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2 asymmetries upper left breast - supplemental screening question
Hello all, I have read that mammogram call backs (more 3D plus ultrasound) are routine and no cause for concern but would appreciate advice others may have on navigating this. (My aunt was diagnosed with late stage abdominal cancer that was initially missed despite on-going treatment and tests by a gastroenterologist.) I have some risk factors: 1) extremely dense breast tissue 2) oral contraceptive use for 27 years 3) never having a full-term pregnancy. Should I request an MRI? A tumor marker test?: https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/tumor-markers-for-breast-cancer#interpreting-results. Thanks in advance for any advice or feedback. I learn a lot from Mayo Connect!
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Hi moi24--might you share more about what is going on? Have you currently had a call back? Usually a suspicious area will result in a biopsy. But you should have a chance to consult with a radiologist first. I myself never had a tumor marker test as part of a breast cancer diagnostic process--it was used for monitoring after treatment ended. But I'm not quite sure where you are at in terms of diagnosis.
Hi Miriam, thanks very much for your response. I received a report from the radiologist via my MD asking for further imaging and further evaluation with ultrasound. I have had prior call backs because I have very dense, small breasts which obscures imaging but I understand this call back is different because it is diagnostic, not screening. The appointment is scheduled in a month, the earliest available.
Wishing for the best possible news for you. Do check in again when you know more. I hope the waiting isn't too unpleasant. I know people hate that waiting-for-tests-and-results time period. I've had plenty myself but try to treat myself with special consideration--whether fancy coffee or a nap. Anyway, all best to you.
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1 ReactionHi Miriam~ I also had a recent call back for additional images and ultrasound after my routine mammogram. At that appointment the radiologist requested a biopsy. After the biopsy I was diagnosed with atypical lobular hyperplasia in one breast. (Pre cancerous cells) They said standard procedure at that point is to visit a surgeon, which I did and he ordered an MRI. All of these appointments took about 6 weeks and basically because I have dense breasts that they couldn’t see into. My only risk factor was 5 years of HRT. I am post menopausal. If they see anything suspicious at your ultrasound I would think this will be the sequence for you as well. Only a small percentage of call backs result in a cancer diagnosis so try not to worry too much.
Thank you! I appreciate your response. This info is super helpful to understand how the process could go. Was your initial call back scheduled with a radiologist? I assumed technicians would handle the mammogram and ultrasound, and that I would receive a radiologist report later. I'm glad to hear in your case it isn't cancer!
Hi~ yes, the additional mammogram images were done by a technician as well as the ultrasound. A radiologist also came in and did an ultrasound and spoke with me about the need for a biopsy. She did the biopsy 2 weeks later and the results went to my primary care dr office, who then called me. I am now scheduled for an appointment at a high risk breast specialty clinic where I will begin a 5 yr regimen of arimidex, which is a drug to inhibit estrogen production. I think the waiting is really the hardest part! It’s scary not know what to expect so you are ahead of the game by asking lots of questions and trying to be prepared. Good luck, all the best for you!
Thank you, I wish you the same! It's very helpful to hear your experience and ways you're staying ahead of the risks.
@moi24, you may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Detecting cancer in women with dense breasts: MRI?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mri-for-dense-breasts/