Asymmetry on CC view of 3D screening mammogram

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RosaMystica
RosaMystica Member Posts: 6
edited December 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I've had several mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs over the years. However, last week I had my first 3D screening mammogram and unfortunately I got a callback for 'an asymmetry.' I'm wondering how common benign findings are for asymmetry found on a 3D (DBT) screening mammogram. I've read that false-positive asymmetries are common with 2D mammograms, though 3D mammograms are supposed to significantly cut down on the superimposition of normal breast tissue (summation artifact). Needless to say, I'm feeling anxious about this finding.


Redacted report is below (I excluded the personal information):

IMPRESSION: INCOMPLETE: NEEDS ADDITIONAL IMAGING EVALUATION

The asymmetry in the right breast is indeterminate. Additional views are recommended.

letter sent: Additional Imaging Needed
Mammogram BI-RADS: 0 Incomplete: needs additional imaging evaluation

BILATERAL DIGITAL SCREENING MAMMOGRAM TOMOSYNTHESIS WITH CAD: 7/24/2020

The tissue of both breasts is heterogeneously dense. This may lower the sensitivity of mammography.

There is an asymmetry in the right breast anterior depth lateral region seen on the craniocaudal view only. No other significant masses, calcifications, or other findings are seen in either breast.

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

    Yes, 3D mammos cuts back on false positives, but it doesn't eliminate them.

    This could be something as simple as the way that your breast was positioned and squished in the mammogram machine, causing the appearance of asymmetry from one view. (The last time I said this to someone here that's exactly what it turned out to be.)

    Or if the asymmetry is real, it doesn't mean the cause is malignant. There are lots of benign causes for asymmetry. Asymmetry in one view only and with the absence of other factors (calcifications, a mass, architectural distortion) is more likely to be benign. So it's definitely too early to worry.

    https://radiopaedia.org/articles/asymmetry-mammography

    https://breast-cancer.ca/abnorm-mams/

    When is your follow-up screening?


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  • RosaMystica
    RosaMystica Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2020

    Beesie, thank you for your reply and for the links. My follow up is scheduled for Wednesday.

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  • RosaMystica
    RosaMystica Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2020

    I wanted to follow up on my earlier post. My diagnostic mammogram turned out fine. The initial abnormal finding turned out to be overlapping breast tissue.

    Also to anyone who comes across this post in the future, Beesie gave good advice. Even though 3D mammograms cut down on false-positives, they don't eliminate them.

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

    Great news!

    And thanks so much for coming back to let us know!

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  • Nadeybelle
    Nadeybelle Member Posts: 4
    edited September 2020

    This is comforting to hear. Your mamma was 3D? My 3D came back Focal Asymmetry and I’m just sick. Have been waiting for the addition imaging appointment tomorrow. My anxiety Is through the roof. Thank you all for sharing your stories. I will post the outcome of tomorrow. Praying it’s just my normal tissue but trying to prepare for the worst. You all know how this feels I’m certain. Thank you again.

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

    Nadeybelle, I don't know if RosaMystica is still visiting the site but if you read her opening post, she specifies that she did have a 3D mammo.

    Her concern was exactly the same as yours, in that she'd heard that 3D mammos cut down on false-positives. Well, in her case, her 3D mammo was a false positive for asymmetry.

    Good luck tomorrow.

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  • RosaMystica
    RosaMystica Member Posts: 6
    edited September 2020

    Hi Nadeybelle, I just wanted to chime in to say that yes, my mammogram was a 3D mammogram and everything did turn out fine for me. From this experience I learned that false positives are still common with 3D mammograms, even if they are fewer than traditional mammograms.

    By the way, I also have medical anxiety and feel very ill when I have to wait for medical results. I’m glad you don’t have to wait much longer for your follow up appointment and hope that everything turns out fine tomorrow and no additional tests are needed.

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  • 5ingys
    5ingys Member Posts: 11
    edited December 2020

    Hello Nadeybelle? Did you get your results? I am in the same situation.

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