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Question:
#1171
01/23/2005
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My Mother went for her yearly mammogram. She completed treatment for breast cancer two years ago (chemo and rad) and is currently taking Aromasin. The mammogram showed that the breast that had the cancer was fine BUT in the other breast they saw someting. The took additional scans and then an ultrasound. In the end we were told that they see what looks like fatty tissue. They see this on the mammogram but find it hard to locate on the utrasound. My Mother was told to repeat the mammogram on the breast in six months instead of a year to be sure. We are waiting for the written report. I am interested in your thughts on this. What is fatty tissue and how could it show up and not be there last year. My Mother is upset and worried and so am I. |
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once diagnosed with breast cancer all mammograms in the future are diagnostic mammograms and they look at them with a a great deal of care... it is common to find something that warrants further evaluation and usually the results are benign findings. fatty tissue is what the breast is primarily made up of-- fat. when the breast is compressed it can have layers that are compressed on top of one another-- this can show a density on the film that warrants exploration to decipher. sounds like they have done so. the risk of breast cancer in the other breast is usually around 5%. |
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Question:
#1172
04/20/2005
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I had my yearly mammo done which required more compression spots and views. The breast are mixed fatty and fibroglandular. I have bilateral asymmentric densities and increased breast calcifications from 2003 mammo which may represent fibrosis calcifications. The pattern suggests fibrocystic calcifications. There are no focal groups clustered and they are not milk of calcium. An MRI with contrast has been recommended as well as a 6 moth Mammo follow-up by the Radiologist. My GYN office recommends going to Breast Surgeon. I also had a previously failed steriotactic biopsy performed leading to surgical biopsy of a Fibroadenoma 3 years ago. I cant get an appt with the Breast Surgeon until July, 2005. Can this wait? Could these calcifications although not clustered still represent breast cancer? |
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calcs 20% of the time are cancer. yes... but that means 80% of the time they are not. it is unacceptable to have to wait that long for a surgical consult though... consider taking your films elsewhere to another breast center where you could be seen sooner. |
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Question:
#1173
03/13/2005
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I just had a lump surgically removed. The frozen section was fine, but the lab report 3 days later showed microcalifications. I am 49, and I also have benign fluid filled cysts that most have been aspirated. My died when she was 67, in 1995 (She was a breast cancer survior, on tamoxifen more than 5 years, developed ovarian/uterine cancer- primary, not related to the breast cancer.) Please explain microcalifications to me and the best course of action for me. thank you. |
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if they were just microcalcifications and not pathology found of cancer or atypical cells then it is not a problem. they need to verify that this is all they saw. by the way, breast and ovarian cancers ARE linked. |
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Question:
#1174
02/19/2005
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What does black shadowing on an ultrasound mean? what does white shawdowing or gray mean? And also does cancer hurt at the first stages...would it cause a burning sensation? Thank you for your time. |
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90% of the time breast cancer doesn't hurt. determining what black vs gray vs white means is too loose of terms for explaining for an ultrasound. the bottom line is they look to see how much light is able to pass through an abnromal area--- this helps to determine if it is liquid or solid--- a cyst or a mass. |
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Question:
#1175
03/15/2005
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I had my first mamogram in Oct.04 at age 41. Two days later they called me back for an ultrasound of the right breast. The ultrasound was clear of anything, but the mamogram showed a small spot on the right breast. They said to come back in 6 months for another mamogram on the right breast. Why, and is that normal follow up? I'm very anxious about this. |
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remember this was your first... they have nothing to compare it to. not unusual to get this kind or recommendation. |
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Question:
#1176
02/25/2005
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Is it true that high intake of chocolate can give false positive indicators on mammagram examination? |
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no, not true. |
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Question:
#1177
04/01/2005
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What benign findings would show as a solid well circumscribed solid oval mass that was hypoechoic and heterogeneous on ultrasound? And on the otherside what would be typically malignant with these findings. I am having a surgical biopsy done soon and would find it best to research as much possible to deal with the unknown. I would like to prepare myself for the possiblity of cancer and learn as much as I could. Thank you |
