Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/13/2006

Question
I am 47 years old, with a family history of breast cancer (mother, maternal aunt, maternal grandfather, maternal great aunt all died as the result of breast cancer-mother and aunt were 59 and 60).  I went in last week for a routine mamogram (first one in 4 years) and received word from the radiologist that a change in tissue had been observed.  I was asked to come back in for this week for addtional x-ray (I think it was a spot cone compression).  My physician is aware of my family history and told me that he does not think that it consitutes an increased risk of breast cancer.  What types of questions would you recommend I ask when the results are available, I don't want to borrow trouble, but I would like to know enought to ask legitimate, intelligent questions about the radiologist concerns and future scans.

Thanks in advance for your help.  

Answer
Well if your dr. does think that this is not a family history indicating an increased genetic risk for breast cancer I wonder what kind of family history would do that according to your dr.?! Anyway I want you to insist on the following program! 1. Your mammography should be complemented with breast MRI scans and maybe ultrasound scans as well! 2.The lesion that has been seen should be checked with a thin needle aspiration biopsy - if necessary done stereotactically based on marked mammograms! 3.If that biopsy in any way should turn out to be unclear a surgical biopsy should be done! 4. In the future - even if this lesion turns out to be non cancerous - you should be checked with mammograms, breast MRI & ultrasound at least once a year! Ok? Good luck! Please do keep me posted!