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Question:
#571
3/1/2006
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Abnormal Mammogram report: increased breast density from previous mammogram? What are the reasons for increased breast density? Please provide me some info and or clarification. Why he could not provide more info on the report? This could be related to menopause? |
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density just means dense breast tissue in one area. they don't probably know much more until they do additional imaging to clarify what it is. |
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Question:
#572
3/1/2006
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Mammogram shows increased breast density. I am confused what could be these changes? Is the abnormal report due to more density found and means more probability for cancer or needs to be evaluate? Why the radiologist could not see on the mammogram that he can see on the ultrasound? What is the most common scemario for density changes? |
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right now it isn't known what it means... too vague of information for them to be able to tell you yet. it doesn't mean cancer automatically by any means. it does mean that more imaging is needed to figure it out. ultrasound provides a different type of breast imaging and can help identify cysts vs something solid in the breast. |
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Question:
#573
2/28/2006
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What is the smallest tumor/lesion/grouping of cells that an MRI can identify? What is the smallest tumor/lesion/grouping of cells that a mamogram can identify? |
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invasive disease on an MRI-- usually 1cm. mammography has the ability to find microcalcifications that are still noninvasive breast cancer. minute specks. |
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Question:
#574
2/27/2006
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37-yr old, Mammo=heterogeneously dense breast parenchyma w no specific criteria. Ultrasound=complex lesion identified .9 x.4x1.0cm, complex nodule at 3o'clock, this is inhomogeneous, cannot exclude a more malignant process, could just be a complex fibroadenoma, surgical consultation is reccomended.
Aunt died of breast cancer at 60, Grandmother & Grandfather died of lung cancer (one non-smoker)
What do I need to ensure happens at this juncture upon surgeon consult; watch and wait, biopsy or removal?
What are your thoughts as to verbiage & action steps?
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tissue sampling of some type will probably be done. if the radiologist can do it as a core biopsy that would be helpful. avoiding an incision and having information about what this is before operating on it. |
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Question:
#575
2/27/2006
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I had a mammagram and was then called back for additional magnification mammagrams.The final report says BIRADAssessment 3- probably benign. What does the BI RAD assessment # #mean? |
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its a radiology scoring system for breast imaging. 1= totally normal findings. 4= need for a biopsy a 3 = a finding of something on film but the finding appears benign. usually they recommend follow up in 6 months for a bi-rad 3. |
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Question:
#576
2/27/2006
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I am a 32 yr old female. Who in the last 3 weeks have had a mammogram, spot mammogram and ultrasound. They said I had microcalcifications then the ultrasound came back to say that I may need a biopsy because there is a lymph node under my arm that may need to have a biopsy but that I should see a General Surgeon and I don't feel this is the right person to see. I have seen my General physician who actually the PA is the one who gives me the results and I just don't feel comfortable. I don't know if I should see a Surgical ONcologists to review the tests and go from there. |
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if there is a concern and you may need surgery, you would benefit with a surgical oncologist... if you want to come here call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#577
2/27/2006
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I'm a 40y/o F who had a recent screening mammogram. My results are as folowing: there is an approx. 9mm well define density within the superior lateral aspect of the right breast likely representing as intramammary lymph node. Probalbe benign intramammary lymph node within the upper outer quadrant region of the right breat abd subtle asymmetry seen overlying the upper quadrant region of the left. 2003 mammogram was normal. My PCP is requesting retesting in 6mths. I'm concerned with the lenght of time waiting. I have a family history with an aunt and maternal grandmother having breat cancer. I feel that I should have testing sooner or biopsy. What shoud I do? |
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consider a second opinion elsewhere then in another comprehensive breast center to re-review your films and evaluate you. |
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Question:
#578
2/26/2006
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I recently had a sterotactic biopsy with negative results, and then a surgical biopsy, also with negative results. I was not advised to have another mammograpy in any specific amount of time. I am over 40. The mass was suggestive of fibroadenoma. What are typical mammography guidelines for this type of situation? Thanks. |
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6 months. |
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Question:
#579
2/25/2006
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has ultersound yesterday saw 2 large massed solid bliack is that liquid or a fatty tumor had fatty tumor removed 2 yrs ago have follow up apointment in 2 weeks for results from dr. iam sure nothing to worry about but 2 weeks is a long time to wait |
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don't try to read your own films!!! usually solid black implies cysts. wait for final report from doctor. hope 2 weeks go by fast. |
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Question:
#580
2/25/2006
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My mother in law had a mammography 2 weeks ago. She was called back for another mammography and the doctor stated that she has "focal density in the upper outer breast". Is this anything to worry about?
