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Q: Had a mammogram and this was the result: Right asymmetric focal density on 2 views with background nodularity. Ultrasound is next week. Mother died of breast cancer. Should I worry?
Well, worry is useless; it doesn't accomplish anything but make you feel bad, does it? So try not to go there. Should you be concerned enough to follow through with further testing to find out what this means? Absolutely.
Any time you have a questionable mammogram (and especially if you have a family history of breast cancer), you need to find out what's up. That said, most abnormalities turn out to be something other than breast cancer, such as a cyst, or fibroadenoma; the ultrasound will identify a cyst, if that's what this is. You may need to go farther and have an MRI, or even a bippsy; but since 85% of breast biopsies are negative, the odds are definitely on your side. Hope you get good news next week- PJH
Yvonne, keep in mind also that even if you draw the short straw and are diagnosed with cancer, treatment is improving all the time; in fact, the death rate from breast cancer is being reduced by about 1% to 2% per year. I'm guessing your mom died awhile ago; so the treatment now is SO much better than it was then... Agin, I hope you get good news next week. But if you don't, stay positive; again, odds are you'd go through treatment and be just fine. Be well- PJH
Hello I need some help as I am very scared. Jut 3 days ago I had a full hysterectomy. A week before I receicved a letter stating my mammograph came back noprmal and np cancer found. While I was recovering I received a call from the radiologist now stating to come in for an ultrasound. They re reviewed and seen some breast density behind my nipple. Should I be nervous? Does this mean I do have breast cancer or is it more of a precaution? Thank you
I'd say it's a precaution, Ann. Lots and lots and LOTS of women get called back for followup mammograms or ultrasounds; almost always, it turns out to be nothing. Even if you get to biopsy stage, about 85% of biopsies are negative - no cancer. So, go ahead and have the ultrasound, but please don't stress; I'm guessing this is a routine precaution. Take care- PJH
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Thanks for answering my question so quickly. I know worrying is useless but hard not to do. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 51 (my age now). She died 5 years later. So I guess getting the news at this age has gotten me spooked. Your kind words did help.
Thanks again.