Mammogram shows new areas of denisty

[nycjane]

Hi All,

I am 49 years old.  I recently had my annual mammogram - I already know have dense breasts - and got the following report:

Mass or abnormal density:  A new density in the left breast on the oblique view superiorly measuring 6 x 7 mm is 6.7 cm from the nipple.  It is not definitely seen on the craniocaudal view.  Rest of the fibroglandular tissue of both breasts shows no significant change.  A new density present in the left breast on the craniocaudal view in the lateral aspect 5.1 cm from the nipple measuring 5 x 4 mm.  It is not definitely seen on the oblique view.  No spiculated lesions, abnormal calcifications or architectural distortion are seen in either breast.

Overall Impression:  New density in the left breast on the oblique view and another in the left breast on the craniocaudal view.  Recommend coned down compression views and ultrasound of the left breast and 90 degree lateral view.

Birads score 0

What does this mean?  I am worried.  

Thank you

[madgeOwens]

BIRADS


Category Diagnosis Number of Criteria
0 Incomplete Your mammogram or ultrasound didn't give the radiologist enough information to make a clear diagnosis; follow-up imaging is necessary
1 Negative There is nothing to comment on; routine screening recommended
2 Benign A definite benign finding; routine screening recommended
3 Probably Benign Findings that have a high probability of being benign (>98%); six-month short interval follow-up
4 Suspicious Abnormality Not characteristic of breast cancer, but reasonable probability of being malignant (3 to 94%); biopsy should be considered
5 Highly Suspicious of Malignancy Lesion that has a high probability of being malignant (>= 95%); take appropriate action
6 Known Biopsy Proven Malignancy  Lesions known to be malignant that are being imaged prior to definitive treatment; assure that treatment is completed

[beth3827]

Sorry to post so late on this.  I just went through the same thing with my annual mammogram - a new density.  I spent two hours in the office going through additional x-rays and then for an ultrasound.  The result was not clear, so the Radiologist ordered a MRI.  The results of the MRI were negative.  I had the same concern as you wondering what the new "increase in density" meant on the mammogram.  I think the Radiologist could not get a good look at it, even with the ultrasound, so he ordered the MRI.  I hope you are able to have the same results.

[nycjane]

i should have been more clear.  what does " a new area of density" mean...do they see something suspicious or is it just different?

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

A BIRADS score of 0 means that the mammogram study is inconclusive and would need further tests such as coned down views of the mammogram or a different modality such as an ultrasound.  The female breasts really varies in density, and still, what may be happening to your breast is physiologic.  

However, if the additional test would reveal something else suspicious, then it may be necessary to do a biopsy procedure such as through fine needle or core biopsy.

Regards.