Architectural Distortion and Asymmetry after diagnostic mammo

@leen83
Welcome to Mayo Connect!
It’s definitely scary to get a questionable mammogram report.
As I understand it, most of these architectural distortions are benign.
If not- it was caught early.
I went through this 30+ years ago. I do remember that each step in the process of finding the answer is anxiety provoking.
Bring someone with you for the biopsy and for any meeting with a physician.
Try not to panic- one step at a time.
Please, let us know how the biopsy went.

@leen83 I know this is scary and Dr. Google can bring up all kinds of things. I had assymmetry and architectural distortion on my mammo 2.5 yrs ago. After MRI and breast biopsy they found what is called a radial scar( not a scar at all) also called a complex schlerosing lesion and is considered a benign finding. I had a lumpectomy to remove it to make sure nothing bad was lurking in or around it. All was
good. I know the unknown causes a lot of anxiety and apprehension. Try to do something you enjoy while waiting for your next steps. Please keep us posted here in the forum. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way.

Yes, I had architectural distortion noted in December. Turned out to be stage 1, triple positive invasive ductal CA. Prognosis is good, but the treatment is not fun. I hope yours is benign!!! Hang in there. It is hard to be patient, with all the testing.

I had an asymmetry and architectural distortion found on mammogram and it was diagnosed as stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma HER2+.
Fortunately it was small and I had a lumpectomy and accelerated partial breast radiation which was every other day for 5 days. Taking Anastrozole. My ONC type was low so thankfully I didn't need chemo.

I also tried to find anything I could on Google while waiting for the diagnosis and read that it could possibly be benign. The waiting and worrying is very stressful.
Prayers for a good outcome. Good luck.

Thanks everyone for your experiences. Just had the biopsy earlier today (I felt like a car on a lift) and now begins the waiting game for the results. Hopefully I hear back on Friday, but they said Tuesday at the latest.

With my crazy family history of cancer, I always knew it was a possibility in theory, but it’s a whole different beast when you’re actually confronted with the real possibility of it.

I find myself plastering on a smile as I plan for things in the future with the kids, then breaking down behind closed door for the possibility I may not be able to do those things. I’ve even put a halt to taking on orders for my clients as a cake designer as I don’t know what the future holds. I think that’s the hardest part - being in limbo.

Thinking of you, @leen83. I hope you will return to let us know what you learned.

Hi! @leen83

Thoughts and prayers are with you during this uncertain times. I love your sense of humor relating yourself to the "lifted car":)

Surely being in limbo is a tough challenge; however, with your courage, strength and sense of humor I am certain you'll conquer any challenges ahead and still be able to enjoy quality time with your kids & family, for you are not alone and you'll never be alone with our supports.

Best wishes on the journey ahead!

Thanks everyone for your words and advice. It’s been such a rollercoaster of emotions the past few weeks. Biopsy results came back normal but MRI due to dense breast tissue (only opening was after biopsy) showed 2 areas to closely monitor plus 2 additional areas that need biopsy.

MRI contrast sent me to ER with a severe reaction and now the radiologists have been in constant discussion how to proceed with my case. Yesterday’s conversation with them plus amended medical report states they’ll attempt to do MR biopsy on the two locations without contrast but also asked me to come in an hour before for an ultrasound to look at the other 2 areas of concern.

Freaking out even more than before now - I barely handled 1 area to biopsy. Now I have 2, possibly 4 more areas to worry about. 😔

Biopsy done on 2 sites. With all my prodding questions, radiologist all but said it was malignant and regardless of biopsy outcome, surgery will be needed to remove it. He said that previous biopsy did not correlate to what they were seeing (3 radiologists reviewed images) and with the MRI images,, they see that the previous area biopsied is adjacent to a much larger area that would not have been seen without the MRI.

It’s hitting me that there is almost no chance of it being benign. Now it’s a waiting game for the biopsy results, yet again.

On the (tiny) positive side, U/S showed that the other areas of concern were benign.

For those that had the distortion, do you remember the size of it? I’m feeling like mine is crazy large which is making me worry about how bad it could really be.

My "distortion" is due to engorged milk ducts where the DCIS is located.