I recently had a client who detected a small lump in her breast during
pregnancy.  Her physician referred her to a surgeon, who recommended removing
it after the birth.  At 6 weeks postpartum, the breastfeeding mother
contacted me for information about feeding after surgery.  While taking her
history, she stated that no diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or needle
biopsy had been offered.  While the surgeon didn't identify the mass, the
mother stated that the surgeon  felt "it should be removed".

In searching for information to share with the mother, I stumbled across a
timely and concise article entitled "Detection and Evaluation of a Palpable
Breast Mass" by Sandhya Pruthi, MD in the June 2001 Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
(Mayo Clin Proc:2001:76:641-648).  While written for clinicians, it is an
excellent, plainly-written and informative article.  I think it is a suitable
choice to offer a woman looking for information to help her sort out her
options.

Hope this information is useful to you.  Incidentally, the mother I was
working with has decided to pursue a second opinion!

Barbara Ash, IBCLC

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