Please explain, ask to return for second mammogram, I'm really nervous.

[redrose50]

I'm a 50 year old female (I have large breasts) . I got my mammogram 3/9/13 and I received a letter in the mail from the diagnostic center  asking to return for a second mammogram. Here is what the letter stated:

Craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique views of both breasts were obtained utilizing digital acquisition. Comparison made to multiple prior studies. Breast parenchyma is composed of scattered bibroglandular densites. Left breast demonstrates no suspicious findings. However, on the right mediolateral oblique view, 4.9 cm superior to the nipple, possible nodular density demonstrated. Recommend further evaluation with right mediolateral oblique spot compression and right 90 lateral view. A possible right breast sonogram may be required
In addition to standard review, the examInation was analyzed for possible abnormalities using a computer-assisted detection device.
IMPRESSION
BI-RADS CATEGORY  0: INCOMPLETE- NEED ADDITIONAL IMAGING EVALUATION.

What does this mean? I am SO nervous that something is bad>
I have my second appt. this tuesday.

[redrose50]

I pickup my report today and here what it states:

Diagnostic right mammogram, right breast sonogram.

FINDINGS:
Medioleteral oblique spot compression and 90 degree lateral views of the breast demonstrate a persistent well-circumscribed density in the outer portion of the right breast approximately 5 to 6 cm from the nipple. Sonogram was performed.
Sonogram evaluation of the left( that's what my report stated but that's not correct because there was only images taken of my right breast, I went to medical records so they could fix to typo) displays a 0.7 x 0.2 x 0.6 cm cyst in the 9 o'clock position 7 cm from the nipple. A well circumscribed lesion with central fatty hilum is present measuring 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4 cm at the 10 o'clock position approximately 8 cm from the nipple.
IMPRESSION:
1. Probably benign cyst and intramammary lymph node with the right breast.
ACR category 3 probably benign findings, repeat right mammogram and breast sonogram 6 month recommended.

[ncmichigan]

Just wanted to add that I'm SO happy to hear about your benign results!It's  never an easy experience to go through, but it's certainly worthwhile to be reassured it's nothing serious. I know you'll get your follow up in six months and I hope all goes well for you at that time and in the future!
Hugs,
nc

[redrose50]

I just want to thank everyone here for being so kind and helpful. Ya'll have no idea how much it helped me to stay leveled headed throughout this experience. I will be following up with my appt. in 6 month, like BB said " Better safe than sorry". I always knew how serious breast cancer was but when it hits so close to home, even tho I was diagnosed benign, man it's a whole different feeling. thanks again everyone!!!!

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi again,

I want to join the others in saying how happy I am that things turned out well for you at your "recall!"  

As I mentioned in my first reply, recalls are very common and more often than not, do turn out okay. Unfortunately, the woman and her loved ones go though a period of anxiety until the recall tests are done and the results are known--sometimes a few days, but other times much longer. Maybe some of the newer tests, such as the 3-D mammo, will reduce the rate of recalls?

Meanwhile, despite the inconvenience and anxiety associated with recalls,
my philosophy remains: "Better safe than sorry!" I hope in time, after the negative aspects of the whole experience begin to fade, you will be thankful for the thoroughness and enjoy the resulting peace of mind.

Best wishes,
bb

[Nylani]

Congrats! I am SO happy for you.

Please keep in contact, I know the stress that you have gone through because of the manner in which your original report was handled (or not handled by your clinic)

You do deserve better, however, with a good result like this, you can take the time to consider what you would like to do, and it will be a good test to see how they explain the upcoming report to you.

I am still saddened that you went through all that unnecessary stress and can imagine the huge weight of the world has been lifted from your shoulders today..

I hope you celebrate in some way, myself, I have a huge weakness for chocolate so it would be a box of chocolates and a bubbly bath :)

[redrose50]

Thanks zouzi, you have no idea how relieved I am, even tho I have to follow-up in 6 month, it's good news. I still post my results in a few days when I pick up my report from the diagnostic center, thanks again.

[zouzi]

Hi again.
Thanks for giving us the good news!Congratulations on your benign results!
Radiologists are quite able to identify typically benign breast nodules,depending on their form and pattern.If no suspicion is detected a biopsy is not required to prevent unnecessary procedures.
The report on your mammogram could very well be Category 3,"probably benign finding" to have suggested a short-interval follow-up,which is always recommended,jut to make sure that no changes occur.
BIRADS score 3 is used when a noted finding has a very high probability of being benign.
So,until you receive the complete report,which should be explained to you in details,(by another physician,if you decide to change your actual doctor),try to relax and be happy about what you have been told today by your radiologist. :)  
BTW,the little circle that was seen on your mammogram/ultrasound imaging ,could be a cyst or a fibroadenoma.These are the most common "benign" lesions  found in the breast.
Best wishes....

[redrose50]

I went for my appt. today and they did a spot compression and a sonogram. I seen my picture there is was this little tiny spot they were focusing on and the lady said if it would of been something  there was no way I would be able to feel it during my self breast exam.She assured me I will be ok. Then I went for the sonogram, a lady did the sonogram she said she would be back in a minute, well she walked out to the room to speak with the radiologist I seen the pictures the lady took and there was several pictures of just a round circle and then different picture where it appeared the circle was squashed together. The lady said that the radiologist may come in or not, well he didn't but the lady did and she said the radiologist said it was benign and for me to come back in 6 month for another mammogram and sonogram. I be able to pick up my report between 24 to 48 hours and I will know all the details.

