*sometimes* some types of benign lumps are clearly identifiable via an ultrasound, these are specific types that have a very clear presentation (i'm assuming that's what you've got, Arte).
However, if there is even the teensiest shred of doubt, it should be investigated fully.
In Australia, the best practice once there is a palpable lump is to triple test: u/s +/- mammo; clinical examination & family history etc; and biopsy (usually a fine needle procedure, but might need to be core or surgical).
The red flag IMO is that a needle biopsy was suggested. This indicates a shred of doubt. The fact that they "couldn't do it" could mean any number of things, ie, that place didn't have best equipment or radiographer person was not experienced enough (depending on location this might be a factor). I would be checking whether there are any options to have the needle (or, if necessary core) biopsy done in a more specialized setting as an alternative to going straight to surgery. This might mean getting a referral to an endocrine surgeon with a breast specialization, or a breast clinic in a tertiary public hospital. It's really not a good idea to run with 'its probably ok'. Remember, the biggest factor in survival of breast malignancies is earliness of detection. This is not something that the person should defer.
ETA I should add, that a surgical biopsy is no biggie, they would do it as a day surgery & a good surgeon is very careful about size & placement of the incision, so the cosmetic impact is minimal too. Hth. At the very least they should ask for a specialist second opinion.
Last edited by AnyDream; May 29th, 2013 at 10:33 AM.
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