Focal Asymmerty BIRAD 0 -- Can Someone Translate?

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SolonGirl
SolonGirl Member Posts: 6
edited April 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi Everyone:  This is my first time posting and I could use some help understanding my mammo results.  Received a letter stating:  needs additional imaging evaluation . . . probably B9.  Report states:  A focal asymmetry in left breast upper outer aspect posterior depth.  No other significant masses, calcifications, or other findings in either breast.  Focal asymmetry in left breast indeterminate.  BIRADS 0.  Isn't the probably B9 statement and BIRADS 0 a contradiction?  I'm confused and worried.  I'm 60, live alone, and already wondering what will happen to my dogs if this is breast cancer! 

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  • nmh35
    nmh35 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2015

    BIRADS 0 just means that they cannot give a Birads score until further imaging is done. So although the they believe it looks benign, they need further imaging to make a definitive answer

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  • soldieron
    soldieron Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2015

    Hello solongirl, from my understanding BIRADS 0 just means additional testing is needed. And focal asymmetry means one breast is different from another, hence needs additional imaging. Possible diagnostic mammos and u/s needed.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2015

    Yes, Birads 0 means inadequate info, as in need more views, orcdon't have a prior mammogram to compare it to.


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  • SolonGirl
    SolonGirl Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2015

    Thank you so much for your responses! The report said that my recent mammo was compared to a previous one, but no note on what comparison revealed. I know you are all much further into this journey than I am and have faced and overcome some truly difficult circumstances. By comparison, my worries at this stage seem so insignificant, but knowing that the radiologist saw something has hit me hard. All I can think is "what if." Since my screening, I have also noticed some swelling in my armpit on the affected side (soft swelling, not hard, but large and round like a golf ball). I don't know what to think. I am completely distracted at work and home--just going through the motions. Was swelling in armpit part of anyone else' initial screening results?

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  • nmh35
    nmh35 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2015

    SolonGirl- everyone's worries are just as important here. Don't feel like you are bothering anyone! When is your additional imaging being done? Hopefully you can get some answers soon

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2015

    Hi SolonGirl, welcome to BCO and your question is understandable.

    Please understand that a BIRADS Score is a USA system to provide one way for all radiologists to categorize their findings and create a follow-up action plan. It is simply a guide to future testing (if any) required from results, so far. It is NOT a diagnosis and should not be considered as such.

    Also, for others reading this, note that the BIRADS Score may not be used in countries outside the US, so don't be upset if you have not been provided with a BIRADS Score.

    All the best for a B9 confirmation, The Mods

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  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited April 2015

    If it is any help, my armpits get very swollen, and I recently had a birds 3 mammo that it appears ended up B9. And it was on my cancer side. So it's hard, but try not to panic. There are other breast issues.


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  • SolonGirl
    SolonGirl Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2015

    Thanks Cookiegal and all. It does help to hear others' experiences. I did what I guess most women do when they get their report; I did a Google search--not very encouraging. Info on focal asymmetry and it location (outer upper quadrant) is bad enough, but the info on swelling in armpit is terrifying. My appointment is not until May although my breast center will contact me if an earlier appointment becomes available. Just have to try to get ahold of myself. This morning I drove to work on auto pilot. I left the driveway, and the next thing I know I'm pulling into my parking space on campus--a 60 minute commute!

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  • nmh35
    nmh35 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2015

    May?! I can't imagine they would make you waitthat long if they thought it looked suspicious, so hopefully that's good news for you.

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  • SolonGirl
    SolonGirl Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2015

    When I made the appointment I was told that the general recommendation is to have follow-up imaging within a month of screening mammo but May is earliest available appointment. : ( So I wait and read and walk (saw first crocuses break through the snow) and clean closets.

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  • SolonGirl
    SolonGirl Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2015

    Hi All: I'm back. Still waiting for my follow-up mammogram, now just a few days ways (was able to get in earlier due to a cancellation). Don't know how I've made it this long without going crazy, but now that the appointment is almost here, I just don't know what to do with myself. Really worthless at work--100% distracted. Can't sleep. I've tried to stay off the Internet with no success. Have been trying to prepare myself for what might result from focal asymmetry. From what I've been reading, fa can be a sign of lobular cancer--that along with armpit swelling and shrinking (?) breast. Does this seem right to anyone? Also, I understand that if things seem suspicious, a biopsy may be ordered. Will the radiologist give me any information or will I have to wait? What's appropriate to ask? I know so many of you have been where I am--waiting--and beyond. Any insight you can provide would be much appreciated!

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  • nmh35
    nmh35 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2015

    When I have gone for follow up tests and they are then considered diagnostic, not routine, the tech would run the images by the radiologist and then the radiologist would give me her thoughts and recommendations right there

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited April 2015

    It can also just be a sign of benign fibrocystic breasts. Pain to the armpit is pretty classic for fibrocystic breasts too.


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