results

[cassie123]

i had a mamogram (mammogram) and sonagram done. the results and the results stated that  the cysts represents apocrinbe metaplasia. the results stated that the breast is extremely dense and echogenic throughout. can you tell me what these results mean and should i be worried. what is the usual treatment for these results?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear cassie123: Echogenic describes the way the sound waves of the ultrasound appear – it is how the conclusion of dense breast tissue is made.  Dense breast tissue is very common, especially in young women.  It can make mammography difficult to interpret.  Apocrine metaplasia is a benign condition that is commonly associated with fibrocystic changes.  While it can be highly suspected on mammogram or ultrasound, a biopsy would be necessary to say absolutely that this is apocrine metaplasia or some other condition.  If all is benign, no further treatment is needed.  You might discuss the results with your doctor as they relate to your situation.

[japdip]

Apocrine metaplasia is a result of the breast tissue reacting to an overabundance of Estrogen or an imbalamce of Estrogen and Progesterone. Echogenic means that the structure of the breast reflects high frequency waves such as Ultrasound. These cysts are of no particular concern and do not increase one's risk for breast cancer. No treatment is usually needed for benign findings.

[SueYoung55]

Since you know you have dense breasts, you may want to make sure you are getting your mammograms done with digital mammography. It doesn't cost any more or less than regular mammography. Dense breasts show up white on a mammogram and so does cancer so it's like trying to find a polar bear in a blizzard. Digital mammography gives them options of changing the background and therefore getting a better look at what is really there. That said, there are some cancers that do not show up on mammograms, digital or otherwise.
If you're worried, get a biopsy. I watched them do mine and it did not hurt.