Found lump, what kind of doctor do I need to see?

[RhondaM.]

I am pretty sure that this is the same lump that I had years ago when I was between 19 and 26. (I am now almost 44)

I had a thin needle asperation (I think this is the correct term) done on it when I first discovered it and it was nothing.

It went away sometime between the pregnancy of my first child and when he was nearly 2.

Around 2 years ago I had a physical which included a mamogram. It came out fine, they did not mention a lump of any kind.

But now, in the exact same spot as the first time I have found this lump. It is bigger though. And...that entire breast just feels different. I have been having a lot of pain off and on during cycles, and I am betting this is ...err...how do you spell it...the breast cyst thing. But I am not taking any chances and will make an appointment to day.

And of course I am out of state until November or December and have no clue who to go to. Or rather, I don't know what kind of doctor to go to.
Do I go to just a family doctor? An OB/GYN? Can someone lead me in the right direction?

Also...I'm in Dana Point, Ca so if anyone knows a good doctor please let me know.

Ugh. I hate this.

[Mom2legomaniacs]

:grouphug: If you insurance calls for it, you may need to start with a primary care doctor in order to get referrals. I had one years ago. My OB/GYN was one of my primary (I was allowed to have a family dr and an ob/gyn both as primaries) doctors. I went to him and he referred to a surgeon. It went very quickly with appointments and all. They didn't mess around and make me wait, which was good.

Good luck! I hope it is nothing of any consequence.

[GraceinMD]

Or rather, I don't know what kind of doctor to go to.
Do I go to just a family doctor? An OB/GYN?

I'm sorry, Rhonda! I certainly hope that it's "nothing" (you know what I mean - it's never "nothing," is it?).

I think either a family doctor OR an ob-gyn would be fine. You might want to call their offices (since you don't know the practice) and tell them you have a breast lump, and ask if the physician does fine-needle aspiration (or other similar procedures) - or would they refer you to an interventional radiologist or surgeon if you needed that. At least that way, you would know a little better what to expect. But you should start with a primary care doctor at any rate.

Best wishes!

[Jennifer in MI]

Can you call around and ask which offices may be able to perform the aspiration/mammogram ASAP - just for your piece of mind? Then make the appointment for today.

I had luck getting an ultrasound right away to rule out some nasty stuff last week, I think, because I was crying!! I was REALLY scared! (Still am - they STILL haven't called me!) So, maybe you could go that route - just to get in earlier!

[RhondaM.]

:grouphug: If you insurance calls for it, you may need to start with a primary care doctor in order to get referrals. I had one years ago. My OB/GYN was one of my primary (I was allowed to have a family dr and an ob/gyn both as primaries) doctors. I went to him and he referred to a surgeon. It went very quickly with appointments and all. They didn't mess around and make me wait, which was good.

Good luck! I hope it is nothing of any consequence.

Well, I have a PPO, so can go to a primary, general, family, or OB/GYN. It is pretty open. I'm just not sure which is the norm to go to.
Thanks,

[RhondaM.]

Can you call around and ask which offices may be able to perform the aspiration/mammogram ASAP - just for your piece of mind? Then make the appointment for today.

I had luck getting an ultrasound right away to rule out some nasty stuff last week, I think, because I was crying!! I was REALLY scared! (Still am - they STILL haven't called me!) So, maybe you could go that route - just to get in earlier!

I hope they call you today, Jennifer and that all will be well. :grouphug:
Thanks for your help. I'll call around and see what I can find out.

[RhondaM.]

I'm sorry, Rhonda! I certainly hope that it's "nothing" (you know what I mean - it's never "nothing," is it?).

I think either a family doctor OR an ob-gyn would be fine. You might want to call their offices (since you don't know the practice) and tell them you have a breast lump, and ask if the physician does fine-needle aspiration (or other similar procedures) - or would they refer you to an interventional radiologist or surgeon if you needed that. At least that way, you would know a little better what to expect. But you should start with a primary care doctor at any rate.

Best wishes!

Thanks a bunch. I'll call around today.