The 2 mammograms you had are different.The first one is a screening mammogram and the second is a diagnostic mammogram which is a type of mammogram in which only a small area of the breast is compressed showing a much clearer image,because it focuses only on the suspicious area.
Together with the Ultrasound your radiologist studied the findings and estimated that it's a benign Hamartoma.
Having another mammogram too soon would most probably yield the same results.
Please don't worry too much about it...Your doctor will listen to all your concerns and will surely give you the best advice on how to proceed, since he has all the details of your tests results.
You could also consult a Breast Specialist for a second opinion, regarding the findings.
I'm sorry, I left that out. She did send me for an immediate ultrasound then said its the hamartoma and I can just do yearly mammos. I don't get why we shouldn't look sooner since my only other mammo was 7 days ago.
Hi again,
When you had the diagnostic mammogram which focused on that particular area of concern,the radiologist did not detect any suspicious characteristics ,otherwise he would have recommended additional tests such as an Ultrasound or a biopsy.
Hamartomas are benign breast tumors,they are usually monitored to make sure that no changes have occurred ,but some women and doctors prefer to surgically remove them.
If you are worried about it,you can certainly discuss your concern with your doctor and see if a biopsy or removing the tumor would be a better option for you,to avoid worrying till your next follow up.
Best wishes...
The smaller spot was not there once they did the compression. The larger one was and they then did a mammogram. The radiologist said it is a hamartoma. She said it was fine and I can just do yearly mammograms. However, after talking with my husband and friends who are survivors, I think I will ask for a biopsy. I'm waiting for a call back from my gynocologist to see what she says as well.
I'm also reading as much as I can about this. Any advice or insight will be most welcome.
I don't think you should worry too much about your grandmother or great grandmother history of breast cancer.You are not at a higher risk than anyone else because they had breast cancer.
Of course your risk would be slightly higher if you have one first-degree female relative (sister, mother, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer.
Some women could have several risk factors and never get it or have none and get the disease.,so try your best not to get too far ahead of yourselves in this.
Being called back for a diagnostic Mammogram is very common and often the findings are nothing to worry about.
I know, waiting for additional tests and results is very hard! We all go through these difficult times.... but we also know there is power in positive attitude and thinking ..and most of the time things turn out to be just fine in the end ...
Take care...
Thanks again. Now I just wait until Tuesday. Did find out from my aunt that my maternal great grandmother also died of breast cancer. Honestly, I'm shocked (and grateful) we haven't had any more in generations after my grandmother.
Just keep reminding myself that at this point, it is whatever it is and driving myself crazy between now and Tuesday does no good, and will be a waste of energy if it is nothing.
You welcome!
Please come back to us to let us know how you are doing and how things are proceeding.
Also if you have any additional question or comment, regarding your upcoming tests,please post on this same thread so we have all your information together.
Again wishing you all the best and benign findings! :)
Hi,
If a mammogram finds that there is asymmetric densities, this usually means that areas of the breast are obscured and appear as a shadow. In this case,a diagnostic mammogram is needed to focus on these areas.Very often this second mammogram is all that is needed,confirming that all is okay.However if something still looks suspicious, an Ultrasound might follow to get a clearer picture and if need be also a biopsy so a diagnosis can be made.Your friend is right,if you are worried, you could certainly ask your doctor to order a biopsy,since it's the only sure way to know exactly what is going on.
It is impossible to predict in advance what these densities could be,because they are really non-specific findings that may or may not point out to a possible abnormality,so you shouldn't jump to any conclusion....Please remember ,that the vast majority of breast abnormalities are benign in nature,such as cysts,fibroadenomas etc...
Hoping that there is nothing serious to worry about.
All the best!