3rd Mammo. And here we go again. Help please

[shysti71]

Just had my annual mammo. And suprise I have to have an Ultrasound. This is the 3rd year. But last year I ended up with a breast MRI that was fine. This time my report says:

FINDINGS:
There is a mixed glandular pattern. In the left breast there is an intra mammary node. Low lying axillary nodes are also noted bilaterally. There is also a grouping of nodular densities seen in the mid breast at 6 o' clock position on the left. This appears to have changed somewhat since prior study and further evaluation with ultrasound is recommended. This area has previously been evaluated with ultrasound which showed no abnormality. MRI also was unremarkable but in view of the changes a new work up is felt warranted. No other abnormality is seen. There is no architectural distortion or abnormal calcification. There is no skin thickening or nipple retraction. CAD does not mark any abnormality.
IMPRESSION:
Apparent interval change in the area of nodularity in the left breast. Ultrasound recommend.
Density: 3

So I was expecting to be recalled for another Ultrasound.  I'm guessing that everytime I have a mammo I will be getting called back. But the changes have me a little concerned.

Please help me interpret this report. It seems kind of vague. My ultrasound is next Thursday.

[japdip]

Never hurts to have another opinion and to be honest a Gyn is not the type of Physician who should be handling a breast issue. It's a good place to start to get breast exams and orders for filming but beyond that it should be put in the hands of a Breast Specialist which is usually a Surgeon.  Regards .....

[shysti71]

So I thought I was ok for at least another 6 months. Nope got a call from my Gyno today and they want me to have a consultation with a surgeon. Kind of threw me off. I'm not sure why if rad wants me to have US in 6 mos. help

[japdip]

That's good news so things haven't really changed in 2 years. Glad to hear the waiting and worrying is over. Thanks for sharing your results .... Take care now

[shysti71]

I got the results from my ultrasound and it says

FINDINGS:
In the 6 o clock left breast, 2 cm from the nipple there is what appears to represent a patch fibrocystic tissue. Reviewed the mammo images and I believe that the asymmetrics identified on the mammos have been stables when compaired to mammo in 2011.

IMPRESSION:
Probably benign lession. Short interval sonagraphic follow up is suggested to demonstrate stability or resolution of findings.

BIRAD 3

So I guess I go back in 6 mos

[japdip]

We'll be waiting for the results along with you so please post when you hear something ... Best Wishes

[shysti71]

I go for my ultrasound today.

[japdip]

Our bodies are constantly changing in one way or another. With areas that are often affected by hormone levels it is not unusual to find some changes. In the case of the breasts and also with the reproductive organs it is prudent to investigate these changes to be sure they aren't due to some disease process.

[shysti71]

I just don't understand why the change. Very confusing.

[japdip]

I definitely think it would be a good idea ... I know you would be more content after receiving the opinion of the Breast Specialist who could answer all of your concerns these changes that are occurring. Breast pain is sometimes hard to pinpoint but it is rarely associated with Breast Cancer.  Take care ....

[shysti71]

Thank you. That's what I was thinking.  I have been wondering if I should ask to see a specialist. They would at least be able to explain what's going on better. And also I forgot to mention that I've been having pain in the area of the nodule. Not just normal pain due to hormones. Sharp sometimes stabbing pains and tender in the area.

[japdip]

They are merely being very cautious in tracking any changes in the previous findings. I don't think I would be terribly stressed out since all the films before proved to be unremarkable. I would imagine that you can expect this on a yearly basis. If you haven't seen a Breast Specialist I would suggest that you do so and perhaps in the future you could go straight to MRI and skip the other two. If you do see the Specialist be sure that he/she has access to all of your films. You don't seem to have any of the usual indicators that would make one suspicious of a malignancy but it's still "good medicine" to investigate.   Regards ....