asymmetry with associated calcifications & other questions

Periwinkle88

I had a mammogram this morning and got the results a couple hours later:

BI-RADS category 0 (which I understand to mean need additional imaging) for BOTH breasts

Density: scattered areas of fibroglandular density

Findings:

Right breast: On the craniocaudal view of the right breast, there is asymmetry projecting over the central lateral right breast, at middle depth.

Left breast: In the lateral left breast at middle depth, there is focal asymmetry with associated calcifications.

Additional imaging is recommended for both breasts.

My questions are:

1) If the BI-RADS category is listed as 0, does this mean that malignancy isn't suspected? Or is it that they're holding off until they get more imaging done?

2) Is the phrase "focal asymmetry with associated calcifications" concerning? I know asymmetry is pretty common and is more likely to be benign than not, but the "associated calcifications" has me worried.

3) I'm post-menopausal (will be 55 in a few weeks) and have been using OTC bio-identical hormone creams (estrogen and progesterone) to help with hot flashes for the past 4-5 years. It seems like the jury is out regarding bio-identical hormone creams, but I'm wondering if that may be a contributing factor to the asymmetry.

My follow-up diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound are not until next Wednesday (June 30th.) I have pretty horrible health anxiety already, and this is about doing me in today!

Thank you for any help with information.

Edited to add: I was recalled for additional testing back in 2009. I looked at those reports and found that I also had focal asymmetry, and after the additional testing it was determined to be a cyst. Today's report was the first to mention calcifications, and the phrase "focal asymmetry with associated calcifications" is what is going to keep me up at night for the next week.

Moderators

Periwinkle88, we're sorry you find your self here and worried, but wanted to say welcome! Until other members post with their own experiences and advice, there are some links from the main Breastcancer.org site that can help you:

Mammogram Results: Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System (BI-RADS)
What Mammograms Show: Calcifications, Cysts, Fibroadenomas
Understanding Breast Calcifications
Calcifications

Also, take a look at the following thread where you'll find some strategies to help you reduce your anxiety: Topic: Anxiety

Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes on Wednesday!

The Mods

LivinLife

Welcome Periwinkle! I'm not expert in these things though will repeat some of what I've learned while on this site.... BIRADS 0 basically means they need more images - not good news, not bad news - they need more images... I've often seen people with asymmetry on mammogram where it's often an imaging issue - issues with breasts placement or folds, etc. Calcs can and cannot be of issue... I had callbacks several times and two biopsies for calcs in my right breast and the most I had going on was a fibroadenoma. Then there was the left breast though I was fortunate that was DCIS and not invasive cancer.... Do what you can to distract with enjoyable and relaxing activities the next week. The waiting is really difficult and it will be on your mind regardless.... take good care of you now! Please let us know....

Periwinkle88

Thank you for the replies. I spent yesterday reading everything I could, and am feeling okay today. Still anxious, but hopeful that the findings next week will be benign. I spoke to my naturopath today and she wonders if I had a bad screening, which may have contributed to the asymmetry. I did notice that during the screening, my breasts were not squished/compressed as much as usual, so maybe that at least explains the right breast asymmetry. Still concerned about the calcifications. Wish the report would have given more details.

Moderator, thank you for the links.

LivinLife, I'm sorry to hear all that you've had to go through. Thank you for sharing what you know.

Periwinkle88

I wanted to follow up with my results in case it might help others. The diagnostic mammogram showed the right side asymmetry completely gone. The left side focal asymmetry was either gone (per the technician, after consulting with the radiologist) or "less conspicuous" (per the final report—wish I had spoken to the radiologist...). The tech said both sides had been asymmetrical due to folded tissue. And while I was scheduled for an ultrasound after the diagnostic mammogram, they cancelled it after the repeat images. Regarding the calcifications, they supposedly look benign, but since they are new to me, I have to go for a repeat diagnostic mammogram in six months. The BIRADS category was 3. I'm relieved for now.

Tiger98

Great nwes