Focal asymmetry

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ruthiew
ruthiew Member Posts: 11
edited July 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi, I am a 54 year old post menopausal woman. I received a call yesterday regarding my annual screening mammogram that I had on July 6th. The images showed areas of focal asymmetry in both breasts. My doctor tried to be reassuring, but I am freaking out. My follow up diagnostic mammogram is tomorrow afternoon. I have been doing exactly what my doctor said not to do, which is to research my condition on the internet. I read that focal asymmetry can be due to a mass or a developing mass. Having no biological children, I know that my cancer risk is slightly elevated. All the posts I see are from people with asymmetry on one, but not both sides, so I am wondering a bit if the technician didn't get clear pictures? She was very quick - it was the fastest mammogram I have ever had. But this little voice in my head keeps telling me I have masses in both breasts. If there was a big lump, wouldn't it have shown up on the 3D images? I cannot function and I am paralyzed by fear.

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited July 2018

    My last mammogram was fast too, like lightning speed. The tech was young and seemed scared to hurt me (because of my lumpectomy scar). Bingo...I got a call back for focal asymmetry. Turned out to be a skin fold...nothing. The wait for a diagnostic mammo was 11 days of the dreaded wait game, I hear you on the fear! Know that 40% of screening mammograms are called back for a diagnostic (especially if you don’t have a baseline), and of those the vast majority of findings are benign. Most women experience a call back sometime in their life. What they see in you needs to be identified by spot compression (a close up pic). Focal asymmetry in both breasts, while not a guarantee, is also an indication of normal breast changes. They’re being careful (good thing), so take a breath, odds are on your side. Stay busy and stay off google, it’ll only add to the fear. Crossing fingers for good results, please keep us posted! Hugs!
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  • bravepoint
    bravepoint Member Posts: 404
    edited July 2018

    I also got a call back last year for an area of focal asymmetry in my left breast. I was totally freaking out as I had just been through almost a year of chemo and rads post lumpectomy on my right side. It turned out to be a skin fold.

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  • aseal321
    aseal321 Member Posts: 47
    edited July 2018

    I had my mammo the same day as you-with the same call back. I moved, so I had to provide my old films and report from the other clinic I went to for my mammos, and after review, they said there isa prominent area of change. My compression mammo and US will be on 7/19. I have always had dense breasts, so I am hoping this is just a fluke.


    Hope your test goes well! Please keep us posted!

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  • ruthiew
    ruthiew Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2018

    Thank you everyone for your reassuring words. After a long afternoon of imaging and waiting, everything is completely B9! The dense areas were still there, but the various compressions revealed normal healthy breast tissue. I am clear for a year. I know they were very thorough, but I would still prefer to go back in 6 months. Sending hugs to everyone "not diagnosed but worried".

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited July 2018

    Ruthie...YAY!!! Awesome news! Discuss your concerns with your PCP regarding 6 month checks...always good to advocate and be vigilant. For tonight however, get celebrating!

    Asea - crossing my fingers and sending positives for a benign result...remember the stats are on your side

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