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hhhmmm. why a surgical biopsy? why not a minimally invasive one without an incision-- a core biopsy? this can be a fibroadenoma or a malignant mass. it is helpful to find it out without doing surgery so then if surgery is needed it is done once and done in a fashion to effectively treat what was found on biopsy. |
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Question:
#1178
02/08/2005
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What does a sold nodule in the breat mean? It is necessary to remove it? How will I know its cancerous? |
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it means its a mass, usually small, and not yet defined if it is benign or cancer until more tests are done-- commonly a core biopsy. |
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Question:
#1179
01/29/2005
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I wrote before about ultrasound results, and the surgeon saying it was just hormones and to just live with the pain. I just look at my ultrasound film and had a question. When they were doing the ultrasound she was viewing the left side when she highlighted and measured a nodule at 5mm. On the film it notes the nodule as left breast 5:00 oclock. On the radiologist report it says the nodule was found on the right side. It is noted as their right instead of my right breast? The surgeon also checked my right breast and not the left, while holding up an ultrasound film showing the nodule on the left breast. Is it me or are they backwards? It seems crazy to think they both were talking about the left while noting the right side. Help! |
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either they typed the wrong word (wrong side) or they found something in the other breast. call them and ask your ultrasound to be re-read and if necessary corrected. |
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Question:
#1180
02/19/2005
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I recently received a copy of my MRI report. It states the following that I do not understand. Patchy areas of enhancement are noted in right breast which demonstrates morphology and enhancements kinetics consistant with fibroglandular tissue. Multiple sub cm., very tiny nodular enhancing foci are also noted which are widely scattered in the breast and consistent with benign etiology. Otherwise unremarkable. Impression area of mild architectural disortion/scarring is noted in upper outer quadrant of the right breast. The enhancement of kinetics in this region favor benign etiology. What exactly does this mean? Should they do a biopsy? I had the MRI done because of a mass and architectuaral disortion, rule out malignancy. I did not typ up the entire report, only the area that I had questions in. Thank you. |
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based on this deion a biopsy will probably be recommended. yes. |
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Question:
#1181
03/15/2005
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What does "heterogeneously" dense breast tissue mean? |
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similarly looking---- the most important word in this case might be "dense", as dense breast tissue is harder to see and find things that are abnormal within it. |
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Question:
#1182
04/11/2005
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I am 48 years old. I was on birth control pills until August of 2004, when my Dr. told me I should be off of them. So I went off of them. I was late getting in for a mammogram, 4 months late. Got the mammogram and then got the dreaded call, they wanted to do an ultrasound. I went for the ultrasound, it showed a perfect oval, about 1/5 of an inch. They wanted to aspirate, they tried to do it, it wouldn't aspirate, so they did a core biopsy, now I am waiting for the results. It was very movable, in fact it moved so much it took over an hour to do the biopsy. The Radiologist or Dr. that did it, said it was either benign or a very rare form of cancer. I have no history of cancer in the family and I am very healthy - I am not overweight.m I excercise and don't smoke. How worried should I be? The technician told me that if she were me she wouldn't loose one night's sleep over it. What do you think? I am starting a new job the day before I go for the results, so I am concerned. |
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don't worry until they tell you to worry... and based on what you've said worrying would be very premature to do. |
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Question:
#1183
03/22/2005
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I am 38 years old and had a bilateral mammogram and sonogram. The radiologist saw a mass that he believes has benign features, however he things I should follow up with a needle biopsy. Should I be worried? |
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don't be worried. sounds like he wants to be thorough which is a good thing. |
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Question:
#1184
01/14/2005
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I had a lumpectomy in 7/03. I am very small chested. If I got implants now for cosmetic reasons, would this have an effect on my future mammo's for detection of bc? |
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if the lumpectomy was followed by radiation for treatment of breast cancer then it is recommended to not do implants due to the effects on the tissue by the radiation. |
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Question:
#1185
04/20/2005
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I just got a call from my GYN office. After my routine mam on 4/12...they want me back for an ultra sound. The reason was architectural differences from my last three years. (i'm 43) I'm trying not to worry ...but it's hard not to. Thanks for a informative. site.
