Dimple with normal mammo & US

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SarahD47
SarahD47 Member Posts: 2
edited September 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

About 4 weeks ago I noticed a dimple about an inch long at the 5:00 position on my right breast when I raise my arm. I scheduled an appt with my GP who referred me for diagnostic mammogram, which came back normal but indicated I have heterogeneously dense breasts. No shocker, I’m 32. I pressed my GP for US, which was done today with normal results. I asked Radiologist today about the possibility of fat necrosis as Dr. Google lists that and cancer as the only 2 causes of dimpling. He said there was definitely no fat necrosis, but also definitely no cancer. I’m elated the imaging didn’t show cancer, but then why did this dimple suddenly appear? I do have a family history of breast cancer among 3 different 2nd degree relatives and my mother and sister have never had mammograms.

The radiologist today said that if I really wanted to press the issue I can request genetic testing via my GPand see if I qualify for an MRI. He didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about it, but said it was an option. I don't want to be the hypochondriac that beats a dead horse, but I also don't want to overlook something. Thoughts?

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  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited September 2020

    Hi Sarah. Sorry you have this worry. It is GREAT that there is no sign of cancer. I don't have much to suggest except see if you can do a repeat US in 3 or 6 months, assuming the dimple is still there. And yes, if you can qualify under your insurance (or can pay out of pocket) for genetic testing, that might be helpful information, too, esp since your mother and sister don't have data for you to share with your medical team.

    Good luck on this.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited September 2020

    Or just pay out of pocket for a breast MRI. How old were the three second-degree relatives when diagnosed with breast cancer? Any kind of cancer in first-degree relatives?

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited September 2020

    Sometimes a dimple is just unexplained.

    I've been hanging around here for a very long time and I've seen dozens of women come here with concerns about dimples on their breasts - it's not as common as those who come here worried about a rash on their breast, but it's second to that. Thinking back, I'd be surprised if even 5 were found to have breast cancer. So there certainly are more causes for breast dimples than fat necrosis or breast cancer. Have you gained or lost weight recently? That could be a cause.

    That said, it's important to check out any breast dimple, as you have. With the "all clear" results on the mammogram and ultrasound, I think your option is to pay for an MRI (if you can't convince your doctor to order one for you) or carefully monitor the dimple and request 6 month follow-up screening - or sooner, if the dimple deepens or enlarges.

    With regard to your family history, are the 3 second degree relatives all on the same side of the family and all related to each other (as well as to you)? Are these aunts and a grandmother?


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  • SarahD47
    SarahD47 Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2020

    Thank you all for your input! I think I was hoping for an all clear, it’s something minor and benign from the imaging. I agree there must be other causes for dimples, but the radiologist flatly said he has no anatomical explanation for it. That would’ve been a huge relief to hear.


    In response to the questions, the relatives are grandmother, aunt, and great grandmother, all maternal side. All diagnosed in their 50’s. No weight changes and haven’t breastfeed in over 8 years.

    Thanks again for your opinions

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  • Pugmama83
    Pugmama83 Member Posts: 26
    edited September 2020

    Sarah, I am in your exact same boat except I just finished breastfeeding. Clear US and Mammo. I have a breast MRI on Friday but so far no notable cause. Good luck to you. Here’s to dimples can sometimes just happen

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  • Junebug1972
    Junebug1972 Member Posts: 13
    edited September 2020

    Hey there,


    I haven’t been on here for a while but started looking at posts again due to a sore area in my other breast and that’s when I came across your post. I was diagnosed in April 2005 with IDC. I should’ve been diagnosed in January of that year but my mammo and US came back negative for breast cancer. I would just like to say that if you have a strange feeling that something is not right then push for and pursue more testing. When I was pregnant back in 2002, I had problems breastfeeding from that breast. Of course, I didn’t know why at the time until I was diagnosed 2.5 years later with multiple invasive tumors and DCIS as well. Just wanted to chime in and tell you my story. I wish you luck and hope it is nothing.

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