Looking for information about Postmenopausal breast changes

Djabi53

Hi,

I'm 67 years old. Had annual mammogram and bilateral ultrasounds (bc of density) in June. All good.

Right breast has always been larger than left breast. Just noticed right breast is smaller, skin feels thinner and feels like less volume inside.

Left breast is now larger than right breast. Skin is firmer and thicker than right breast.

Can this be anything other than cancer?

Have busy breasts and many bilateral faint calcifications. Had 1 biopsy several years ago - fibrocystic breast changes no atypical cells. Was followed every 6 months for 2 years. All good and went back to annual. Have family history. Genetic testing all negative.

Appt to see gyn tomorrow.

Any information or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Beesie

Djabi, have you had breast cancer? I notice that you've been a member of the site for many years, and have a lot of posts.

To your question "Can this be anything other than cancer?", my answer is that what you describe doesn't sound like any breast cancer that I have heard of. Why do you think it's breast cancer?

As for aging breasts, yes, they do change. There are lots of reliable websites that have information about this. Here is one:

Breast changes in older women

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/breast-changes-in-older-women/

As you get older, it's natural for your breasts to lose their firmness, change shape, shrink in size and become more prone to certain abnormal lumps.

In most cases, breast lumps are harmless, but whatever your age, it's important that you report any new lumps to your doctor.

From around the age of 40, you can expect your breasts to change in size and shape.

It's normal for breast tissue to become less glandular and more fatty as you get older, which makes them feel less firm and full.

With age, there's also an increasing risk of abnormal growths in the breast.

These are often harmless breast lumps, like cysts, but they can also be a sign of serious conditions like breast cancer.

As the years go by, you might also notice a wider space between your breasts.

You may also notice that your breasts shrink in size, sometimes by a cup size or more (unless you put on weight, in which case your breasts may get bigger).

The area around the nipple (the areola) tends to become smaller and may nearly disappear.

Many of the breast changes that happen as you get older are caused by hormonal changes.

Declining oestrogen levels at the menopause make breast tissue dehydrated and less elastic, so your breasts lose their once rounded shape and begin to sag.

Djabi53

Than you for your reply Beesie. No I haven't had breast cancer but told I am high risk bc of family history, dense breasts and busy breasts.

I am concerned bc the breast that was the largest is now the smallest and feels so different. The smaller breast is now the larger and feels different. I read that shrinkage and/or heaviness can be a concern. They now look assymetrical. Breasts that look significantly different are not normal. mine look significantly different.

Last June, the radiologist said she would feel better seeing me back in 6 months bc there was something new on the left breast. She went back and checked my mammogram and ultrasound and came back and said no - a year is good. Now it's the left breast that is heavy and fuller.