moderately dense nodular breast

[precious318]

I recently had a mammogram done the impression were moderately dense nodular breast. the previous sonogram which was done a year ago showed both cystic and solid entities.  I now have to take a sonogram.  I do have cance in my family. but only one cousin on my mother side had breast cancer.  I am really thinking about prophylactic mastectomy.  

what should I do

Nervous

[bluebutterfly2222]

I just discovered that you recently posted a related question.

For future reference, we prefer that people keep their related posts in one thread, so that: 1) all of their information will be available in one place, which helps us to provide better answers; 2) we will be able to see the answers that have already been given, so we do not duplicate our efforts; and 3) readers interested in a particular thread will know when additional developments have been  discussed.

Thanks!

[bluebutterfly2222]

Don't get ahead of yourself:

1. Breasts with benign solid and cystic features, called fibrocystic breasts , are very common. Some say about 45% of women have this condition.

2. A family hx of BC is usually only considered significant when there are first-degree relatives (mother, sister) in either parent's family. (And most people dx with breast cancer don't have a family hx of it.)

3. Prophyllactic mastectomy may be suggested if someone has had genetic testing and has been found to  carry a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation. Otherwise, it is usually not considered unless a person has been dx with  breast cancer, or at least widespread precancerous lesions.  (Or  maybe if a person has  a  STRONG  family hx of BC and wants to be ultra-cautious...)

4. The radiologist's report usually contains a BI-RADS Score, which indicates the degree of suspicion (if any) regarding any findings, and includes recommendations for followup.

5. If anything suspicious shows up, the first step would be a biopsy, to see whether or not i it is  actually a matter for concern.

5. If it should be, at that point you would be offered alternatives, and could decide how aggressively you wanted to react.

So, one step at a time, okay? And please keep us posted regarding how things turn out.

Best wishes...