Hi all! I live in the U.S. but found this site and it seems very helpful. I am 55 years old, no remarkable breast history other than a lot of cysts, all benign. But my sister at 40 had DCIS in both breasts and had a double mastectomy and no further issues since. No other cancer in the whole family. I get a mammo and ultrasound every year because of the family history since she is my sister. I just went 4 days ago for my routine annual mammogram and sonogram. At the sonogram she told me that most of my cysts are gone since I am now post menopausal as of 2 years ago. I was so happy. The mammo was first but she said nothing to me at all so I thought all was good and went home pretty happy. Then yesterday, the report shows up on my patient portal. This is what is says and I wanted to know if anyone had something similar and could possibly shed a little light on this. It says verbatim “Left breast tubular focal asymmetry with associated calcification. There is a tubular asymmetry with associated calcifications in the posterior central aspect of the left breast, more conspicuous compared to prior studies with increased calcifications. Further evaluation with spot compression imaging, magnification imaging, and targeting ultrasound is recommended”. I have my follow up appointment for January 24th but I am a bit concerned due to the history with my sister and my last few mammo reports said there were a few scattered, punctuate calcifications seen in both breasts, but nothing was ever flagged. Any insight would be appreciated! My primary care doctor did not know anything since she sees the same report and I called the hospital where I got it done but they did not tell me anything more. So, I wait. Thanks in advance!
Focal asymmetry “. is a mammographic abnormality visible on at least two different mammographic projections, lacking outward convex borders, and often displaying interspersed fat.” It’s not a mass perse but it’s a spot in one breast that has no corresponding match in the other. It can be fibroglandular tissue or really just about anything but they need additional workup to figure out what it is. It’s why they are calling you back for a diagnostic mammogram and a further screens. I won’t say not to worry since we all do but know that only a small percentage of people called back are eventually told it’s cancer. So the chances are on your side that it’s just normal changes in the breast as one ages.