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Breast Abnormalities and Other Symptoms
General questions about breast health and possible symptoms.
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AskedPublicly Submitted Question
2/28/2012My wife (aged 52 years) with a Birads rating of 3 as given by digital mammography done in March 2011 have been having fibro-cystic changes with nodularity in UOQ palpable (left breast) during the last 6 months. The oncologist has been making remarks as asymptomatic during the last 2 reviews( 3 months duration) but has suggested to wait for another three months for further mammogram or ultra scan.But we are a little concerned by the fact that the fibro-cystic changes continue.(the same location). Generally Birads rating 3 requires 6 months frequency of mammogram but the oncologist felt that it was not needed and suggested a mammogram/ultra scan in May 2012. Is it ok with a birads 3 to wait as suggested or go for mammogram immediately to rule out any risk.
Thank You
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
2/28/2012sounds like your wife must have a personal history of breast cancer already given she is being seen by an oncologist. standard of care is to wait 6 months for re-imaging for a mammogram with a bi-rad score of 3. repeating studies in 3 months is rarely enough time to see a change to make any educated decision. there is no way to guess on this end of waiting is even appropriate to do as it requires a clinical breast exam, knowing a lot more history, and seeing the mammograms themselves.

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