Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/8/2007

Question
I had a mammo with the report saying focal asymmetry located deep to the nipple. so i was sent for compression view...still shows. i was sent for ultrasound...i really think the ultrasound tech didnt look around enough...she found something at 12oclock and stopped...which appeared to be a complex cyst with eternal echoes. then i get a report from the radiologist that says something at 6oclock appearing to be taller than wider and of a solid nature and recommended a stereotactic biopsy...with a birad 4....when i went to the surgeon he seem to think it was all nothing...but ordered a new digital diagnostic mammo..because i have such dense breast...should i be worried,,,im not sure if anyone knows what they are talking about..my sister had breast cancer at 44..a paternal and maternal aunt with breast cancer..one at 52 the other at 70....im 48..

Answer
Well with dense breasts I'm not surprised that you get these reports from mammography & ultrasound! The most probable reason is a fibrocystic breast condition.However with this somewhat dramatic family history of breast cancer you have to be careful! A cancer can "hide" in such dense breasts as yours. I strongly suggest breast MRI scans (including contrast) as they are more able to detect pathology in dense breasts. I also STRONGLY support the suggestion of a stereotactic needle biopsy! Such biopsies should be done on any unclear lesion seen!
Please do keep me posted!