palpable lesion

[missyh33]

I just turned 33,and due to high Wbc,and several other things going on,I had a mammogram done a year ago.I also get my blood checked every few months to make sure I don't have an early emerging malproliferative disorders.I'm going to UVA on June 15th to get more test done.Anyway,I recieved a letter from the place I got my mammogram done saying that due to the results last year,they suggested I get one this month.The results I recieved were negative,but the medical records I just picked up from my hematologist says that there is dense fibroglandular tissue in the immediate retrareolar regions of both breasts.It also says further evaluation and/or biopsy of a palpable lesion should be based on clinical grounds.I'm going to have it checked out at UVA,but I would appreciate if someone could help me to understand what all this means.Thanks for your time
                                                   missyh33

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear missyh33:  Dense fibroglandular tissue is describing normal breast tissue.  Dense tissue is completely normal but can make finding abnormalities difficult.  This is the reason that mammograms are not recommended routinely in younger women (the tissue tends to be more dense in younger women).  The statement about biopsy refers to the fact that a mammogram is not a perfect test.  If there is a clinical reason to do a biopsy (a lump for example) then the mammogram should not replace good clinical judgement.  Sounds like they're just recommending an annual mammogram since you had one last year.

[surgeon]

It's basically saying the mammogram was normal. Dense fibroglandular tissue is just a way of saying there's lots of breast tissue seen on mammogram; and when it's dense, it can theoretically obscure abnormalities. When they said the stuff about palpable lesions, it's the radiologist's way of covering his rear: it means, we don't see anything here, but because the tissue is dense, don't let our report keep you from doing a biopsy if there were a lump that someone is feeling. It's a fancy way of saying what most people already know: a normal mammogram doesn't absolutely rule out cancer. If there's a lump, then it still needs some plan of action, even when the mammogram is ok. So mammograms usually have some sort of disclaimer wording. The report you describe is nothing to worry about.

[missyh33]

Thanks for your response,it really makes sense now.That must be why they also put (The false-negative rate of mammography is approximately 10%)Thank you so much for your time,
                                                  missyh33