breast density and mamagram

[worrywart639]

i have my mammograms every year. i am 60 and have pretty dense breasts- referred to , by my place of mammagraphy as "snow caps" last year- they did a set of images in additional to the regular ones , from the middle to the nipple of each breast. yesterday, the tech did the regular images, but did not include those specific pictures. i did not request them- as i guess now i realize, i should have

this morning, the center called and said the radiologis wanted to redo the right breast because it showed - i guess- more density. i am trying to remain calm- this is the tempermental breast- in the 90"s - had a lapover- i think they called it in that breast. there is no breast cancer in my family. my weight is up about 8 to 10 pounds from last year.  think that my age has attributed- i am trying to watch it and exercise more. i turned 60 in june.

thank you for your time
i have another appointment next thursday for the extra images

carol ann brooks
***@****

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear carol ann brooks:  Sometimes, in people who have mammograms that continue to need additional views, doctors will order diagnostic mammograms.  This would hopefully eliminate the need to get the results and then have to return for more views each time.  As this has happened so many times before, and it is common for densities to show up that clear with compression, this will hopefully be as before and prove to be nothing serious.

[japdip]

My suggestion would be to have your Physician order Diagnostic Mammography from now on if he/she will do so. This way the mammogram will be done while the reading Radiologist is present and reviews the films immediately ... if additional views are needed they can be done right there and then. You are correct about the density; it does seem to increase with age but dense breasts are present in young women too so we "oldies" have something in common with the 20s & 30s group -- LOL. I wouldn't worry just yet; this could be something as simple as some breast tissue that has folded over on itself creating a shadow of sorts.  Regards ....