Cyst aspiration

I am a 42 y.o. white female in surgical menopause for the past 21 years without HRT (due to a clotting problem).  I recently had my first mammogram which showed a small density in the outer part of my left breast at about 2 o'clock (I believe they said).  Subsequent ultrasound showed two small simple cysts which were aspirated of a dark greenish-purple liquid since it was not clear that the cysts were in the same location as the density.  During the aspiration, the cysts were seen to completely collapse on ultrasound.  After the aspiration, on repeat mammogram, the density was smaller but did not disappear.

No one was certain what my risk factors are since I've been in menopause so long without HRT.  I have no family members that I know of with breast cancer.  One radiologist suggested repeating the mammogram in 6 months.  No other follow-up was recommended such as a biopsy of the remaining density.  I'm just wondering now what is the usual thing to do in this situation.  I realize there are never any certainties with mammography.  Should I be worrying about the density that still is showing?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear sgc909,


Radiologists have different levels of suspicion when looking at a mammogram result, and as you said there are not any certainties with mammography.  Your level of comfort in waiting 6 months to see if there is a change in this density is an important factor in the decision regarding the next step in this process.  If you are at all uncomfortable you should see a physician who specializes in diagnosing breast cancer and that person would most likely be a surgeon.