Scared of spot compression

[Lyn1]

Hello - I had my first mamogram done the second week of July and was informed I needed to have a spot compression and ultrasound.  I'm trying to stay positive, but I am concerend...I have a history of breast cancer in my family  I also don't understand why a spot compression is needed.  I did some research online and that scared me even more.  Is a spot compression similar to a mamogram screening?  

Thank you!

[jaye1962]

I have been having mammograms for years now since I have large, fibrocystic breasts.   I have been called in for the first time to have a compression mammogram and ultrasound to find out if it is a lymph node verses a lymph nodule.  I am trying not to worry and read more research than I can manage. I hadn't discovered the lump from my regular self exams but have since found it near the chest wall just where my breast is connected to my inner chest between the breasts.

I have a family history of breast cancer.  I have had ovarian cysts.  My well woman exam is scheduled for the day after these exams.  I am 47 and thought I was looking at premenopausal symptoms like sweating sitting still.  

[SueYoung55]

Valium :)

Not being flippant either. I knew when I had my ultrasound that I had cancer because I saw it on the screen. That and the radiologist spent 20 minutes explaining that I needed to get back in immediately to get a biopsy.....

Valium helped. A lot. Just until I got a plan in action. Best wishes

[alice905]

I recently had a mammogram as part of my yearly physical regime.  As my mother had breast cancer, I live in fear that it will happen to me.  I was called by the hospital indicating that i had to come back for another mammogram and spot mammogram and a biopsy.  I have never been so scare in my entire life.  I had my biopsy on Sept 23 and I find out the results on September 30.  I keep hoping that it will turn out to be nothing and it appears that lots of women go through this and find it is nothing but I'm having a very hard coping with the waiting.  Can someone tell me HOW to get through this without losing my mind.

alice905

[SueYoung55]

I'm sorry I don't have a response about time frames for you. I am a little shocked that your plastic surgeon did an augmentation without the results of your tests. That doesn't seem right.

I hope everything turns out good for you and I hope you let us know how you fared with this situation. How awful for you!

[EM4boys]

Hi, I had a mammogram done on Aug 25th, 2009. I was told by the radiologist that the images came out clear and that I should get the results within a week.  Since I hadn't heard anything for that week, I went ahead with my scheduled breast augmentation.  A few days after my augmentation I get a voicemail from my doctor's office stating they were calling to schedule my mammogram.  I thought this was a mistake since I had had it done already.  Well after a couple of calls and playing phone tag, I finally speak with the woman and she states that I need to come back to do a compression view and possibly an ultrasound. I've read that some dense views come back due to tissue being folded when views are taken but I was not large breasted (small B) and am wondering if there indeed is something to worry about.  I'm waiting for my surgeons call regarding how long to wait before I can do the compression views now that I have implants.  Can someone give me some good news??? EM

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[pdtmt7498]

Compression is when they focus in on a smaller spot of the breast and compress it further than the regular mammo image.  It's not anymore painful.  I had compression done because in original mammo one view showed a mass and another did not.  They took several additional images at the repeat, plus the compression.  It disappeared under compression, so it was deemed overlapping tissue (I have very large dense breasts and breastfed three kids).  If it does not disappear under compression, it is more of a worry.  They were set up to do an immediate biopsy if things had turned out otherwise.  However, I'm still dealing with pain and further testing (two months since mammo) and have no explanation for my symptoms.

[hotrodgirl]

Yep, me too!!  What is up with the month of August!!  I went for my annual mamogram and pap - then sent for blood work and pelvic sonogram.  Over the last two weeks, I found out that my Thyroid isn't working, have "mutiple" cysts on my left ovary with 3 being of concern, uterus is full of "growths" and my mamogram showed a dense tissue mass.

Went back last week for a spot compression then to see my surgeon the next day.  I've already had one surgical biopsy about 4 years ago ... it was benign.  My surgeon was not pleased with the report he recvd from the radiologist....the reports conflicted.  So, tomorrow I go for a Digital Mamogram with a more experienced radiologist ---  so that's 3 for me this month!  But, it's better to play it safe.....besides, I hear the Digital Mamograms are less painful and are far more accurate.

The spot compression was painful for me!  I do have "big twins" and they don't like being mashed flat as a flitter!  I also have fibersistic breasts so finding a lump by self examine is almost impossible for me!

Hope all is well for you all!!

[cyn17]

This must be the month for spot compressions. : ) I too go back in on 8/10 for a spot compression. Of course it's normal to have a bit of anxiety when you're called back for a 2nd look and even biopsies. If it helps any, I have had 4 biospies and all came back benign and I believe this time too will be fine.

I have dense fibrous breasts and generally a mammogram doesn't give the radiologist enough info, so I am very accustomed to being called back in (unfortunately the nurse always remembers me). I had a major 'freak out' last summer when I went through this and I swear I will not allow screening tests to get the best of me now or in the future!!

Stay strong! You're not alone!!

[elacasse]

I was just told the same exact thing today.  They said they found several dense nodules and I have no idea what that is.  I'm scared too.  I'll call tomorrow to set the appt.  let me know how yours goes and i'll keep you informed on mine.  Good luck

[Michele V]

Hello-  Spot compressions are done to determine that what is showing on the mammogram as not being readable at this time needs to have a more defined x-ray.  I do not know if you are large breasted or not, but alot of times with women who are they do this when they are unsure of a certain area of the breast.  Also the ultrasound will show them if they is any thing to be concerned about.  Sometimes the areas are nothing more than a cyst filled with fluid.  Sometimes it can be something that needs a closer look.
I have been through this myself.  I am a breast cancer survivor & know exactly what you are feeling.  Yet I feel that it is better to get everything checked out no matter what because the longer you wait the harder it is.  This may & I pray be absolutely nothing.  
Also, a spot compression is a mammogram just done with a smaller paddle to flatten you out.
So when you go for this test, have a friend go with you.  Knowing that you have the support waiting for you is what every woman needs.
Please let us all know how things go for you & in the meantime I will continue to believe that this is nothing.
Take care