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right now you are dealing with fear of the unknown... nothing worse than that. they need more information before they can tell you much though. hopefully they will get you in quickly and address this for you so you have answers. |
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Question:
#1186
02/15/2005
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I just went for my second mamogram and they have found a calcium deposit. They suggested that they check me again in six months. I have calcium deposits under my skin all over. How do you prevent them? Can these be dangerous? |
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Single calcifications usually aren't very concerning and most of the time are calcium. i'm not sure what you mean by "calcium deposits under the skin" but this isn't related to microcalcifications in breast tissue. they will reassess this in 6 months to ensure there are no more that have formed that would make them suspect early stage cancer. calcium deposits that ARE calcium deposits don't turn into cancer. this is a common finding. |
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Question:
#1187
03/14/2005
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What is a digital memogram? |
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digital mammogram--- a method to capture the mammogram image electronically so that it can be seen more clearly than on traditional xray film. |
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Question:
#1188
02/12/2005
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Had pet scan yesterday, it has showed a uptake not quite an suv 1, could this be a sore or bruise or craked rib? |
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scans light up for many things-- not just cancer. so if you have had a recent injury make sure your doctors know it and factor that into the reading of these images. |
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Question:
#1189
01/18/2005
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My sister in law's GP found alump in her breast at her yearly pap. She just got the results of her mammogram amd they found a 12 mm mass. They want to do ultrasound. She is 33 years old. What are the odds something this size is Breast cancer. She was told in exam that she had very lumpy breasts. |
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breast cancer can be as small as 2mm... size isn't the determining factor-- the feel, appearance on mammogram/ultrasound and ultimately if recommended, biopsy determines this. |
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Question:
#1190
04/07/2005
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I am almost 42 years old and the results of my first mammogram showed a 1 cm area of increased density at 9:00 in my right breast and swollen right axillary lymph nodes. The radiologist recommended a 6 month follow-up mammogram. I have large breasts with significant acne, and slight arthritic type pain in my right shoulder (I'm thinking burstitis from carrying a heavy computer bag frequently). My doctor is thinking of repeating the mammogram at 3 months rather than 6 months. Is this a viable option? She also mentioned MRI or ultrasound but we both doubt my insurance will pay for those for this reason. I'm trying unsuccessfully not to worry and really appreciate your advice. Thank you. |
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usually it takes 5-6 months to see a change on a film like this. but consider taking your films for a second reading now to another radiologist to get his opinion. |
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Question:
#1191
03/17/2005
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I have had breast pain in the left breast that varies in intensity on different days and times following exercise etc.. No palpable lumps. My Dr. sent me for a mamogram and ultrasound. the mamogram showed a few tiny calcifications in the area that gets painful but the ultrasound was clear. The radiologist also said that I had a lot more glandular tissue on the left than the right. I stopped breat feeding on the right side about a year ago and on the left about 6 months ago, I can still express alittle breeast milk occasionally and I wondered if I should get my hormone levels checked and if this could contribute to the breast pain. The radiologist wants to repeat the mamogram in 6 months, she said it is probably not cancerous and not to worry but she does not have a comparrison mamogram to compare to. |
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see your gyn and talk with him and assessing your hormonal levels. also ask what can be done to help dry the milk up. |
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Question:
#1192
03/12/2005
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what does calcifications appear to be linearly oriented mean |
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that the calcs are tracking up and down a duct in a line. |
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Question:
#1193
03/08/2005
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In Dec '00 I was diagnosed with very early breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. Last week I had a mammogram with magnification of the surgical bed. Absolutely no change from last year. I also had a breast MRI and near the scar they see a 1cm spot. that they can't explain. A follow up ultra sound shows nothing and nothing can be felt.
The hospital here in New Orleans has very little experience with breast MRI and doesn't do many. They have no abiility to do a biopsy from an MRI.
My question is to know 3 major centers in the US that are the most experienced at reading MRIs and if necessary to do a biopsy. Where do you suggest? New York is easy for me because I have friends and family but I want to know the best and most experienced. Thank you. |
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based on where you are located, sloane kettering or fox chase has this capability. |
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Question:
#1194
01/16/2005
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This is a phenomenal web-site & service. Thank you so much. I have learned & been reassured greatly!
