Repeat mammogram & ultrasound

[ashli3988]

I'm 37, just had my base line mammogram & received a letter stating that there was an area of question & that I needed to come in for another mammogram.  When I called to set the 2nd one up, I was told that I also need to have an ultrasound.  My mom died at 56 of breast cancer (due to her not doing anything about a lump that she had found 5 years prior...then the cancer spread).  Anyway, I'm terrified.  What are the chances of this being cancer?

[ashli3988]

Thank you so much!  You have no idea how much your comment means to me!  I can't help but get worked up after seeing what my mom went thru.  I'll keep you posted!!

God Bless & hugs to you too!

[ncmichigan]

Having had more "call backs" and additional views than I can count (of course, I'm a bit older than you at 63!) I also want to reassure you , like ducky and zouzi, that it's no reason to panic. Hopefully, the additional views will  show no problems and that'll be it. If not, additional testing or maybe a biopsy will be recommended. Even with that, the chances for a benign finding are about 80%, so try to stay positive. You'll definitely be way ahead of your mother ( I'm so sorry for your loss.) by being vigilant with your testing and if anything is found, it'll be early when it's highly treatable. Don't get ahead of yourself, take one step at a time and try to stay calm---it does help.
All the best with your addtional testing and please let us know how you're doing, if you wish-we do care.
Hugs,
nc

[ashli3988]

Thank you both so much!  This does help calm my nerves some.  I go for my 2nd mammogram & ultrasound on the 6th...I'll keep you posted!!

[zouzi]

Hi,
Yes ducky406,is right,you have no reason to panic...Many women are called back for a spot compression mammogram which 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 better imaging of a particular region of the breast,especially because dense breast 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 helps to clarify.If the density does not disappear,an Ultrasound will confirm it and further investigation might be needed,if the lesion looks suspicious.
I understand you being worried about it...we all do when we are called back for more evaluation,but keep in mind that most breast lumps or abnormalities are benign in nature and I hope that nothing serious will be found in your case.
Having a close family history of breast cancer,does put you at a higher risk,but the risk is in the low percentage about 10 to 15% .
Best wishes and good luck! :)

[ducky406]

While you do have a higher risk for breast cancer because your mother had it, mammograms get fudged up pretty easy. They're not always clear so it's pretty common to get a callback. My mom told me one of the biggest foul ups is caused by deodorant of all things. So right now, no point in freaking out just yet. Also, because you are young perhaps it just wasn't clear enough. Young women have a larger density in their breast which makes mammograms more difficult to read.

Yes you do have some reason to be cautious, but right now there is no reason to be terrified. It's pretty common practice to get callbacks and it may mean nothing.

Good luck.