QuestionI just had my first mammogram. the report said the breast consist of
fibrofatty and markedly dense fibroglandular elements. what does this mean
and is it normal? also said that their was a 5mm well circumscribed ovoid
asymmetric density in the far posterolateral right breast on laterally
exaggerated craniocaudal imaging of right breast possibly representing an
axillary region lymph node. I had a ultrasound and showed nothing.. said to
come back in 6 mos.. what does all this mean?
AnswerI have not examined you or the patient in question, reviewed the medical record, associated laboratory studies, or imaging. What follows is offered to you for information purposes, only and does not constitute treatment. I advise an examination from a qualified healthcare professional before undertaking any course of treatment.
It means there is a poorly defined area in your breast that is difficult to assess. The area is being watched but no conclusions can be drawn. To be safe, the radiologist would like follow-up films in six months to check if a change has occurred. At that time, a decision can be made for or against further studies or a biopsy of the area. These recommendations are not willy nilly. They are based on good science and experience with millions of breast cancer cases over the past fifty years of breast imaging and long term follow-up for diagnosed cancers versus benign masses.
