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ill defined nodule

My wife (55) just got her mamogram results and they show an ill defined nodule with microcalcifications seen on the upper outer left breast. They want her to come back for further tests ( spot compression and sonography). I guess this is a dumb question but should we be very worried ? Ty for any responses.
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Avatar universal
Hi,

A BIRAD category 0 means that the lesion is benign and no further investigations are required.

BIRAD means breast imaging reporting and data system- it is used by radiologists to classify breast lesions. Further managemnet is then decided accordingly.

Category 0: Need Additional Imaging Evaluation
Category 1: Negative
Category 2: Benign Finding
Category 3: Probably Benign Finding; Short Interval Follow-Up Suggested
Category 4: Suspicious Abnormality; Biopsy Should Be Considered
Category 5: Highly Suggestive of Malignancy; Appropriate Action Should Be Taken

An ultrasound should still be done to find out the difference between a solid and cystic lesion.

Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium deposted in the breast tissue. The usual plan of follow up is a regular breast self exam, a clinical evaluation in 6 months and a mammogram every 6 months or annually or as your doctor advises. A biopsy is done for a confirmed diagnosis and to rule out malignancy.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
Thank you for the reply...  The report doesn't say much, but I'll type in everything.

Findings:  There is an ill-defined nodule seen within the upper outer left breast for which additional spot compression magnification images in CC and true lateral view on the left are recommended.  There is soft tissue nodule with coarse calcifications seen within the right breast, consistent with fibroadenoma.  No spiculated mass lesion or suspicious appearing clusters of microcalcificatons seen.

Impression:  Additional work up necessary (birads category 0).  There is ill-defined dodule with microcalcifications seen within the upper outer left breast, for which additional spot compression magnification images in CC and true lateral view are recommended (birads category 0).  Given the appearance on these additional views, sonography may be beneficial for cyst/solid defferentiation.

Now they want her back in for:  Spot Compression/Magnification and an ultrasound.

To answer your question - No she does not feel a lump and no discharge or skin changes..

Thank you...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

An ultrasound would tell whether a particular lesion is solid or cystic and so it would not pick up any lesion which is the same consistency or similar in consistency to the breast tissue.

A spot compression mammogram would help focus on the area of suspicion.

What does the exact mammogram report say? Do ask for a copy of all the reports and post it to us here.

Does she notice any abnormal feature on breast self examination like a lump, nipple discharge or skin changes etc?

The usual next step is to go ahead with a needle aspiration or FNAC procedure or to get a repeat investigations done in 6 months time.

Let us know about what her doctor advises and if you have any other doubts.

Hope this helps.

Regards.
Helpful - 0
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