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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
First Mammogram- seeking clarification
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - breast cancer
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
First Mammogram- seeking clarification
by TracieD, May 16, 2008 03:12PM
I had a mammogram performed May 2, 2008.
Results show: "Scattered fibroglandular densities that COULD obscure a legion on mammography. There is a POSSIBLE mass measuring 1.5cm in the right breast located 12cm from the nipple. It is visible on the MLO view ONLY, where it projects to the cephalad of the nipple.
The left breast has no distortin, dominant mass, or suspicious calcification.
Impression:
Mass in the right breast requires additional evaluation and possible ultrasound. Please start with exaggerated CC view and straight lateral-medial view to locate findings in 2 planes. No action required for left breast."
BI-RADS category 0
I suppose the first question is how they can see this "mass" in the MLO view but not the CC view. I would think a true mass would be present in both views especially with measurement of 1.5cm and a proximity of 12cm from the nipple. I know in fatty tissue it can move around but I would expect it to possibly move locale rather than not be present in the other view. I have felt all around this area since this finding and it just doesn't feel any different to me. I even pressed VERY firmly. Enough to make me slightly uncomfortable doing so.
How can they indicate a category of 0 when they are listed as 1-4? Could it be that they categorized it this way because they had no other screenings to go by? I wouldn't be as scared if this detail was coming from somewhere else rather than MD ANDERSON.....a well known and respected Cancer treatment hospital. Any advice on this report while I await the dreaded appointment?
History: menses onset age 12, birth control from 13-23 then tubal, no family breast issues, no external breast issues, non smoker/drinker, born two children, age 38 and first mammogram, regular self exams by myself and hubby, Caffeine drinker and I just recently lost 40 pounds (from size 18 to 8-on my own accord by diet/exercise). Good health.
Thank you for your help!
Results show: "Scattered fibroglandular densities that COULD obscure a legion on mammography. There is a POSSIBLE mass measuring 1.5cm in the right breast located 12cm from the nipple. It is visible on the MLO view ONLY, where it projects to the cephalad of the nipple.
The left breast has no distortin, dominant mass, or suspicious calcification.
Impression:
Mass in the right breast requires additional evaluation and possible ultrasound. Please start with exaggerated CC view and straight lateral-medial view to locate findings in 2 planes. No action required for left breast."
BI-RADS category 0
I suppose the first question is how they can see this "mass" in the MLO view but not the CC view. I would think a true mass would be present in both views especially with measurement of 1.5cm and a proximity of 12cm from the nipple. I know in fatty tissue it can move around but I would expect it to possibly move locale rather than not be present in the other view. I have felt all around this area since this finding and it just doesn't feel any different to me. I even pressed VERY firmly. Enough to make me slightly uncomfortable doing so.
How can they indicate a category of 0 when they are listed as 1-4? Could it be that they categorized it this way because they had no other screenings to go by? I wouldn't be as scared if this detail was coming from somewhere else rather than MD ANDERSON.....a well known and respected Cancer treatment hospital. Any advice on this report while I await the dreaded appointment?
History: menses onset age 12, birth control from 13-23 then tubal, no family breast issues, no external breast issues, non smoker/drinker, born two children, age 38 and first mammogram, regular self exams by myself and hubby, Caffeine drinker and I just recently lost 40 pounds (from size 18 to 8-on my own accord by diet/exercise). Good health.
Thank you for your help!
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, May 20, 2008 07:18AM
, May 20, 2008 07:18AM
Dear TracieD, Basically the report is indicating that there are no obvious problems, however there are a few questionable findings that a more focused mammogram and ultrasound should clarify. BIRADS scale is a rating system used by radiologists to categorize findings on a mammogram. The scale runs from 1 to 5. 1 being nothing to comment on. Routine screening. to 5 being highly suggestive of malignancy. A rating of 0 just indicates that additional evaluation to clarify findings is recommended, particularly as there is no prior mammogram that this one can be compared to.
