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mammogram results
My mammogram showed a small bright white spot, so they did more mammograms and then an ultra sound, and then they said it was ok....my breast is painful all the time, I can't wear a bra. I had surgery a few years ago on the same breast to remove atypia cells. I am wondering how they know its ok when it looks exactly the same dense tissue and cancer...I am 60 so wouldnt expect alot of density??? Should i not worry, or should I demand a mri?
Hi,
If you are known to have dense breasts, it might be a good idea to have additional testing, for peace of mind if nothing else.
Women with breasts that appear dense on mammograms are at a higher risk of breast cancer and their tumors are more likely to have certain aggressive characteristics than women with less dense breasts, according to a study published online July 27 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The researchers found that the risk of breast cancer increased progressively with increasing breast density. The associations were stronger for larger tumors than for smaller tumors; for high-grade than for low-grade tumors; and for estrogen receptor-negative than for estrogen receptor-positive tumors. The link between density and breast cancer also appeared to be stronger for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) than for invasive tumors. There was no association, however, between density and other markers of tumor aggressiveness, such as nodal involvement and HER2 status.
They conclude that breast density is an important risk factor for diverse subtypes of breast cancer. "Given that the magnitude of the association with breast density is strong across all breast cancer subtypes and particularly for ER-negative disease, breast density should be included in risk prediction models across tumor subtypes," they write.
Some states are passing legislation to require that women be informed of their breast density risk. A federal bill is in the draft stage. Digital mammograms are only 60% accurate in detecting timors in these patients, but when annual mammograms are supplemented wirh ultrasound, the accuracy increases to 97%.
For more information, check out the nonprofit Web site: areyoudense.org.
Best wishes,
bluebutterfly
If you are known to have dense breasts, it might be a good idea to have additional testing, for peace of mind if nothing else.
Women with breasts that appear dense on mammograms are at a higher risk of breast cancer and their tumors are more likely to have certain aggressive characteristics than women with less dense breasts, according to a study published online July 27 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The researchers found that the risk of breast cancer increased progressively with increasing breast density. The associations were stronger for larger tumors than for smaller tumors; for high-grade than for low-grade tumors; and for estrogen receptor-negative than for estrogen receptor-positive tumors. The link between density and breast cancer also appeared to be stronger for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) than for invasive tumors. There was no association, however, between density and other markers of tumor aggressiveness, such as nodal involvement and HER2 status.
They conclude that breast density is an important risk factor for diverse subtypes of breast cancer. "Given that the magnitude of the association with breast density is strong across all breast cancer subtypes and particularly for ER-negative disease, breast density should be included in risk prediction models across tumor subtypes," they write.
Some states are passing legislation to require that women be informed of their breast density risk. A federal bill is in the draft stage. Digital mammograms are only 60% accurate in detecting timors in these patients, but when annual mammograms are supplemented wirh ultrasound, the accuracy increases to 97%.
For more information, check out the nonprofit Web site: areyoudense.org.
Best wishes,
bluebutterfly
Hi Madge.
I agree with Japdip that as we grow older,breast density is not at all unusual and that your tests results should be fully explained by your doctor, as Japdip has suggested.
I also remember you quite well as you were the first member who answered my post about 3 years ago and I just wanted to reiterate my thanks to you..As you can see I am still here! LOL
I am sure that nothing is wrong with your breast's health,but if it takes a MRI to have peace of mind,then by all means insist to have it done if your doctor's explanation does not completely satisfy you.
Have you tried Acupuncture for your chronic breast pain or seen a pain management clinic? If I were you,I would consider it....
Wishing you the best as always... :)
I agree with Japdip that as we grow older,breast density is not at all unusual and that your tests results should be fully explained by your doctor, as Japdip has suggested.
I also remember you quite well as you were the first member who answered my post about 3 years ago and I just wanted to reiterate my thanks to you..As you can see I am still here! LOL
I am sure that nothing is wrong with your breast's health,but if it takes a MRI to have peace of mind,then by all means insist to have it done if your doctor's explanation does not completely satisfy you.
Have you tried Acupuncture for your chronic breast pain or seen a pain management clinic? If I were you,I would consider it....
Wishing you the best as always... :)
You state "they said" ... did you actually read the reports on both Mammogram & US ?? Or have it explained in detail by your prescribing Physician ?? IF not, I would advise you to do so. As we age we also have dense breast tissue .... but you already know that dense breast tissue doesn't mean that cancer is more likely ... it's just more difficult to "see" by some types of imagery. Discuss it with your Dr. and have an MRI if he/she thinks it's necessary. A little off the current subject but don't I know you from a few years ago on this site ?? I'm pretty sure I do. Regards ....
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