I had DCIS of the right breast with 2 lumpectomies: 1 in August, the 2nd in Sept. 2004. I completed radiation treatment on Dec. 1st. My follow up mammogram is in February. How will the surgeries & radiation impact the visibility of the mammogram? Is it likely that any recurrance could be more difficult to see? Last question - the idea of having my wounded breast squeezed at this stage is not pleasant. Anything you recommend to mitigate the pain? Many thanks again!! |
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good for you for being diagnosed early and for being done treatment! your mammo in feb will serve as a new baseline for you. they will factor in the surigical and radiation changes and begin a fresh view of your breast tissue. you will get mammograms on that side every 6 months for 2 years-- the period of time when recurrence is its highest-- then resume annual thereafter. |
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Question:
#1195
03/11/2005
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I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer Stage 2, 2 cm, 1 pos sentinel node, ER/PR+ in 9/04. Had left MRM in 10/04. Just returned for follow-up with breast surgeon and she ordered mammogram on right breast, which she said is her "routine procedure" after 6 months. I have discussed prophylactic mastectomy of right breast with her due to lobular cancer being higher risk of being in both breasts. Had negative mammogram and breast MRI or right breast prior to surgery. Just finished chemo (4 rounds of AC and 4 of 4 Taxol). Am very anxious about this mammogram. What are chances of new problems appearing this soon? |
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it would be extremely unlikely to see problems this soon. so relax... |
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Question:
#1196
02/09/2005
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I recently had a stereotactic biopsy with the titanium clip. I am concerned about leaving a piece of metal in my breast tissue. If the biopsy results are fine, I am considering having the clip removed. Could you advise me of the safety issues of both leaving the clip in or having it removed? |
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the clip is important to be left there and there are no known dangers of doing so. millions of women have this clip in their breast and are fine. the clip marks where the abnormal area was located and is important for identifying on future mammograms for comparison. |
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Question:
#1197
02/15/2005
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How soon after the completion of radiation is a mammogram scheduled? Should I expect it to be more painful than in the past? |
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usually 3-4 months. no, it shouldn't feel differently unless you have battled with radiation burns. |
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Question:
#1198
01/10/2005
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I am 40 and just had my first screening mammogram. The radiologist wants to see me in 6 months because of assymetrical breast tissue. What does this mean? Should I be worried? |
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not unusual since this is your first film wth nothing to compare it to...no harm in getting a second opinion reading though from another radiologist to give you peace of mind over the next 6 months. |
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Question:
#1199
04/07/2005
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I recently had a recheck on my left breast mammogram and the results read: There are no focal findings. There is no acoustical shadowing. There is no evidence of a cyst. Impression:Negative Sonogram. BI-RADS 1. He also wanted another one done with a better picture, which read: Findings: There is a small focus of asymmentry with irregular margin. The focus is diffcult to localize on the lateral view, but is probably outer breast. This focus measures approximately 6mm. IMPRESSION: INDETERMINATE SMALL FOCUS OF ASYMMETRY OUTER ASPECT LEFT BREAST. BI-RADS 4.
RECOMMENDATION: Biopsy utilizing sterotactic approach. Do I need to worry about this? What does this type of biopsy do? Is it a long procedure. The doctor called it a benign appearing density upper aspect left breast, probable lymph node. Do I need to worry about this? |
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the procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour to do usually. remember that most results come back benign so don't panic yet. the radiologist looking at these films needs to tell you how concerned or not concerned his is. |
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Question:
#1200
02/16/2005
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I recently had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound after an "abnormal finding on screening mammogram. (I hadn't had a mammogram in many years.)I am told I have small nodular densities in the tail of my right breast. But the Birads is 3 and the radiologist suggests follow-up in six months. So why does my GP want me to see a surgeon? |
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hhmm. not sure.... he is being conservative i guess. take your films with you and also request they be re-read by another radiologist to verify these findings. |
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