Another mammogram?

[Rebes]

I had my yearly mammogram this past week, and I got a call today saying they saw 2 troubled spots. They want me to come back on Tuesday for a spot compression mammogram and an ultrasound to look at what they called "architectural distortions". Is this is common? I know that this is why I go for mammograms, but it is still nerve racking, especially when there is family history of breast cancer.

[roz]

I had the same thing last year and freaked out because of my family history as well. It was nothing. And I had to go back in six months and have it again to prove that it was nothing. My MD explained that the equipment now is so sensitive that it picks up everything and they have to delve further to determine whether or not it is a problem. So, more and more women are having to go back for further testing. But, it saves lives with early detection for those who really do have a problem. Let us know how it works out.

[Hokuspocus]

I hope everything works out for best. Good Luck!

[lucky81698]

I had the same exact thing. They didn't see anything on the second one or the ultrasound, but I still had to go back in 6 months just to make sure.

By the way, did you know you should never schedule your mammo and yeary gyn exam at the same time? It is better to schedule them 6 months apart so there is less time between having your breasts examined! I saw that on the local news recently.

Hope your exam comes out ok.

Jan

[Dana]

Originally Posted by lucky81698

By the way, did you know you should never schedule your mammo and yeary gyn exam at the same time? It is better to schedule them 6 months apart so there is less time between having your breasts examined! I saw that on the local news recently.

Hope your exam comes out ok.

Jan

I realize that you are just repeating what you heard on the news..... but that makes NO clinical sense to me at all. If it were true they would request you not do self breast exams before you go and I know that I have never been told that. All that is reported on the news is not so. Always look for evidence based facts: researched.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by Rebes

I had my yearly mammogram this past week, and I got a call today saying they saw 2 troubled spots. They want me to come back on Tuesday for a spot compression mammogram and an ultrasound to look at what they called "architectural distortions". Is this is common? I know that this is why I go for mammograms, but it is still nerve racking, especially when there is family history of breast cancer.

What Roz and Lucky81698 have told you is correct. There are lots of "re-do's" but it is very important to have it done and very likely, they will request you have it re-done in 3-6 months. If it were me and I had a family history of BR CA..... see a breast surgeon as well.

Women in their 20's are being diagnosed with BR CA more and more these days. It never hurts to have an extra pair of eyes looking at something like this. If it is a simple cyst.... ok. Anything else needs to be looked at very closely.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mammogram/WO00023

Please know we are thinking of you and let us know how you are doing.

[Rebes]

I had my yearly pap smear in May, so I usually wait to do my mammograms in September around my birthday....what a birthday present! Unfortunately I am not in my 20's anymore, I am 36...so I guess that is why I am a bit nervous as well! Thanks for your input, it put me at a little ease. I will legt you know what they see on Tuesday!

[lucky81698]

Originally Posted by Dana

I realize that you are just repeating what you heard on the news..... but that makes NO clinical sense to me at all. If it were true they would request you not do self breast exams before you go and I know that I have never been told that. All that is reported on the news is not so. Always look for evidence based facts: researched.

Dana,

It was a doctor they have on the news that said this. (Everyday they have a doctor address a specific topic) They said the reasoning was when you have your yearly exam your breasts are examined (by a professional). Then if you have your mammo 6 months later, your breasts are examined again (by a professional). That way they are examined every six months as opposed to essentially one time a year....if you have the mammo and yearly at the same time. Obviously, I'm not a doctor, but it seemed to make sense to me!

Jan

[Dana]

Originally Posted by lucky81698

Dana,

It was a doctor they have on the news that said this. (Everyday they have a doctor address a specific topic) They said the reasoning was when you have your yearly exam your breasts are examined (by a professional). Then if you have your mammo 6 months later, your breasts are examined again (by a professional). That way they are examined every six months as opposed to essentially one time a year....if you have the mammo and yearly at the same time. Obviously, I'm not a doctor, but it seemed to make sense to me!

Jan

When stated like that, I can see that. I thought they were saying not to do it because it would change something regarding the Mammo outcome, etc.
I don't however think that you should delay a mammo to get it on a every 6 mo check. JMO
Actually some believe that the SBE ( self breast exam) is worthless. I don't agree. Every woman should know her own breast tissue.... what is nml for her, if you find something different get it checked out RIGHT AWAY. DON'T WAIT.

October is breast cancer awareness month...

[Hokuspocus]

The SBE isn't worthless! I found a lump in my right breast that way, it turned out just to be benign but never the less it is important to do a sbe, and see a dr right away!