Understanding Mammogram Abnormalities: What to Expect After a Family History of Breast Cancer

Question
Dear Dr. Nordquist,

Recently, my younger sister (age 36) was diagnosed with infiltrated duct carcinoma.  Subsequently, she underwent surgery and had chemo.  

Just this past Monday, I went for a routine mammogram (age 38) because my sister had been bugging me to.  Not only that, I had been having breast pain in my right breast. I have been brushing it off, I thought it might be sympathy pain.  My chief complaint was pain and I was able to palpate several lumps.  To my surprise, the mammogram came back abnormal.  The radiologist said in his report that my right breast demonstrates a focal density in the upper portion of my right breast.  They said I need to come back for further testing.  

My sister had some genetic testing done and it came back negative for the breast ca gene.

My question to you is: should I be worried?
What is focal density.  Is it commom for two sisters to have breast ca at the same time?  

The doctor told my sister that they are not sure where her ca started.  They told her that she has probably had it for 8-10 years.  By the way, my sister was asymptomatic.  She just went for a routine mammogram just because her insurance said they would pay for it.  

I am really worried.  I go back to have my additional views this coming Friday.

Thank you for your time.  Please email me asap.

Sincerely,

Christy Wyatt

p.s. my sister has no tumor markers at this time.  Her prognosis is excellent.  

Answer
Statistically if a sister or mother of yours (or worse both) has breast cancer your risk goes up. A focal density only means that a patch of more dense tissue can be seen in the mammogram. It can be anything an innocent condition or a cancer. To be sure what it is INSIST on a biopsy so you can get a diagnosis! Then the facts are known and futher action if necessary can begin. Good luck!

Thanks! Mammograms can give some indications if there is a cancer or not BUT they are NOT pathology reports. A biopsy gives you a pathology report, the best way to get a diagnosis. Something all drs. are aware of. If I were you I would not wait I would ask for the biopsy right away.