Interpretation of results

[Kat1950]

Two and a half years ago I had a papilloma surgically removed. A mammogram nine months later was normal. My next mammogram was a year later. I needed a cone compression. The tech said whatever they saw was "squished out" but come back in 6 months. Six months later I was told everything is OK come back in six months to get back on your yearly schedule. On June 2 I had another mammogram. I was told everything was OK come back in a year. I recently read the actual report. The report said: nodular parenchymal pattern persists. What does that mean? The BI-RAD was 2 benign. The recommendation was to come back in a year if asymptomatic. What symptoms should I look for? All of this is in my left breast which is where I had the surgery for the papilloma. Do I need an ultrasound? biopsy? Second opinion?
Thanks for your help.

[surgeon]

nodular parenchymal pattern is a vague way of saying dense lumpy breast tissue. It's not a sign of anything to worry about.

[chaelsa]

A related discussion, dense and nodular parenchyma bilaterally was started.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear kat1950, BI-RAD scale is used be radiologists in an attempt to standardize the readings of a mammogram, and help to determine what findings need to be followed up on.  The scale goes from 1-5 with 1 being Negative (nothing to comment on), 5 being Highly suggestive of malignancy. Your reading 2 is a benign finding (a definitely benign finding.  Recommendation is routine screening).  Nodular parenchymal pattern, is a description of what your breast tissue looks like, and has not changed.  Based on the report the recommendation would be to continue with routine screening, no further evaluation is necessary at this time.  You would follow up with your doctor sooner if breast changes occur that concern you, for example, a new lump.