From the Woman’s Diagnostic Cyber – Frederick R. Jelovsek MD
“Increased density” on mammogram
What exactly does it mean when a mammogram report states that there is increased density in the breasts?
Increased density usually refers to the presence of more glandular tissue than fat. Often it indicates a degree of fibrocystic change. It is not associated with malignancy but the “denseness” makes it more difficult to read the mammogram and it is a way for the radiologist to say that the reading may be suboptimal but it can’t be helped.
After a mammogram the radiologist suggested ultrasound
I recently had a mammogram to check a place on my breast which was sore and felt like a lump. After having the mammogram, the radiologist that was there wanted me to have an ultrasound too. However, in a few minutes the technician came back and said the doctor did not see anything and my doctor would get the mammogram report on Wednesday. Now I don’t know what to think. I am very nervous. What would you think?
It is often routine that when there is something palpable on the breast exam but the mammogram is negative, an ultrasound is performed to look for a cyst.
The mammogram cannot pick up cysts very well; it is better at picking up solid lesions like fibroadenomas (benign) or cancers. If a cyst is seen on ultrasound, a needle aspiration of the cyst is done.
Apparently your doctor did not want them to do the ultrasound or the radiologist did not have a standing order to do an ultrasound if the mammogram was negative or perhaps the radiologist did not feel a lump.
You should relay to your doctor that the radiologist suggested an ultrasound but then did not do one and ask your doctor to follow through.
If your doctor does not feel a discrete lump, then you probably do not need an ultrasound because the mammogram did not find a solid lesion which would be suspicious for cancer.