3D Mammogram - "Focal Asymmetry" found in left breast

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automartin
automartin Member Posts: 8
edited January 2019 in Waiting for Test Results

Hello

New here today. I had a 3D mammogram done on Monday and got the results this morning. I was referred to our cancer center for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, which they've scheduled for Friday. I'll be there for 2-3 hours, as they have a radiologist on staff to read results and give them to me right away. Which is awesome.

My paternal/maternal aunts have had breast cancer. I had a mammogram in 2008 which was normal, and my first annual mammogram last year, which was also normal (BIRADS Category - 2). That one was 2D, and I was told that since I'm heterogeneously dense, I should go for the 3D mammogram, which is what I had on Monday.

Here are the radiologist notes. Can anyone help with more info or what a focal asymmetry means in relation to my two previous normal screenings? And does someone have a chart that shows me where the asymmetry is located? I know it's in the back of my left breast, but if it were a clock (looking at it from the front), what time would it be? :)

TECHNIQUE:
Bilateral screening mammography, producing direct digital images and bilateral screening digital tomosynthesis, all views, with computer-aided detection (CAD).

COMPARISON:
Prior mammograms dating back to 2008

INDICATION:
Encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of breast.

Breast Density:
The breasts are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses.

Combination mammography/tomosynthesis was performed of both breasts. There is a focal asymmetry in the far posterior lateral left breast seen on the exaggerated lateral craniocaudal view. Further evaluation is recommended with tomosynthesis in the
mediolateral and spot compression exaggerated lateral craniocaudal view. Ultrasound may be necessary for complete evaluation. There is no significant change in the appearance of the right breast.

Impression:
Left breast finding requires further evaluation.

Recommendation:
Diagnostic Mammogram Left with Left Breast Ultrasound.
Betty Ford Breast Care patient navigator will place an order for a Left Diagnostic Mammogram with Left Breast Ultrasound per my direction for the additional diagnostics needed to evaluate the area(s) in question as noted in my assessment and impression
above. Our navigator will ensure the appropriate follow-up appointment is scheduled.

Follow-Up Interval:
NOW.

The "NOW" in all-caps freaks me out. Thanks!


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Comments

  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited January 2019

    Sounds like you are where I was about a decade ago when, prior to digital, I kept having film mammograms with something described as architectural distortion in heterogeneously dense tissue. How cool that you are at Betty Ford. She did so much to bring BC into the public arena.

    Were you given a BiRads score? I can't describe the exact location of concern from the narrative but you should certainly question the radiologist or observe where the sonographer concentrates their effort. I remember watching the screen and seeing tentacles extending from the non-palpable lesion.

    You might also want to inquire about genetic counseling especially since you are probably not yet in menopause. Even if your aunts were diagnosed when older, your family could have a deleterious mutation passed through male relatives. Panel tests look at much more than BRCA these days. Perhaps eveything, including your scans tomorrow, will be benign with no biopsy needed. Then you can take it easy until next year!

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited January 2019

    Focal asymmetry means there is an area of density that isn't homogeneous with the surrounding tissue. Because your breasts are dense it's difficult for a mammo to get a 'clear' view of the spot in question (think looking for a snowball in a blizzard). They will be doing spot compression imaging in order to get a clear image and determine why the area is asymmetric.

    One of the most common causes is a skin fold over during your mammogram. Cysts and fibrodema can also be the culprit. In other words odds are it's benign, most focals are.

    At my last screening mammogram they found a focal asymmetry on my 'bad' breast so my stress level was through the roof! Result = skin fold over. I had to wait 11 days for the diagnostic and only wish I had 'NOW'on my report lol. I'm thinking the all caps 'now' refers to the fact that you're being seen as soon as you are perhaps because of your family history, but I wouldn't read too much into that notation. Your facility is right on this, which is a good thing.

    Here are a few charts that might be helpful:

    image

    image


    I hope this helps a bit. There is nothing worse than waiting and wondering, my heart goes out to you. I’m sending positive vibes for benign results.Hang in and keep us posted!!

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  • automartin
    automartin Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2019

    Thank you! This helps so much. I’m actually getting ready to leave for the Lemmen Holton Cancer Pavilion in about 30 minutes, I’m assuming that’s part of the Betty Ford conglomerate? I’ve known a few people have been here and said that they are wonderful. So thankful I’ll know something today!


    These charts really helpful, I am very curious to find out where this is located, because I don’t think I can feel anything, but my breasts are very dense and rope-like.


    I’ll update here when I get done

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited January 2019

    Hi Automartin, Glad you found the info helpful! How did the imaging go? Any results?

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  • automartin
    automartin Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2019

    Thank you for checking in! Mammogram was clean - they think it was tissue folded upon itself. So relieved. I hadn’t realized how terrified I was. Thankful this community is here for women like me. Thank you

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited January 2019

    Awesome news, so pleased for you! Yes it is terrifying....hope you celebrated! Congrats.

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