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don't know yet. not enough information to tell.. that's why they are calling her back. to focus on this density area more closely and determine what it is. |
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Question:
#581
2/25/2006
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I have a history of maternal aunt with cancer, have had 2 cores & continued follow-ups for cysts (some solid), calicifications, etc. MRI shows outer left quadrant has a 1.3 cm enhancing mass with washout curve, appears to have internal septation & may prove to be a fibroadenoma, but it was not visualized on prior MRIs. Correlates with ultras. Impression says suspicious lesion. Question is what is birads4b & what is washout curve & is internal septation good? Last, is it not a good idea to get blood work done to see if any tumor markers show anything even if all these biopsies keep coming back benign just because it's been going on for a few yrs? thank you |
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blood work would be premature. the fact that the report says the lesion is suspicious is a signal that they are concerned it may be cancer. birad 4 means time for biopsy. |
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Question:
#582
2/24/2006
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Hello, I found a hard very palpable lump 3 weeks ago (don't know how I could have missed it before), not painful. Had a diagnostic mammo (this was my first mammo) done 2 weeks ago, results : 3cm asymmetric mass and radiologist asked for spot compression mammo, this is scheduled for next week. Lump is in upper outer quad, am 39yrs old, no family history, no external breast or nipple symptoms. On report which I was given, no technical data or birad rating was provided. It will be a few more weeks before my appointment with a breast specialist (oncologist) who will read my report / X-rays and assess whether or what further follow up will be done. I know I have not given enough info but I would just like to know what your thoughts are, I have 3 questions: is 3cm a large or average size mass? is assymetric mass a common finding in benign conditions? Can this have grown quickly or chance of spreading quickly (if not benign)? Radiologist is not present during mammos, so I cannot ask his/her impressions or opinions. |
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until your body made a wall of fibrous tissue around this object it makes sense that you couldn't feel it. that wall of tissue can be made by your body overnight. so you feel nothing one day and then feel something the next. 3cm is fairly large. if referring you to a surgical oncologist there is possibly concern. if you want to come to us just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#583
2/24/2006
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I am 41 and just had a mammogram and ultrasound because of a tender lump in left breast. Ultrasound result says "an ovoid very well defined and encapsulated slightly heterogeneous hypoechoic avascular feature in the very superficial breast parenchyma, 10mm in diameter, there is some posterior echo enhancement at its margins, but no acoustic shadowing is seen". My GP says there is nothing at all to worry about - but has still referred me to a surgeon. Should I be worried? Thanks. |
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so ask why the referral to the surgeon then. |
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Question:
#584
2/24/2006
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Thank you in advance for being here. I recently had my yearly mammogram. They found a suspicious area and did a spot compression then an ultrasound. I am 46, my mother is an ovarian cancer survivor. They found "A vague 8mm in diameter area of increased density within the medial central tissues of the left breast, although vasular structures can be seen thrugh the mass indicating that this doesn not have a real dense component. In addition, there is a vague oval mass withing the inferior aspect of the left breast on the oblique view at approximately the same depth. A definite spiculated malignant appearing mass is not seen. Benign calcifications are noted, but no malignant appearing calcifications are seen." The results of the ultrasound are "the medial 1/2 reveals an ulderlying internal echo pattern consistend with normal adipose tissue. Not underlying cystic or solid mass is noted. Therefore, in view of the findings on the convential film screen mammography and the fact that no mass is seen on the sonogram, a follow up in 6 months is indicated."
I live in a small town and will be moving to another state in a few weeks, I have all my mammograms with me, as well as the reports. I will be moving to Nashville TN and I am very nervous about these results, should I wait the 6 months, or get a second opinion when I get to Nashville? The MQSA Assessment is 3 - Probably Benign. It's the "probably that bothers me, and the fact that this mass didn't show up on ultrasound also is of concern. Could you please put all of this in plain english for me. Sorry about the long post, but I just wanted to give you as much info as possible. Thank you again! |
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consider taking your films to a radiologist where you are moving to-- perhaps to Vanderbilt that is right there in Nashville to see if they concur with these findings. you got good news. you just need it confirmed. |
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Question:
#585
2/23/2006
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I am scheduled for a bilateral MRI tomorrow. I am 59 years old and was diagnosed with infiltrating lobular carcinoma. Will they be checking the lymph nodes during this procedure?
