palpable asymmetrical breast density

[marsbars9999]

This week when I went to my Doctor for an annual medical, he found "asymmetrical breast density" in my right breast. He also felt the shape of right breast appears a little different from the shape of my left breast. He has sent me for a mammogram and an ultrasound. He said that he likes to be cautious. I am just so worried that I have breast cancer ... and I have to wait to get the tests.  Looking forward to responses.

[marsbars9999]

Thanks so much zouzi ... I am so grateful for your replies. I am trying to remain calm until test results ... some hours it is easier than others. (NO HRT)

[zouzi]

Hi again,
I really find it hard to reassure you completely about risk factors.All I can say is that we should always be vigilant and have regular screening and regularly visit our doctors to make sure that our breasts are healthy. Having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that we will get the disease.Most women who have one or more breast cancer risk factors never develop the disease, while many women with breast cancer have no apparent risk factors (other than being a woman and growing older)
By the way, if you are on hormone replacement therapy it could cause more density in the breasts and you should have an in-depth discussion with your doctor concerning the risks and benefits,because of the known association between HRT and breast cancer.
Take care...

[marsbars9999]

Thanks so much again zouzi ... or if I'm 63 years old ... does that make the risk any greater?  

[zouzi]

You are more than welcome!
It is not unusual for breast tissue to be asymmetrical (one breast more dense than the other). Sometimes breast tissue can become more prominent during certain times in a menstrual cycle related to hormone fluctuation.
A breast density,whether it's palpable or not, could mean a lot of things and doesn't necessarily point to cancer. It is very hard to tell at this point if what was detected on one of you breast is an abnormality or just a natural occurrence.  
Try to stay calm and go ahead with the additional views of the breast to have a more definitive diagnosis.After the Mammogram/Ultrasound views, ask your doctor/radiologist about the BIRADS classification of your mammogram which is a standardized reporting system to know if there is anything to worry about.
This system allows radiologist to categorize the findings by numbers.The scores go from 0 to 5.The higher the number the more suspicious is the abnormality.
Again wishing you well and benign findings! :)

[marsbars9999]

Is my risk higher because the density is palpable as opposed to only showing up on a mammogram ... or because one of my breasts has a slightly different shape?   Thanks so much for your answer zouzi.

[zouzi]

Hi,
This density could really be something harmless but it's hard for a doctor or anyone else to clearly identify what this density really represents without the benefit of a Mammogram/ Ultrasound or a biopsy "if "needed.
Sending you for more testing is a good medical practice and shows that your doctor is taking good care of you,but please don't jump to any conclusion by thinking about breast cancer,because most abnormalities detected in the breast result in benign findings,so try to keep positive thoughts....things could turn out just fine for you..
Please let us know about your results,by adding your comment below the answer's you have received.We are here to help you the best way we can, if you have any additional questions.
Wishing you all the best!