Focal nodule asymmetry?

Robyn78

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting, and it's been very informative reading through these topics.

I am 41, and have had a few mammograms over the last few years, and last week went in for my post-40 year old screening mammogram. I was surprised when I got a call back due to focal nodule asymmetry in my left breast. No mention of an ultrasound in the letter, just more imaging for now.

The anxiety is horrible! I've tried to find more info on this finding, but haven't had a ton of luck

Of course, now that I'm all hyper-aware, my left breast does seem a little fuller and uncomfortable in a way, and it's now registering that it hangs (yay for aging!) a bit differently than my right breast. I assume (hope?) this could be normal, but it's concerning. I'd kind of noticed it before but didn't really worry about it. No change in texture or appearance otherwise, and no mention of a mass yet.

Any thoughts are welcome as I silently freak out until this Thursday's follow up

Thanks everyone.

djmammo

For every 1,000 women who have a screening mammogram:

• 100 are recalled to get more mammography or ultrasound images
• 20 are recommended for a needle biopsy
• 5 are diagnosed with breast cancer

Robyn78

Thank you for the statistics - those are reassuring! I'm not sure I understand what the nodule term means in this context, but I'm just trying to relieve my anxiety before my diagnostic mammogram. Thanks for replying!

djmammo

Nodule just means little round thing, a neutral term without assuming good or evil.