Abnormal Mamogram(mammogram)

In June I had a mamogram (mammogram) that detected an abnormal spot in my left breast.  The mamogram (mammogram) was repeated the same week and the radiologist recommended a repeat mamogram (mammogram) in 6 months.  Last week I had the repeat mamogram (mammogram) and the spot was still there and I'm told there was no change.  The radiologist is recommending another repeat mamogram (mammogram) in 6 months.  The letter I received said that the exam "did not show any sign of cancer" but that "further evaluation is sometimes done as an extra precaution in select cases" and "it almost always turns out to be normal."  I don't know what this means.  Why would they want to monitor this every 6 months and not do any follow up testing now?

I am 42 and gave birth for the first time at age 40.  I've had no personal history of cancer but I am perimenopausal and all of the women on my father's side of the family have died of breast cancer.  I feel like I'm being paranoid, but I now have a baby to raise.  Should I insist that my doctor follow up now rather than waiting 6 more months?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear TJC, Abnormalities on mammograms are rated as having different degrees of suspicion.  If the initial mammogram was your first then the abnormality may or may not be something that has been there (for example scarring from an injury).  Without knowing that follow up to see if there is a change in six months makes sense.  Now that there has been no change in six months that's good but if it is something that may be slow growing they would want to check in six months rather than waiting a year to be on the safe side.

If only for your peace of mind it may be worthwhile to pursue further evaluation now.  Perhaps having your mammograms reviewed by a breast specialist and proceed from there.  If further evaluation reveals no problem then that's terrific, if there is a problem then it could be treated as appropriate.

[nurse12hr]

I would personally pursue it now.  You have a history on your father's side of the family.  If only for peace of mind, get it checked by a breast specialist.
I know this is only anecdotal, but I was told the same thing when I had my first mammo at age 35.  Just to repeat it in 6 months, just precaution, probably nothing, etc.  I asked to have the actual copy of the report itself sent to me.  I was shocked to see it described an area of concerning microcalcifications and the chilling warning at the end "cannot rule out malignancy".  
And I was told by my OB GYN that it was "Normal" and they just saw a "little something" and to repeat it is 6 months.

I got a referral to a surgeon and he agreed to a biopsy.  I had a very early breast cancer, and now, 9 years later and after mastectomy, count my blessings daily.

Speak up for yourself.  Get a copy of the report itself.  Good luck, and I hope I didn't scare you.  Hugs!

[momieof4]

Hi, I had something in both breast a year ago that they said was normal and when I followed up a year later both sides have grown or changed. Went and had the mamogram (mammogram) done the other day and saw the little solid white knots but both of my breast were full of solid white. I have my tubes tied and think I may be pregnant, somebody told me that it's because of that, the tissues get really dense and appear solid white throughout...has anyone ever had this happen?

[JAMB]

A related discussion, What is high density breasts? was started.