Skin Thickening BI-RAD 4

Previous History Age 40; pre diabetic & high bp.
3/04: suspicious lump found on very first mammogram of left breast upper outer area ,deep; BIRAD 4. 4/04 core biopsy --probable fibroadenoma.  6/04.  Excisional biopsy: Lump: Pathology: fibroadenoma 4 x 2.5 x 2.3 cm.  Fibrocystic changes including sclerosing adenosis, duct epithelial hyperplasia, large cysts and aprocrine metaplasia.  9/04: persistent skin thickening and edema on left breast --same breast as excisional biopsy --except the edema and skin thickening is located on the *opposite* side of the breast --(medial inner) from the excision.  Core biopsy done at breast specialists office: pathology: inflammation & skin thickening.
4/05: Still have edema and thickening on left breast.  routine mammo: impression: focal area of skin thickening in the medial left breast--BIRAD 4--surgical evaluation recommended.  This is the same area as the 9/04 area--but more focal.  

I have a appt scheduled with the breast specialist in 2 weeks.   I will discuss another biopsy of that area of edema/skin thickening.  

How worrisome is persistent breast edema & skin thickening?  Is there an increase risk of breast cancer with previous biopsies, fibroadenoma & possible diabetes?  THANK YOU!

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear dtwins:  A BIRAD score of 4 on a mammogram indicates significant suspicion on the part of the radiologist and generally warrants a biopsy. Fibroadenoma does not increase the risk of breast cancer but they are often removed to be sure that it is, in fact, a fibroadenoma.  A breast specialist
who can review the films and perform a clinical breast examination will be better able to comment on the significance of the "thickening" as it relates to your situation.