Mammogram findings: clarify terminology

I had my annual mammogram.  It is recommended that I go back for 'compression views' for a 'asymmetry in the right breast at 5 o'clock anterior depth,' that is being termed 'indeterminate.'  The current study was compared with a 2008 mammogram.  Since 2008 I have clearly been approaching menopause.  It will be 1 year with no period this June.  My breast density has clearly changed - less dense, less firm, softer.  What are normal changes?  On a scale of 1 to 10 how panicked should I get about the terms 'asymmetry' and 'indeterminate'?  My report states: 'no other significant masses, calcifications, or other findings are seen in either breast.'  So, what are they maybe seeing?

[zouzi]

If a radiologist interpreting a mammogram was not able to view either a region of the breast completely or a possible abnormality completely, the radiologist may recommend additional imaging, including the use of spot compression, to help make a more complete evaluation.

Spot compression  is a type of mammogram in which only a small area of the breast is compressed (by a small plate or cone) during the procedure in order to achieve better imaging of the particular region of the breast.

The term asymmetrical density describes a difference in the breast tissue from one breast to the other. What this density represents in your situation is impossible to say.. As you are going through the process of having this evaluated your doctors should be better able to characterize this as more information is known.
Best wishes and good luck...

[Totie]

For the last two years I have had to go back after a mammogram for further testing on the left breast. It always comes back as nothing to worry about after further testing.

This year at my yearly exam, gyno found a lump on the right one, I am sure it is nothing as well. I don't know what my tests results indicate in the two mammograms I have had read, I do not have copies. I started having to get them at the age of 38, I will be 40 this year.

Good luck on yours.  I don't go until mid May for testing.