Help me understand my mammo report

[msjfitz]

Please somebody speak plain English to me about this report. Large area of suspicious microcalcifications. rt breast. Numerous irregular,  pleomorphic and occasionally linear microcalcifications from 2 o'clock to 6 o'clock. Poorly defined density in this area. bloody rt nipple discharge during compression. Ultrasound findings were distended ducts containing hypoechoic soft tissue with scattered punctate echogenic foci compatible wwith microcalcifications.. There are a few scattered poorly defined hypoechoic areas noted in the medial portion of the rt breast which are suspicious for neoplasm. A lymph node with a prominent cortex is identified in the right axilla measuring 1.0x1.3 cm in size.
Rated as a bi-rad 5. What does all this mean? What is a prominent cortex? What is neoplasm? Thank you so much for your help, as nobody seems to want to interpret the findings to me. Thanks, Janis

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Janis:  Many of the words in this report are descriptive and help to define what is seen radiographically.  The plain English version is that there are some calcifications that appear in patterns that raise suspicion of cancer.  There are several areas in the right breast that are suspicious for cancer.  There is a slightly enlarged lymph node in the right armpit.  BIRAD 5 means that the findings are suspicious for breast cancer (neoplasm is another word for cancer).  The next step will likely be a biopsy.

[Sai387]

Hi, when are you going to have your doctor's appointment? She/He will explain it to you what exactly it is, but for my understanding and research, this may call DCIS and most of the cases DCIS are benign. Very few cases will turn it in to carcinogenic. But your doctors will diagnose it properly. My sister has almost similar symptoms what you have and she went to a surgeon and oncologist.(She is just 35 years old and mother of 2 kids. She has Microcalcification with clusters in her rt breast more than 9CM) But with out further investigation we don't know yet what is your condition. I can totally understand what stage you are in. This is all about waiting game and at the time of waiting I know how much stress and confusion you will get. Just relax until your doctor diagnoses it. All the best and my prayers are with you.

[msjfitz]

Thank you for the response. I have been to my surgeon and am having a biopsy on Monday. I guess I am just trying to understand some of the terminology...like neoplasm and prominent cortex on the lymph node etc. You are right though ultimately waiting is the name of the game...especially I am grateful for your prayers..thanks you

[japdip]

As posted by previously you will be more informed when the results of your biopsy are in and you talk further with your surgeon. In the meantime as far as the terminology goes: the cortex is the outer ege of an organ; the fact that it is said to be prominent means that is it more visible than one would normally expect. A neoplasm is a  a new & abnormal formation of tissue such as a tumor or growth. Keeping good thoughts for you.

[msjfitz]

Thank you for your good thoughts and response...I appreciate any info I can get. I will post the results of my biopsy when they are in...thanks again.