Help with interpretation of mammogram

[sessa]

Can you help me interperet my mammogram which reads as follows:  

LEFT BREAST FINDING: - There are scattered fibroglandular densities.  A high density irregular mass with partially indistinct, spiculated margin with associated calcifications clustered fine pleomorphic calcifications is present at 12 o'clock.  Architectural distortion is present.  This is a new finding.  

IMPRESSION: - New irregular mass and associated clustered fine pleomorphic calcifications at 12 o'clock.


This discussion is related to Interpreting Mammo � US Results.

[sessa]

Thank you very much.  

I will make sure a biopsy procedure will be done.  I would rather be safe than sorry.

I am scared but feel I have a better understanding of the exam report.

[PaulMD]

These descriptions just means that the margins of the lump are not well defined, and the architectural distortion applies when the usual ductal changes in the breast are out of the ordinary.  I believe that this would merit a biopsy procedure.

[sessa]

Thank you so very much for your information . . . I am scared  and didn't understand the medical terminology used.

The radiologist called after my mammo and scheduled a second level mammogram and an ultrasound.

Will these additional tests and information tell me if the mass is malignant?  Can you please explain what . . ."partially indistinct spiculated margin with associated calcifications clustered fine pleomorphic calcifications" . . ."Architectural distortion".

I don't have the slightist idea of what this means.

Thank you so very much!

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Mammogram findings are best interpreted or reported using the BIRADS category.  This is a standardized system of reporting mammogram results which would direct future actions such as the need for a biopsy or excision.

You can read about the BIRADS classifications here: http://biradsclass.blogspot.com/
However, basing just on the descriptions, I believe that this new finding would warrant a biopsy procedure to ascertain the nature of these lesions, and it looks like it is hard to rule out a malignant process just by the descriptions alone.

Ask your radiologist about the BIRADS classification of your mammogram findings, and possibly referral to a breast surgeon for a possible biopsy.

Regards and God bless.