Can you please interpret the results of my mammogram

[lolabridga]

  I had a mammogram, and the radiographic results read, "There is a mildly heterogeneous residual fibroglandular breast parenchyma.  In the left upper breast upper-outer quandrant there is an 8mm nodule possible lymph node."
First off, what exactly does this mean, and since I'm in Hawaii where it takes a while for next diagnostic exams they've requested (mammogram and ultrasound)...is this something to be very concerned about?  Is an 8mm nodule or (enlarged) lymph gland a very concerning finding?  What is the typical size of a lymph gland?  They also mention there being in the abdomen small lymph nodes with lucent centers.  What does this mean, and is it concerning?  Thank you so much, in advance, for your help in this....as I am fairly concerned.

[japdip]

No, it isn't odd at all .... if they can't be 100% certain that it is a lymph node it has to be called something and "nodule" fits this requirement. Not that many lymph nodes show up within the breast but when they do they are of little concern. In that area most are found in the axillary area with only an occasional one within the breast tissue. The only concern is the question as to whether it is a lymph node (even though it may appear to be) or something else. Stay calm now ... you know stressing over it never helps.  Kindest regards .....

[lolabridga]

Thank you so much for your response.  I guess I'm still wondering why it's called a nodule, of there are so many lymph nodes in the area....there must be an anomaly for them to describe it as a nodule...such as denseness, possible tumor?  I would think a bunch of lymph nodes would show up...so why the concern about this one?

Thanks again SO very much, as this month-long wait for further studies can be totally stressful!  Mahalo.

[japdip]

It's difficult to state the normal size of lymph nodes because they can vary from a few mm to 2 cm, depending on their location. The size stated in your report doesn't seem unusual and wouldn't be considered "enlarged". The nodule evident on film may well be a lymph node but evidently more studies need to be done to be sure. The answer will come in the reports from the recommended additional testing. We have hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body. Dense breast tissue which is mentioned is quite common; it just makes it more difficult to discover some abnormalities and this is the reason for the additional films that have been ordered.   Regards .....