Repeat Mammography and Surprise Ultrasond

[BetGR]

I got the dreaded call.    I was told "it was no emergency" but we need you to come in for another view of my left breast. I have no family history, will be 57 this month, menopausal for 1 1/2 years.   When I got the appointment papers from the hospital I was surprised that there was an appointment AFTER the repeat mammo for an ultrasound.   Is this common.  I've been through a lot of other medical challenges since Nov. 06 and am just overwhelmed and freaking out more than just a little.   Is it common to arrange for an ultrasound?

[ProdigalGirl]

That is 2 funny! She talked about colonoscopies when u were afraid of breast cancer? WOW.. some people are too much! I am also glad to hear you are ok.



ProdigalGirl

[BetGR]

Thank you.  I wasn't sure about the great feeling until after the ultrasound but it sure was great to hear the doctor's confidence.  You have a great summer too.  And no doubt about the monthly exams.

Could have done without the "helpful" volunteer who was anything but - and talked more about her mammograms and colonoscopies than I wanted to hear at that point.  But now - all is good.

[BetGR]

Everything is ok. I had the repeat mammogram and ultrasound on Wednesday June 3) and despite the torturous waiting for the ultrasound, it turned out to be a tiny benign cyst.   The radiologist helped me locate it so I can watch it - and I need to go back in 6 months for a follow-up but she said not to worry.

Thank you for all your support!

[BJSaws]

I think it is pretty standard practice to do an ultrasound at the same time as a spot compression or "second look" mammogram.  The ultrasound will show if the spot is solid or liquid-filled.  If it is liquid-filled it is a cyst and it might be aspirated during the ultrasound.  The ultrasound will also show if there is vascular involvement which is also an indication of the need for further evaluation, i.e. a biopsy.  Because I always had dense breasts with cysts, virtually every mammogram I had was followed up with an ultrasound which confirmed that the area in question was indeed a cyst.
I know you are stressed, but just the fact that you are scheduled for an ultrasound does not indicate any more concern than the repeat mammogram.  Good luck and I hope all goes well with your testing.  

[BetGR]

They only told me it was my left breast (mine are very dense) and not much more.  They never mentioned the appointment for the ultrasound so of course my mind went into overdrive and I'm driving myself (and my husband) nuts.

[carol05]

Is the repeat mammogram a spot compression?--where they specifically look a a particular area.  That's what they called me back in for.  Then, if it doesn't compress out they do the ultrasound.  Don't worry, most of these findings are benign and even if they aren't there is so much they can do these days.  We are lucky women to be living in these times with the increased treatment techniques, which I have learned have an extremely success rate.  I freaked out to at first, but have a very calm feeling now.  Just keep the faith and pray for peace and everything will be fine.  Let me know how things turn out.