Thanks for the reply. |
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the lymph nodes do show up sometimes on an MRI however if there is microscopic disease in the nodes this would not appear on the images. |
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Question:
#586
2/23/2006
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My doctor discovered a lump in my breast and has asked for a mammogram (I'm 35 and have never had one). I just found out I'm 4 weeks pregnant. Is there any danger in proceeding with the mammogram? |
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possibly... it is radiation. so discuss this with the radiologist before proceeding. he might recommend an ultrasound instead. |
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Question:
#587
2/23/2006
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I had my breast ultrasound this morning and here is the report: Hypoechoic focus/nodules measuring 1.14x.77x1.05cm at the 9 o'clock position of the right breast. There are 2 well defined hypoechoic foci at the 3 o'clock position periareolar region and 10 o'clock position on the left breast measuring .67x.72x.98cm and .91x.57x.73cm, respectively. The intramammary ducts are not dilated. There is no evidence of skin dimpling or nipple retraction. IMPRESSION: Solid hypoechoic nodules, both breasts as described.
I will appreciate if you can give me an idea if these are benign or malignant nodules based from the measurement and deion/feature. Thank you very much and more power. |
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it doesn't say one way ot the other how concerning or not concerning they are so there isn't a way to tell from this report. |
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Question:
#588
2/22/2006
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I had an segmental mastectomy preceded by a wire localization at the beginning of February (diagnosis: non-invasive DCIS). I had been told that the wire localization would not be painful, but I suffered awfully for the full process, which was at least 25 minutes. I was given only one needle to freeze the area, and the radiologist began inserting wires almost immediately. I told the doctor that I was in pain, and finally ended up in tears, but nothing was done to relieve my discomfort.Is this standard practice? Is there any way to avoid extreme pain with this procedure? If I ever have to undergo this procedure again, I want to know what my options are. |
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yes. using lidocaine for numbing and giving it a few minutes to work!!! asking the patient by touching the skin with a needle if she feels the needle or not to ensure it is working. |
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Question:
#589
2/22/2006
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Hello,
I just turned 40 and had my first breast sonomammogram. I know nothing about breast cancer as none of my family members I know of, has had breast cancer. The exam showed a well-circumscribed hypoechoic solid nodule measuring 6.0 x 5.0 x 6.8 mm at the lower of the left breast. No other solid or cystic masses found. It is recommended that I have a follow-up in 4 to 6 months. I have not seen my doctor yet. I received the results today. Please help me understand this result. |
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since this is the first mammogram there is nothing to compare it to-- well circumscribed is a favorable term to read. also very small in size. so probably a benign incidental finding. they are being thorough by having you return in 6 months. |
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Question:
#590
2/22/2006
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I am a 37 year old with no history of breast cancer in my family. I recently discovered a lump in my right breast near my nipple.I went for a physical and they sent me to have a mammogram and ultrasound. The Radiologist report says the "mass" is 2 cmm and BI-RADS 5. Only found this one mass. Now I have an appointment with a surgeon to do consultation to do a biopsy. I am scared to death. I am trying to remain strong and calm but feel like I am getting ready to fall apart. Does a BI-RADS 5 mean that I definately have cancer? Are there any findings where the radiologist said BI-RADS 5 and it wasn't cancer? |
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>90% probability of cancer... if you want to come to us you are welcome to do so. 443-287-2778. 2cms is doable. don't think that it isn't...
