asymmetric density

[ellyboop]

Had breast cancer in 2007. Had lumpectomy,chemo and 7 weeks of radiation. Had mammogram done June 08 had to go back for spot compression to clarify that was nothing. Just did another mammogram done last week and now they say I need to go back because see asymmetric density on right breast(which is the breast that had cancer). I did 7 weeks of radiation and last years results were told that I had scar tissue damage due to radiation. This one is called assymmetric density. I did burn when doing radiation on the area in question. Can this all be due to radiation? I am 57 years old and like all other woman you freak out when you hear that you have to go back for another mammogram. Wouldn't it be better knowing the results that I have had that they would do spot compression in the area that has been in question for the past 2 mammograms?


This discussion is related to 2nd Opinion?.

[japdip]

The machines are no different ... the only difference is that the Radiologist is there and reads immediately. You might ask if mammograms are done at any time when there is a Radiologist in attendance.  When they are talking about upgrading machines they may be talking about Digital Mammography.   Diagnostic and Digital are two entirely different things.   Regards .....

[ellyboop]

Well unfortunatly what HMO I have,at the moment they do not have diagnostic mammograms just yet,so its still done on film and sent out to the radialogist to review. Was told will be upgrated with diagnostic machines but just don't know when. So I guess I still don't have a choice of what kind of mammogram is done since they are not fully up to speed on the digital machines.I was told that most of the other machines that they have are digital and just a matter of time. So I guess I will have to expect to be going threw this until they can upgrade but sure is frustating I'm sure to many others and not only me. Thank you for your support and answers.

[japdip]

I would suggest that you ask your Dr. to order a Diagnostic Mammogram. This would be done when the Radiologist is present and he/he would read the film at the time it was taken ... then if additional views were needed they would no doubt be done then rather than you having to go back at a later date. Screening mammograms are done but read at a later time or date; hence the need to return for the additional views.  Regards ....