Suspicious and Waiting
I just turned 40 and had my first mammogram a few weeks ago. It came back needing additional imaging. Here is that report (other, more concerning to follow below):
“IMPRESSION: Right breast focal asymmetry warrants further evaluation.
OVERALL FINAL ASSESSMENT:
BI-RADS 0: Incomplete. Need additional imaging evaluation.
RECOMMENDATION: Right breast diagnostic mammogram and possible ultrasound.
BILATERAL SCREENING DIGITAL MAMMOGRAM WITH 3D TOMOSYNTHESIS AND CAD DATE: 2/10/2025 3:13 PM COMPARISON: This is the patient's baseline mammogram. No previous breast imaging studies are available for comparison.
HISTORY: Screening mammogram.
TECHNIQUE: Low-dose full-field digital breast tomosynthesis examination was performed with 2D and 3D acquisitions. Examination is read in conjunction with computer aided detection. BREAST COMPOSITION: The breasts are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses.
FINDINGS: In the lower central right breast middle depth, there is a focal asymmetry. There is no suspicious finding in the left breast.”
Four days ago I went for my additional imaging. I was to have a 3D Mammogram, and an ultrasound was ordered just in case it was needed.
They did the 3D mammogram, then had me wait and said the radiologist would review it. I waited, and they came and got me for an ultrasound. After the tech did the ultrasound she said to wait and that “sometimes the doctor wants to do the ultrasound herself, so don’t be alarmed if the doctor is with me when I come back.” I knew something wasn’t right. Doctor came back and did the u/s herself. Then they had me do another 3D mammogram with some different views than they’d done previously. Then they had me wait while the doctor reviewed that, then they came out and took me to a private area and said I need to have a biopsy. There is no lump or mass, but they keep saying “focal asymmetry” and “tissue that just doesn’t look quite right”.
Here is that report:
“IMPRESSION: Persistent focal asymmetry noted in the lower, slightly inner right breast. While findings may represent benign breast parenchyma, malignancy should be excluded. No sonographic correlate is identified. Stereotactic/tomosynthesis guided core needle biopsy is recommended.
OVERALL FINAL ASSESSMENT: Suspicious.
BI-RADS CATEGORY 4: Suspicious.
Narrative
RIGHT BREAST FULL-FIELD DIGITAL DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM WITH CAD WITH TOMOGRAPHY AND LIMITED RIGHT BREAST ULTRASOUND DATE: 3/3/2025 12:54 PM HISTORY: Abnormal screening mammogram
COMPARISON: 2/10/2025
BREAST COMPOSITION: The breasts are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses.
TECHNIQUE: Diagnostic full-field and spot compression digital mammography was performed on the right breast. Low-dose digital breast tomosynthesis examination was performed with 2D and 3D acquisitions. Examination is read in conjunction with computer aided detection. Targeted sonography of the right breast was performed.
FINDINGS:
MAMMOGRAMS: There is a persistent focal asymmetry in the lower, slightly inner breast at mid depth, 7 cm deep to the nipple. No concerning microcalcifications are noted. ULTRASOUND: Targeted sonography of the lower central to lower inner right breast was performed. No solid or cystic mass is identified. No sonographic correlate is identified to the mammographic finding.”
I saw on the screen the area they were looking at and can even draw a picture of it.
I am worried sick, obviously. I know that most focal asymmetries are BI-RADS 3, but mine is a 4.. (no letter given) My PCP says if anything it may be DCIS, especially since there are no lumps or masses. Images I’ve found online compared to what I saw them consistently focusing on on the screen are similar to DCIS and also lobular carcinoma.
Thoughts while I wait four more days for the biopsy and then 2-5 business days after that for results???
Comments
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Hi @amd.lola1212, I’m sorry that you are in the stressful situation of waiting for a biopsy and the results. Unfortunately imaging can’t tell whether there is a malignancy which is why a biopsy has to be done. About three quarters of biopsies turn out to be benign so chances are good you’ll be in that group. If not this site is a good resource for information and support. Let us know how it goes. All the best.
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