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worried that this elevation might mean I have cancer.

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March 24th, 2012

I'm a 26 year old female. My mother was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at age 52 and died at age 54. I have

I'm currently feeling a sort of lump/thickening of the tissue on my right breast. I've been to 2 gynecologists and they both told me it was most likely normal tissue because it's smooth, slippery and mobile and seems to be part of a larger portion of breast tissue.

I have had an Ultrasound and it shows two small fibroadenomas (both 6mm), one in each breast but found nothing in the position where I can feel the tissue thickening.

I have also taken a CA 15-3 test which came at 19.5. I have previously taken this test 5 years ago and the result was 11.6. These tests were taken at different laboratories. I am worried that this elevation might mean I have cancer and that 19.5 is a rather high value.

My question is - is it likely that I have breast cancer? Is 19.5 a high value for me - especially since 5 years ago a test showed 11.6? Should I do any additional testing?

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First Helper

Anand J. Singh

replied April 5th, 2012

Breast Cancer Answer A33559

Hello,

Welcome to the ehealthforum and I am glad to help you out. Your concern is regarding breast cancer. From your symptoms these growths in the breast look like fibroadenomas.

Since CA 125 is produced by many types of tumors it is not specific for breast cancer. Mammography is a more specific toll for breast cancer and you should get it done. The normal values for CA 125 may vary slightly among individual laboratories. In most laboratories, the normal value is less than 35 U /ml. In your case, it is not high enough to label it as breast cancer.

Alternately you can get repeat ultrasounds done after every 3 months to check whether there is any increase in the size of lumps. If they increase then aspiration using a syringe and needle need to be done and material sent for examination.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.

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	Tags: Cancer, fibroadenomas, Breast Cancer, alternately, ultrasound, diagnosis, symptoms, breast, female, lumps

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