ultrasound after mammogram

[janes]

I had a mammogram screen last week.  The tech called me back today and said I need to come back for an ultrasound and possible repeat mammogram because the radiologist saw something on my right breast.  Now I am scared to death.  What can this mean?

I am age 40.  I had a baseline mammogram at age 35 that was normal.  There is no history of breast cancer in my family.  I have never had children, but I have been treated for infertility for that past 6 months.  I have been on FSH and HCG injections monthly.  I am pretty heavy and my breasts are quite large.  The mammogram was very painful to me.  The tech thought I was exaggerating but it really hurt.  I had it done on day 8 of my cycle.  I've never felt a lump- neither has my doctor at yearly exams.

What will the ultrasound rule out?  Are there a lot of false positive mammograms?

[nelloyal]

A related discussion, ultrasound after mammogram was started.

[whynotme420]

A related discussion, breast mass was started.

[aaabbb123]

A related discussion, ultrasound was started.

[Bet63]

To get an answer from the medical prof's you'll need to post a question (a little tricky some times but if you try first thing in the morning you should be able to).
I have fibrocystic breasts (which include Cysts) and it is my understanding that its very Rare for cysts to be or become malignant. If you are concerned you should ask for the dr to aspirate it, which will make the cyst dissappear. They use a small needle to take out the fluid that makes up the cyst.
I know its scary when you have a lump but try to think positively. That's what I do and it actually works sometimes. :0)
Take care.
Bet

[janes]

They just called me back after reviewing may last films from 5 years ago.  The radiologist said there is a mass in my right breast that was on the earlier films but is now changed or larger.  They still want me to come for U/S and repeat films. Does mass mean cancer?

[howcome]

I am 31 years old and had a spot in the upper right side of my right breast.  After a exam, I had a mammogram, it confirmed a area of concern on the right side.  I was sent back for a spot mag of that area and it showed possible overlapping tissue and was no longer a major concern.  I was also sent for a ultrasound and it came back with a cysts 6mm in size and I was told to followup in 3 months.  Should I be concerned, can this cysts progress rapidly if it is a form of malignency?  Should I be seing a specialist or stick with my local small town family practice?

[latronica]

I have also been called back to have a mammogram and possible ultr sound with the radiologist(sp) after having one already. I am very scared and it was my right breast also. For some reason it was very painful i tend to think it was the person taking it because with the insurance i had to go to another hospital.  My right breast is still tender from it and wondering why. Please let me know when or what your outcome is. I go tomorrow

[janes]

Thanks for the quick answer.  I just wondered if the pain was a sign of anything like cysts.  It was especially painful to my right breast.  The tech asked me if I was having my period but I was not.  She said that could make it painful.  I am also prone to uterine fibroids- I have had 3.  Can this also make you prone to cysts?

[surgeon]

there's no relation between uterine fibroids and cystic changes in the breast. Cystic changes certainly can cause breast pain; it's usually worst as the period approaches, not during it.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear janes:  It is not at all uncommon for "something" to appear on a screening mammogram that needs further evaluation.  This could be anything from a fold of skin, to a cyst, to an actual nodule requiring yet further evaluation.  In many instances a diagnostic mammogram will focus in on the area of concern and it will clarify that nothing is worrisome.  An ultrasound is a test that is good at clarifying a fluid filled mass (benign cyst) from a solid mass (something that needs further investigation.  Certainly, mammograms can be uncomfortable - some people have more pain than others.  But it is temporary pain and is the best screening tool we have at present.