step one is a core biopsy. not open excisional biopsy. this can usually be done in breast imaging with a large guage needle. |
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Question:
#591
2/22/2006
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During the course of diagnostic imaging for an area of concern in my left breast (which was determined to be fine), an MRI using gadolinium contrast found four areas of enhancement ranging in size from 2 mm to 12 mm in my right breast. A second MRI was done at three months with no changes seen in these areas of enhancement. Eight months has since elapsed and a third MRI is being recommended to determine whether these areas have changed or remained the same after which I would return to routine screening if there is no change for the worse. Three questions: (1) Is it safe to have repeated MRIs with gadolinium within one-year's time? Are there any concerns with the long-term effects of gadolinium? (2) Is this approach being recommended a pretty standard procedure or is this overkill? (3) How fast do breast tumors grow - can you provide a ballpark range of what "slow growing" means versus aggressive or "fast growing"? Thank you. |
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Contrast dye with MRI is considered safe and can be done multiple times in a years span of time. usually to see a true change though, it takes 6 months to pass... tumors grow at different rates even within a specific grade. slow growing can take a year to see any difference. fast growing can take at least 4 months sometimes. it really varies. there are some that grow, for reasons unclear, much faster. |
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Question:
#592
2/22/2006
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My oncologist may be ordering some xrays next month. My counts have gone up above the normal after 5 years of being below normal. I had invasive ductal carcinoma with positive lymph nodes and margins not clean. Did chemo and radiation and mastectomy. I am aware that it may mean many things and the counts are not used as a tool alone. I am very positive until proven otherwise, but my question is this. What xrays would be useful to do. I believe a bone scan or cat scan would be the tests of choice. Is this so? Also what is the difference between these tests and a pet scan and is a pet scan more useful to do. What if any other tests would be useful to follow up on this concern. My oncologists is concerned enough to suggest that further testing be done if my counts continue to go up but has not said what test would be most benificial. Can you provide me some input. Sure would appreciate your help. Thanks! |
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bone scan and cat scan. sometimes they like to do a PET CT scan to correlate the findings. |
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Question:
#593
2/22/2006
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I just had my second mammo after BC. The radiologist wanted several other views because he said my other breast was showing significant tissue change. I have had ADH in that breast. I am also on Tamoxifen. My appt with my surgeon is on Monday. How worried should I be, could the changes just be from Tamoxifen?
Thank you so much. |
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not from tamoxifen. sounds like they may have found something new on your films thus want a consultation with a surgeon to possibly do a biopsy. |
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Question:
#594
2/21/2006
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What exactly is the difference between digital and xray mamograms? How does the digital screening work? Is it more accurate?? I have a regular mamogram coming up this Friday and was just wondering what the difference is. Does insurance pay for the digital? Thanks. Great website!! |
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the method as far as the patient is concerned looks the same-- compression of the breast between 2 paddles, side to side and up and down. there is no xray film though... the image is captured electronically. this enables us to enlarge it, change the contrast background and it has been proven to be superior to traditional analog xray mammograms. yes, covered by insurance. |
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Question:
#595
2/21/2006
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I am 63 years old and had a normal mammagrophy 2 years ago. My Dr. wants me to have another one done. My family history is no cancers. Do I rally need one with no symptoms or complaints? |
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absolutely and you should be getting one annually. by the way, 88% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. |
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Question:
#596
2/21/2006
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A recent stereotactic needle core biopsy showed LCIS in one of my breasts. I underwent a wire localization and excisional biopsy to determine the extent of the LCIS. Prior to the wire localization procedure I was not given any local anesthetics. I have a history of fibrocystic breasts. The wire localization was so painful that I lost consciousness and experienced prolonged nausea for several hours afterwards. Is this procedure normally done without a local anesthesia? Would a local anesthesia possibly have reduced some of the pain? I am concerned that I might need to have this procedure done again in the future and honestly don't think that I can endure a similar traumatic experience. Thanks! |
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i can only speak for our facility-- we use local anesthetic for this procedure. |
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Question:
#597
2/21/2006
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I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and I am about to undergo a PET Scan, is this a whole body scan and will it show if there are any other kinds of cancers in my body. Thanks |
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it is a whole body scan and is designed to help identify evidence of spread of disease. it can only pick up tumors though that are at least 1cm in size and not smaller than that. |
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Question:
#598
2/19/2006
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Hi! I'm 58 yrs old and take Fem/hrt x 6 years. My recent digital mammo showed a left breast nodular density. The radiologist had no other films to compare since it was my first at that center. It is suggested that I go for spot compression images. How concerned should I be?? I have requested prev. films from NC to be sent for comparison. |
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don't be concerned yet. first, as you mentioned, they had nothing to compare it to. it would be helpful for you to obtain your previous films for them to compare these new ones to. |
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Question:
#599
2/19/2006
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53yo female.Have mammos annually.1st dig.mammo last wk.1cm nodule rt breast outer quat bigger than last yr. Dr. or myself did not know I had a nodule last yr. Not noted on last mammo. Have FCD both breasts.Going in for ultrasound and diag.mammo. Had physical yesterday. Dr or myself can not feel anything. How nervous should I be. Thanks for this site, how wonderful. |
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don't be nervous yet... not enough information yet to be fretting. most of the time the findings are benign findings. we hope you fall into the majority. |
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Question:
#600
2/19/2006
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Please I am 40 and going to see specialist in week, have had mam 1, mam 2 ,and ultrasound, what is Bi Rad 0 |
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bi-rad 0 means they took mammogram images but weren't able to clearly see them so they can't give a reading on the results yet until more imaging is done. |
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