still worried

I had my first mammo. in 3/02.  I was called back for a diagnosti mammo. and ultrasound, and then I had to go back in four months after that, and then six months after for the same thing.  In 1/03, I  was told that I didn't have to come back for a year.  I went on 1/19/04 for a screening mammogram, and I have been called back again.  I am terrified.  Apparently, there is a "density" that they haven't noticed before in my right breast.  In the initial call-back, they were concerned about something in my left breast.  I have seen a breast surgeon and it is his opinion to wait six months before we do a follow-up, but he has set me up for the diagnostic mammo. and u/s to "ease my mind."  I go back for this on 2/9.  In the meantime, I can do nothing but worry.  Is this pretty common for someone with dense breasts?  I am 42 and I do have very large breasts.  What is your opinion?  Thanks for your service!!

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear neatfreakmom, It is not uncommon to be called back for clarification of an abnormality seen on a screening mammogram.  It could be something as simple as a folding of tissue that shows up as increased density and a mammogram focusing on that area helps to clarify the issue.  Hopefully with the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, this will be clarified for you and save you 6 months of needless worry.

[surgeon]

It's not at all uncommon for a mammogram to show something for which further evaluation is suggested: breasts change over time, and densities appear and disappear. When such a thing happens, what to do depends on many things, certainly including the nature of the shadow itself which can't be evaluated from over here, online. But it very often occurs; if the radiologist and surgeon both feel the shadow in question is not worrisome, and if the patient feels comfortable, then followup over time is often reasonable. When there's any discomfort, either on the part of the docs or the patient, there are ways to sample the area with a biopsy needle or open surgery. The odds are it'll be no big deal: it's very reasonable to do the additional testing for which you are scheduled. That very well could be the end of it.

[neatfreakmom]

Thanks so much for your advice.  I certainly pray that this will all end on the 9th with this area of concern being one of those benign changes in my breast!  Thanks!