So worried...

M8m8m8ry1965

I am 54 y/o. I had my screening last Aug. 11.

Findings:

There is possible architectural distortion in the lateral right breast for which further evaluation with spot and true lateral views is recommended.

No suspicious masses, calcifications or areas of architectural distortion are seen in the left.

I read that radiologists already know what they are seeing so this is making me worried. I am taking tranquilizers already to calm me down. My diagnostic mammo and ultrasound will be on Monday. I never had surgeries to explain scarring which would be the benign cause for the architectural distortion. Please help.

Beesie

"Possible" architectural distortion means that something looks off but it might not actually be there. That's why you'll be having the diagnostic mammogram, which provides a magnified view, and an ultrasound, which looks at the area using a different technology that "sees" the breast tissue differently. While architectural distortion can be a sign of breast cancer, more often, the follow-up screening finds nothing of concern.

Architectural distortion found on a mammogram

https://breast-cancer.ca/archite-reast-mammo/

"Breast cancer commonly causes architectural distortion.

Architectural distortion uncommonly indicates cancer. More common is for architectural distortion to be 'imaginary' in the perception of the radiologist."

M8m8m8ry1965

Thank you so much. I am having a hard time being positive about it. I have family history of bc. I apologize.

Beesie

It's not easy to be positive when you have a call-back. It is scary. But at this point, you are right at the start of the diagnostic process. 95% of women who get call backs are not diagnosed with cancer. Radiologists schedule call-backs for a more detailed view whenever they see anything on a mammogram, even if what they see appears highly likely to be benign. They want a closer look, just to be sure. And at the call-back, if the Radiologist assesses just a 2% (or greater) risk that the area of concern might be cancer, then a biopsy will be recommended.

How extensive is your family history of breast cancer?

Good luck with the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. Let us know how it goes.

M8m8m8ry1965

My sister was diagnosed in 2010 Stage 2 and then 2 maternal aunts but survived and 2 first cousin on my mother's side passed away from BC. I have a first cousin on my father's side who has Stage 1 diagnosed about 3-4 years ago.

Beesie

Has anyone in the family had genetic testing done?

M8m8m8ry1965

No.

Moderators

M8m8m8ry1965, we do understand how upsetting it is to receive a call back. Beesie raises a good point about getting genetic testing, given your family history. You may find this helpful to read: Genetic Testing.

Please keep us posted!

Warmly,

The Mods