mammogram and ultra sound

I had a mammogram and something showed up.  I had an ultra sound and it did not show up.  Why wuld this happen?  It was something that could not be identified around my nipple.

[zouzi]

Hi,
With the little information you have given us, I can only tell you,more or less, why the Ultrasound test sometimes misses what is detected on mammograms.
Ultrasound is one of the tools used in breast imaging, but it does not replace annual mammography and careful clinical breast examination.
Many abnormalities are not visible on ultrasound. For example,many calcifications seen on mammography cannot be seen on ultrasound. Some early breast cancers only show up as calcifications on mammography.
I hope that your doctor will proceed with some other tests to find out what is the nature of the "something" that showed up on your mammogram.
Best wishes.  

[NERVOUS418]

Thanks!  I have an appt. on 3/18 with a surgeon who is highly recommended by my dr.  She is going to look at all of my mammograms, reports, and dr. comments and the nurse said she will probably want a diagnostic mammogram.  So I guess I will have to wait and remain nervous until 3/18.

Nervous418

[zouzi]

Hi again.
A density could have shown up on your screening mammogram. When this happens, the radiologist or your Surgeon will typically want to proceed with a spot compression (diagnostic mammogram) where a more specific view of the abnormality can be obtained.The same mammogram machine is used,but with smaller paddles In many cases, the density could be as simple as some tissue that has folded over on itself and will resolve with compression.  However, the spot compression will take a closer look and help determine if there is an abnormality and whether any additional evaluation is necessary.
Waiting is so stressing I know,we all go through the same feeling...but be patient and try to keep as busy as possible so as not to think too often about it.Please let us know how things are proceeding.
Wishing you all the best and good luck!...

[NERVOUS418]

Thanks so much again for your support.  I did have a diagnostic mammogram and ultra sound last year on the other breast where they discovered a cyst.  I was a basket case with that one!  I was so terrified!  I was almost 65 at that time and had been going for mammograms for 25 years with no problems and when the report on that one came in my dr. sent me to a surgeon with the suggestion of a biopsy so I was a basket case until it was over.  This year I was totally shocked to find there is trouble in the other breast and am scared to death all over again....not exactly the same feelings as last year but scared for sure!  I am praying that it will turn out to be something like last time...but that time I had the diagnostic mammogram first and then the ultra sound and it showed on both....so I am confused as well as nervous.  I really appreciate your support right now.  March 18th cannot come soon enough for me!

[ncmichigan]

Dear Nervous,
I'm just adding my good wishes to zouzi's that it's just another cyst. I think the waiting is the worst, too. We women can deal with just aboutanything, but uncertainty
is definitely stressful. We can all empathize with you and we'll try to support you whatever the outcome, but hoping it's benign! I also hope your past experience will actually be helpful to you in dealing with this. I've had 3 biopsies in the last five years and it actually has gotten easier to deal with the waiting each time. I've learned  (in my 61 years) worrying doesn't change anything!
Take care of yourself, maybe even pamper yourself a bit, try to keep busy---whatever works for you to help you relax.
I'm wishing you all the best and sending you a hug (    ),
nc