (6) and CA-19,9 up to 57 (norm.to 37). Abdom. cat scan showed no masses etc. Just found nodule and area of hardening in left breast (outer mid quadrent). Am waiting to have Mamogram and maybe untrasound (?). Mother had DCIS at age 50. I am 43 and postmenapausal (hyster. '97). Could this be breast cancer?
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	Answer by Dr Paul S, MD (oncologist) on Wed 23, Apr 2008 07:39am: Hi there. I understand your concern. Nodule characteristics through palpation that can point out to a possible cancer include irregular borders, gritty borders, hard, and fixed to the surrounding tissues. The mammogram also can give us a clue if the nodule is malignant or benign through patterns of calcifications. Based on the mammogram report, your doctor may request a biopsy done if he deemed it necessary. In the practice of medicine, any new nodule should be worked up thinking that it maybe malignant until proven otherwise. I suggest you discuss the options of mammogram, ultrasound, and possible biopsy with your doctor to ascertain the nature of this nodule. Regards and God bless... Thank you for using our service.  If you are satisfied with the answer or if you want a detailed answer for your question, please make a donation and request for further clarifications.  Our oncologists will provide an elaborate answer for your clarification.   Please make a donation by clicking the button below. You may donate using funds from your PayPal account or Credit Card. Please rate my answer (select the stars below, no need to log in.)
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	Follow up: Clarification / Comment by bethszmargarita on Wed 23, Apr 2008 11:17am: The nodule is fixed and it is hard to the touch.(I estimate about 2cm)- it doesn't slide around. They will be calling me for the mamogram, and my doctor indicated that they would probably be doing an ultrasound in my case. I guess I just have to wait until they do call me. Clarification / Comment by bethszmargarita on Wed 23, Apr 2008 11:34am: Dear Doctor, The nodule is fixed and it is hard to the touch.(I estimate about 2cm)- it doesn't slide around. They will be calling me for the mamogram, and my doctor indicated that they would probably be doing an ultrasound in my case. I guess I just have to wait until they do call me.
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