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Menopause (Expert Forum)
Clinical Breast Exam-Changes in Postmenopausal Woman
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy , hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis , sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
Clinical Breast Exam-Changes in Postmenopausal Woman
by needananswer631, Jul 14, 2008 08:07PM
Dear Doctor, I am 55 years old and 7 years since my last menstrual period. I recently moved to Fla and just today saw a new OB-GYN for annual Pap and Breast Exam/Mammogram. All was looking good UNTIL my CBE. The Dr. reported that she felt "an increased density" in the left outer aspect of my left breast. I asked specifically if this was a "lump" but she reiterated it was an "increase in density" different from the right side. The usual "nothing to worry about", but now I have to go for the annual Mammogram, PLUS a Unilateral Mammogram and an Ultrasound. Could you elaborate a little on this terminology "increase in density"? (I knew you could find this on mammography, but never heard it in relation to the clinical breast exam...by the way I can't feel the difference). I'm already starting to worry, hence this question to you...so I don't think what you may have to offer will cause any additional concern on my part. Thanks in advance.
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Jul 18, 2008 10:49AM
, Jul 18, 2008 10:49AM
Breasts are mainly made of fat with some fibrous tissue holding it together. Some breasts are denser than others and hormones change the amount of density. Most women's breasts aren't identical so it isn't unusual to feel something a little denser in one breast over the other. This was your doctor's first exam of you and so there isn't a baseline of what is "normal" for you.
Getting the extra evaluation is a good thing. Hopefully it will all be fine and now your doctor knows your baseline. Ask your doctor how to do a self exam and you can check it each month yourself. A lump is a defined area within the breast; increased density is just denser normal tissue.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
Getting the extra evaluation is a good thing. Hopefully it will all be fine and now your doctor knows your baseline. Ask your doctor how to do a self exam and you can check it each month yourself. A lump is a defined area within the breast; increased density is just denser normal tissue.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
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