nodular density shows on mammogram

[moms3kids]

I recently had a mammogram done, I received a letter stating I had to return for addditional testing since the mammogram was determined incomplete and rated 0.  My Dr. hadn't even had the opportunity to call being it was a holiday weekend. According to the original findings there was a small nodular density on the right upper breast possibly an irritated lymph node.  My Dr. pushed up the appt to this past Monday for a compression mammogram and ultrasound.  The compression mammogram had to be done twice because the technician said it wasn't dark enough.  When I had the ultrasound done that technician could not locate the small spot, she kept referring to the mammograms and pushing in different directions.  Last night I received a call from my referring Dr. saying the results were like notes that were forwarded over to him and made no sense.  he also stated he has never worked with this lab since it is out of his area.  He asked if I had felt any lumps (which I have not) because there was a recommendation to have a biopsy done.  How is this possible if the technician can't even locate the spot?  My Dr. was going to call this morning and ask for the xrays and a full report.  He told me not to worry but I have been on an emotional roller coaster since the Labor Day weekend.  My best friend died of breast cancer, there is none of this in my family but I am really freaking out about the whole thing.  My aunt who is a nurse suggested that I have the tests redone where my Dr. is.  I am small chested and have very dense breasts.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear moms3kids:  It is not uncommon for a mammogram to come back with an abnormality requiring further investigation (like your first one).  In these cases, spot compression can often clarify whether there is something there that needs further investigation.  An ultrasound is best at differentiated between solid and cystic (fluid filled) masses.  It is possible for something to show up on a mammogram that may not show up on ultrasound.  The final report on this repeat mammogram and ultrasound will help to clarify what, if anything, needs to be done as a matter of additional investigation or follow-up care.  If your doctor obtains the x-rays and the report is not clear to him, he may have the films re-read by the facility he is used to working with.  It may also be helpful to compare these mammograms to others you have had in the past if this has not been done.  If this is still unsatisfactory to him, it may be appropriate to repeat the films. It should be noted that dense breast tissue can make mammograms more difficult to read.

[moms3kids]

Thank you for your information,  I did receive a call from my obgyn's office last evening.  The spot showed up on the mammograms and not on the ultrasound so it is recommended to have a biopsy done, the imaging center can't tell what it is and says this will give them the information, Birad came back 0 again.   The imaging center I went to was so unorganized and I didn't get a great feeling about them along with how they didn't follow my Dr's orders re:timely feedback etc.  My Obgyn's office recommended having all the tests redone at their local imaging center and getting a second opinion.  So I will do that.  I am not in too great of a hurry to have any biopsy on any part of my body.

[bellachild]

Hi. My mammogram stated the same thing. I went to a breast specialist and she compared the mammogram to one taken 2 years before and the breast looked exactly the same. Apparently the mammogram the radiologist compared the new mammo to had the breast positioned alittle different and it made it look like something was amiss.  I also had a birad 0.  The breast specialist did not think anything was wrong. I will have another mammo in 6 months. My ob/gyn also wanted to do a biopsy, but there was no need to. He had no even seen the xrays.
I think that radiologists and doctors tend to be overly cautious, and I guess that is a good thing. The radiologists when not 100% sure push the decision back to the doctor.
80% of nodular densities are benign.