Focal Asymmetry

Hello I am a 46 year old women who has always had normal mammograms.  I went last Friday and got a call on Wednesday that they need me to come back in.  Radiologist report said Focal Asymmetry in left brest with no definate suspicions. I am still very nervous. It also said something about a view not being clear I dont know which one though. If this is cancer is this typically a early detection.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Most of the time breasts tissue look alike,but sometimes an area will look different from one breast to the other, that area is asymmetric and it can be perfectly normal.
A spot compression mammogram is a type of mammogram in which only a small area of the breast is compressed.  
The purpose of a spot compression mammogram is to achieve clearer imaging of a particular region of the breast,especially if a woman has dense breast that can make mammographic interpretation more difficult.The fact that you are being called back, is very common. Sometimes is just the skin that has folded over on itself and looks like a shadow.A spot compression can focus in on the area and help to clarify.
I wouldn't jump to any conclusion if I were you...especially that your mammogram report stated that there is no definite suspicion,but obviously the radiologist just needs more clarification.
I hope that all will be just fine with your second mammogram.
Best wishes and good luck..

[Cheerpul]

At this point, you do not know enough to be overly concerned.  Anyone would be nervous, but try to focus on the facts you know and don't allow the "what-ifs" to run free.  That puts you through so much stress and doesn't help you at all.  Keep busy, stay positive, and do some research to understand the terms in your xray and lab results.

A focal asymmetry is most often benign, but can indicate an area of early development.  You are going to have this thoroughly checked out and have tests until you know what is or is not there.  If it is nothing, you will be reassured.  If it is something to be concerned about, you will know that it is there and formulate a plan of treatment and implement it.

We are here to support you any way that we can.  I am thinking of you.