Is breast architectural distortion reason to panic?

@mamadani, how are you doing? Any update?

I’m actually going for a second opinion at an actual breast care center this week. I hope I get some answers and hopefully a doctor who cares! Thanks for asking!
This has been the most stressful month of my life and I hope I get some sort of relief when I go for my appointment.

What did you learn at your second opinion, @mamadani?

Did you consider lobular carcinoma? It is very difficult to find with mammogram , ultrasound or MRI (early on). because the cells do not form masses or lumps, but form single almost spider-like lines. My radiologist reported "linear enhancement on my MRI" which was biopsied and was positive for lobular carcinoma. Not to worry you, just to let you know in case you hadn't heard of this possibility.

I hesitate to respond due to your already diagnosed condition with anxiety. I am not a doctor (but a retired RN of 36 yrs) I would like to share with you my associated story as I experienced a similar finding on a screening mammogram last May of 2022. My "layman's" understanding of architectural distortion and don't hold me to it is it describes a change in the tissue fiber of the breast that to some degree can be normal if it is not a significant amount of change from previous mammograms. My mammogram showed a borderline small amount of change from the previous year, almost imperceptible however the reading radiologist thank G-d leaned on the side of caution. The other factor is your age. Architectural distortion in postmenopausal women is statistically more significant in said population. I in fact did have breast cancer, multiple tumors throughout one breast, so small they were not perceptible on a mammogram. The blessing of this flagged mammogram for me was that my cancer was found in its early stages. Reflecting back, the fear and anxiety of the unknown were so much worse than the disease itself. I am now considered cancer free and finally getting back to living my life. I feel better than I have in years! My hope is that your f/u diagnostics are negative however if not, please know that you are going to survive and thrive. If cancer is found, it most is likely quite early. Every story is different, yet similar. Educate yourself. It decreases anxiety and empowers you from the initial shock of powerlessness. Please let me know how your sonogram goes. The amazing "sisterhood" will be here for you if needed. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or just need some support.

Hi Randy36, did you have the biopsy right after AD was found in your mammogram, or did your radiologist send you for the MRI before biopsy?

I hesitate to respond due to your already diagnosed condition with anxiety. I am not a doctor (but a retired RN of 36 yrs) I would like to share with you my associated story as I experienced a similar finding on a screening mammogram last May of 2022. My "layman's" understanding of architectural distortion and don't hold me to it is it describes a change in the tissue fiber of the breast that to some degree can be normal if it is not a significant amount of change from previous mammograms. My mammogram showed a borderline small amount of change from the previous year, almost imperceptible however the reading radiologist thank G-d leaned on the side of caution. The other factor is your age. Architectural distortion in postmenopausal women is statistically more significant in said population. I in fact did have breast cancer, multiple tumors throughout one breast, so small they were not perceptible on a mammogram. The blessing of this flagged mammogram for me was that my cancer was found in its early stages. Reflecting back, the fear and anxiety of the unknown were so much worse than the disease itself. I am now considered cancer free and finally getting back to living my life. I feel better than I have in years! My hope is that your f/u diagnostics are negative however if not, please know that you are going to survive and thrive. If cancer is found, it most is likely quite early. Every story is different, yet similar. Educate yourself. It decreases anxiety and empowers you from the initial shock of powerlessness. Please let me know how your sonogram goes. The amazing "sisterhood" will be here for you if needed. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or just need some support.

@randy36 this was so helpful! thank you for sharing your experience.
I’ve always been told I have dense breast tissue so when I was told about architectural distortion my head is spinning.
My radiologist is siding on the side of caution also so they’ve scheduled a 3D mammogram needle biopsy and I’m trying not to panic.

I hesitate to respond due to your already diagnosed condition with anxiety. I am not a doctor (but a retired RN of 36 yrs) I would like to share with you my associated story as I experienced a similar finding on a screening mammogram last May of 2022. My "layman's" understanding of architectural distortion and don't hold me to it is it describes a change in the tissue fiber of the breast that to some degree can be normal if it is not a significant amount of change from previous mammograms. My mammogram showed a borderline small amount of change from the previous year, almost imperceptible however the reading radiologist thank G-d leaned on the side of caution. The other factor is your age. Architectural distortion in postmenopausal women is statistically more significant in said population. I in fact did have breast cancer, multiple tumors throughout one breast, so small they were not perceptible on a mammogram. The blessing of this flagged mammogram for me was that my cancer was found in its early stages. Reflecting back, the fear and anxiety of the unknown were so much worse than the disease itself. I am now considered cancer free and finally getting back to living my life. I feel better than I have in years! My hope is that your f/u diagnostics are negative however if not, please know that you are going to survive and thrive. If cancer is found, it most is likely quite early. Every story is different, yet similar. Educate yourself. It decreases anxiety and empowers you from the initial shock of powerlessness. Please let me know how your sonogram goes. The amazing "sisterhood" will be here for you if needed. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or just need some support.

@randy36
I'm in a similar situation which I just found out a few minutes ago. I stumbled upon this site in my Google search. I'm grateful for it. I read the definition of arch. distortion and then your reply. I have a better sense of what I'm confronting now becauseofyour reply. I'll just have to be prayerful and patient until I get an apporoved appointment for the diagnostic mammogram I thought I was getting in the beginning instead of the screening mammogram I received. I have dense breat and a diagnostic mammogram is usually recommended. I changed doctors before my mammogram was due to be ordered. The new doctor did not appear to be aware of my breast history.