Increased density in right axilla

[LaurelTodd]

Mammo report says "there is increased density in right axilla compared to the left and also when compared to prior examination of 8/16/04".  I've been surfing and don't know what is meant by "densities seen in one projection" - does this mean one image taken that day when they may have taken two?  Since they are comparing my to one 4 years ago, I'm a little more concerned.  I'm 52 and have never had children.

[LaurelTodd]

Thanks for the info.  He has the bi-rads as 0 until I have the ultrasound and repeat mammo.  Yes, 4 years.  If I didn't have to constantly switch insurance plans, this wouldn't be so complicated!  Guess I will have to start keeping my own copy of the mammo's.  I'm in a field where switching jobs every couple years is not unusual and with that comes new insurance!

Thanks again.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

I understand your concern.  There can be a lot of changes in the breast during the past four years and these densities may reflect natural breast changes due to aging.  The densities seen on one projection means that these are seen in only one view and not the other views (the mammogram usually takes two views of the breast).  It is better to ask your radiologist the BIRADS category of your mammogram as this will give us the idea if the findings are normal, benign, or needs evaluation.  You can know more about birads through this website:

http://womenshealth.aetna.com/WH/ihtWH/r.WSIHW000/st.35891/t.35906.html

Regards and God bless.