Strong history of breast cancer, Should I worry?

[SOURYA]

I have a very strong history of breast cancer in my family.. My grandmother had a double mastectomy in her early 30's... My aunt had a mastectomy in her mid to late 40's.... and most recently my 29 year old sister was diagnosed with ductile carcinoma in situ. Needless to say after finding out about my sister I was terrified. Were only a year apart. I just had my first baseline mammogram done last week, and I was given the following information...  The breast tissue is average. No malignant appearing calcification or focal architectural distortion is identified. There is a nodular density, however, noted within the

inferomedial quadrant of the left breast. What does this mean? I am scheduled to have a special view mammogram and ultrasound, I am really nervous considering my family history with breast cancer... Is the finding of a nodular density something to be this be concerned about given my family history?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear SOURYA:  It is not uncommon to find an abnormality on mammogram, particularly when this is the baseline mammogram and there is not another mammogram for comparison.  A closer view, will focus in on the area of concern and help to determine whether further investigation is necessary.  This could be many things including a cyst or a fold of tissue.  However, the only way to know is to look closer, complete the ultrasound and that information will guide future decisions.  Very often these turn out to be benign.  If that is the case, however, you may benefit from a discussion with a medical breast specialist or a genetics counselor who can better characterize your risk and suggest a screening program that will be appropriate for you.   In addition, you and your family members may want to consider meeting with a genetic counselor to discuss genetic testing.  Families in which there are multiple cases of breast cancer including breast cancers diagnosed under the age of 40 and bilateral breast cancers are more likely to have specific genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.  The information may help you to better estimate your future risk of breast cancer (and other cancers such as ovarian cancer) and determine the best screening or prevention program.

[Magicbean]

Definitely it is a cause to be concerned, but not scared. With all that I have learned over the years, it means they want a closer look. There is a spot in the breast(nodular) that is different(density) then the rest(of your breast) they are seeing. They will take a few more films and should do an ultra sound and then they can tell more. The next step after that if their still unsure would be a biopsy, to check for malignancy. Needle or surgerical depending on your size. I can never have needle because of  being small breasted. I too am a very high risk and(because of family history) have had many biopsies. Last one didn't turn out so good and soon will be having a high risk MRI on both and will be starting tamoxifin. Follow threw with all treatments, prayers are with you SOURYA.

[rkmsim]

Have you thought about genetic testing?  I had genetic testing done after my second bc 2003 (first was in 1998).  My mother had bc at age 80 (in 2002), her sister had it in her 40's and my aunt (grandmother's sister on my moms side) had ovarian cancer. I found out that I am BRCA1+ so ended up having a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction.  I also had my ovaries removed.  With your family history, if one of your relatives who has been diagnosed would consent to genetic testing, then it would benefit you.  They like to run to test on a family member who has already been diagnosed with bc.  If it is positive, then they would look for the same mutation in you.