Focal Asymmetry on Mammogram

45 y/o female, distant family history of breast and ovarian cancer (grandmother and great aunt), nulliparous with normal mammograms since age 35 just received the following:  left breast reveals two areas of focal asymmetry. Ordered ML w/magnification and spot compression, followed by ultrasound if necessary.  Right breast showed inner central micro-calcifications and a ML + magnification was ordered on it as well.  I know this is not the complete radiology report - but was all my doc would give me over the phone.  I wasn't worried about a call-back at first, as I have dense, fibrocystic breast tissue... but I've never had THIS kind of a call-back.  How concerned should I be and what is the likelihood that I'll need a biopsy?

[japdip]

These areas may compress out when the additional films are done. The calcifications I can't say because it isn't stated whether they are scattered or clustered. If they are grouped or clustered then a biopsy may be recommended. There really isn't much to tell at this point until you receive the report on the followup films that have been ordered.   Regards .....

[TorchSinger65]

sorry... the microcalcifications are in a cluster.

[japdip]

Then I would think that some type of biopsy will be recommended as clustered calcifications indicate that the breast is reacting to some abnormality within the breast tissue. Many biopsies for this reason still return a negative result as the abnormality may well be a benign issue.

[TorchSinger65]

Well, I guess I'll be in limbo until Friday.  That was the earliest I could get in to the breast center for additional screening.  Hoping that the radiologist will agree to speak with me so that I don't have to agonize all weekend waiting for answers.

[japdip]

Be persistant .... you know the squeaky wheel gets the grease so squeak away until you are satisfied with the answers.  

[TorchSinger65]

Well, tomorrow's step one down this long and winding road... additional films and ultrasound.  Should have some idea where I stand by noon Hawaii time. I'm VERY nervous.

[TorchSinger65]

UPDATE:  LEFT BREAST - three cysts - two small and one large and two enlarged axillary lymph nodes.  RIGHT BREAST - no additional information.  Unfortunately, the radiologist at this facility - even though it is a Breast Center - does not do consultations and I will have to wait until Monday for his report to be available.  The only reason I know what is there on the left is that the ultrasound technician was very sweet and allowed me to see everything she was doing. Still, don't know more than the fact that they're enlarged.  More on Monday.