[redrose50]

thank you for the hugs, I sure need them.

[redrose50]

No Nylani they never told me any reason why they never contacted me. After I'm done with all my check ups and do what I need to do I will be looking for another doctor.
I believe if I can do it myself I will do it because then I know it got done. That's why I went to my doctor's office and got the physician order myself and dropped it off at the diagnostic center for my appt.
thank you for the wish,

[redrose50]

Thank you for all the responses, I am single and my kids are grown, I called them to let them know and they very comforting. I would of never thought that so many people in this community here are so caring, understanding and have walked the walk. I'm so blessed to find this site.

[ncmichigan]

I'm just adding my good wishes to those you've received already! Callbacks are very commom---my breast center said about 15% of mamos require further assessment. Fortunately, they send a nice letter explaining that they're common,the reasons for the callback and that they understand the anxiety and fear they may cause. They tell you the benefit of having any questionable area investigated is to reassure you and your doctor that what was seen is normal for you and not something more serious. If it is something else, you'll be directed to whatever additional testing and/or treatment is needed. It's too bad your diagnostic center didn't do the same and may have saved you some of the anxiety you had to go through. But now with all the good information you've been given, hopefully, you'll get your follow up on Tuesday with a little less stress. (We've all been there, and know how hard it is not to worry!) Try to stay positive and take one step at a time and you'll be fine. I'm also wishing you all the best and hope for benign findings! We'll be thinking of you.
Sending you a big hug from Michigan (     ),
nc
PS: As Nylani said, you may have to consider changing doctors or clinics, but at least you'll have something definite to go on on Tuesday.

[Nylani]

Oh dear, that doesn't sound good at all. Did they let you know why there was no followup in this case?

I too, have been on the receiving end of having to endlessly phone my clinic to ensure certain referrals were done as they ended up going "missing" or simply not done at all.

My suggestion is if you feel unsatisfied with the lack of followup and care, that you look for another clinic/provider.

It's a choice that I was faced with after several missed referrals in relation to my breast exams and biopsies.
I am with a new doctor who phones to check how I am doing regardless of any tests done, and I can say wholeheartedly that my stress levels have gone down considerably.

However, well done on being proactive and ensuring everything was in place for Tuesday

All the very best

[redrose50]

When I received the letter I was totally puff because I expected a call from my doctor about scheduling a second appt., but I never got a call nor was called for the results of my first mammogram. When I called my doctor's office the next day to send/fax a physician order to the diagnostic center for the second mammogram, I had to call three times for them to fax it. I also told my doctor's office that I would stop by to get the order to make sure I will be cover on tuesday and there won't be no delay's.

[zouzi]

You are welcome redrose,
Yes,please let us know how things are proceeding...In the meantime,we will be keeping our fingers crossed for you and sending good vibes your way.
Again,I wish you the very best !

[Nylani]

Hi there,

I dont have any further explanations to add as Zouzi and Blue have provided such a wonderful breakdown already, however I just wanted to add my very best wishes for your upcoming appointment.

I know how frightening it can be when you dont understand all the medical jargon  and it's even harder when it's presented to you in the form of a letter without a doctor or medical professional nearby to translate it for you.

However from the above findings, I hope you can  now rest easier knowing that the mammogram simply didn't provide clear information (wouldn't it have been so much nicer if the report said that instead!)

I'm sorry you had to go through that stress and look forward to hearing the results after Tuesday

All my very best

Lani

[redrose50]

Thank you for responding and wishing me luck, I will be back tuesday to let you know how my appt. went.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

Sooner or later,most women will be recalled after a screening mammogram.  (It's happened to me three times: each time all was well, thank goodness.)

A "recall" only means that more information is needed before the radiologist can say for sure everything is fine.Sometimes overlapping tissue can can look like a mass or distortion. Often a "spot compression mammogram" will flatten out the area,  revealing that no problem actually exists. Sometimes an ultrasound will be performed, because different imaging techniques are better at getting good pictures in different cases.

Almost all recalls turn out to be nothing, even if a biopsy is recommended. One study found that after 10 years of screening, more than half of all women will receive at least one  "false positive" (cancer appears to be present, but upon further testing it's not).

It is also important for patients to know that, in the worst case scenario, if a biopsy does yield cancer, the large majority of cancers that are picked up on a screening mammogram are stage 0 or stage 1, which means an extremely high cure rate and excellent long-term prognosis.

I certainly hope all goes well for you on Tuesday. Please let us know, by adding an additional comment to this same thread.

Wishing you all the best,
bluebutterfly

[zouzi]

Hi,
When a mammogram shows a density that needs further investigation,the next step is to do a spot compression.A spot compression is a type of mammogram in which only a small area of the breast is compressed to achieve better imaging of a particular region of the breast,particularly because fibroglandular density can make Mammography interpretation more difficult.
BIRADS category 0,means that the mammogram you had,didn't give the radiologist enough information to make a clear diagnosis.Try not to worry too much...the fact that you have been called back, is very common..Very often, a second mammogram will confirm that all is okay and an Ultrasound might not even be necessary.
Please also note that very often, the breast tissue can fold over on itself and cause a "density" to appear on x-tray. A spot compression will often smooth out the tissue and the "density" will disappear.
Hoping that it will be the same for you next Tuesday and that your report will state benign findings !
Wishing you all the best and good luck...