Architectural distortion - waiting for biopsy

susie11

Hi, this is my first post here, and I'm in my early 40s.

I had a screening mammogram that showed a questionable architectural distortion, and had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound yesterday both of which confirmed the distortion. The radiologist told me that there are a limited number of things that can cause distortion, and my lack of previous surgeries on the breasts eliminates regular scars as one of the possible causes. I'm scheduled for a biopsy in two weeks. When I googled architectural distortions, I found studies and statistics that made me about the likelihood that architectural distortions that are seen on both mammogram and ultrasound would result in a breast cancer diagnosis - I saw some things that said the positive predictive value is 75-83%, but am hoping that I read that wrong or that the studies are of limited value.

I had a similar finding on the other breast last year, but two sets of biopsies on that breast did not show anything concerning - I think fibrocystic type changes. The radiologist suggested that I consider doing MRIs of both breasts even if this biopsy is benign, I think because he thought there would be some risk that the biopsy may not fully sample everything (that is why they ended up doing two biopsies last year) and even a benign finding may have some greater risk of becoming cancer over time. He said I could also do MRIs now before the biopsy, which I didn't want to do.

Wondering if other people have had similar findings and how things turned out.

Thanks!

Moderators

Dear susie11,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that these breast changes brought you here but glad that you reached out. While you are waiting for some replies to your concerns you may want to check out this page on Imaging Questions that provides links to more information. The Mods

Georgia1

Hi there Susie and welcome. An architectural distortion is of concern, but if it was a fibrocystic change last time it may well be again. Personally, I'd do what you're doing; get the biopsy and go from there. But an MRI is really helpful, especially if you have dense breasts.Hope that helps somewhat and maybe someone smarter will come by soon.

susie11

Thanks! That’s a good post about the MRI. I do have dense breasts - I was hesitant because the radiologist said the MRIs can “open up a can of worms” in terms of showing issues in the breasts that really aren’t problematic but would have to be investigated to rule out the possibility of them being something seroius