Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/14/2010

Question
I went in for my annual physical, and have been totally upset ever since, that was two weeks ago.  The Physician Assistant said I had a lump in my right breast and needed a mammogram, well, I had one and an ultrasound, my right breast is fine, but my left isn't.  This is what the report says.

Mammograms show an area of asymmetric density about 35 mm in size in the superior aspect of the left breast about the 12-2 o'clock position. On latermomedial view it still persists as an area of asymmetric density without definite borders or margins.  On a spot compression CC view, it compresses out nicely and appears to simply represent normal glandular tissue. On an MLO spot compression view it still appears to be an asymmetric density but lacks any true architectural distortion or spiculation.  There are no associated calcification in the region.
In the ultrasound suite, the superior left breast was palpated.  There was normal fibrocystic consistency through out the superior breast but no defined lump or discrete mass.  There was certainly no evidence of a 3-4 cm mass on physical exam.  Ultrasound targeted to the left breast 12-1 o'clock position showed normal fatty and fibroglandular tissue.  There was no evidence of a mass or malignancy.

It goes on to say that I should come back in six months.
I AM GOING CRAZY!!!  I feel a couple lumps in that area.  Perhaps the fibroglandular tissue?  What does that feel like?
Is it really safe to wait?  Six months is a long time!!!

I am 31 years old.  Thanks.

Answer
Well, the report is actually not very alarming but I agree that these waiting times are unnecessary and frustrating - to say the least. INSIST on an MRI breast scan of your left breast. If that shows anything suspicious INSIST on an MRI guided needle core (or aspiration) biopsy of the lesion seen. That way we will know SOON what it is you have! Good luck!





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