Scared

I am a 48 years old and had my first mamogram (mammogram).....please, no lectures!  I have no history of breast cancer in the family and figured "I'm just fine".......Wrong answer, I know!  The following is what was on the report.  "There are scattered fibroglandular elements in both breasts.  There is a 4 mm oval mass in the right breast at 12 o'clock in the retroareolar region.  No other significant masses or calcifications are seen in either breast.  Impression:  Incomplete: Need additional imaging evaluation.  The 4 mm oval mass in the right breast likely represents a lymph node and requires further evaluation."
I am scheduled for a more detailed mamogram (mammogram) however I am EXTREMELY CONCERNED!  Just the words "lymph node" in this report has me really concerned.  I've always thought that when lymph nodes are mentioned it's an automatic for cancer.  Can anyone give me any info?  I would certainly like to know if I'm over-reacting to this.  

[japdip]

Not necessarily; there are many, many lymph nodes throughout our bodies. There serve a very valuable function. Have your additional views or whatever is recommended before you get too upset about this report.

[Computer_Voice]

An intramammary lymph node, unless it's a very abnormal looking one, is a benign finding that requires no follow up.  Most people have intramammary (in the breast) lymph nodes.  So, in other words, if it turns out to be a lymph node, that's a very good thing.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Your mammogram showed a mass on the right breast.  An ultrasound of the breast may be needed in order to differentiate between a solid mass and a cystic mass.  An excision biopsy or a core needle biopsy may be done in order to have a more definite diagnosis.
Good luck.