Anyone else had 'distorted tissue' on their mammogram?

[Arraminta]

Long story short, I am 5 years post early breast cancer. Last week should have been my final yearly mammogram, but the clinic have just told me I am being recalled for a 2nd one next week.

The nurse assured me that I shouldn't worry because my mammogram was only rated as a 2 on the BI-RADS scale which means 'normal'. But apparently there's a small area of breast tissue that looks squashed/distorted? The nurse thinks it was probably caused by poor positioning during the mammogram?

Normally, a BI-RADs score of 2 wouldn't generate a recall, but because of my previous BC they are ultra cautious.

But naturally my brain is going berserk with worry. Just wondered if anyone had experienced the same thing and what was the outcome?

I have had this before. Had to go through to the breast clinic for further tests and it turned out to be that there was a darker patch and it was because they'd squashed my breast with a crease or overlap type place which showed darker on the mammogram. I hope this is the same for you, and the fact they they have mentioned this makes me think they strongly believe this is what's happened.

I had this too - recalled for an ultrasound and then told it was just "overlapping tissue".

Thank you so much for replying, it's very reassuring. I don't know if it's just coincidence but it was a trainee radiographer who positioned my boob on the plate and I'm now wondering if she didn't do it properly?

But then surely the qualified radiographer would have seen on the screen that some tissue was overlapping?

Thank you for letting me know this also happened to you, it's weirdly reassuring. It was a trainee who positioned my boob on the plate so I'm thinking that maybe she didn't do it correctly?

I think that they need to revisit even if they're pretty certain that it's an overlapping tissue situation. Better to be safe and satisfy themselves that they've done the right thing.

Yes, the nurse said my mammogram was actually scored as 2 on the BI-RADS scale which actually means 'normal' with 0% evidence of cancer. So usually you wouldn't be recalled, but because of my previous history they are ultra careful.

I'm praying it is just overlapping tissue caused by the trainee positioning me incorrectly.

I hope so too. Best of luck.

Yes I've had this too - coincidentally also the final yearly mammogram before moving to 18 month ones (I've also had breast cancer). It was just an area of tissue that was squashed on the mammogram and they literally took about five seconds to confirm it was nothing suspicious. But I was an absolute wreck in the two weeks between getting the recall letter and the appointment so you have my sympathy. If it's any help, despite the recall I still moved to 18 month mammograms (in fact I'm waiting for the results of the most recent one now - and that recall is on my mind. I think when you've had cancer the worry never goes away). Good luck and I hope everything is ok for you

You post is so kind and has really helped, thank you. I've lost nearly 3 stones since my last mammogram and boobs are much smaller, so wondering if this is a factor too?

But it's the awful waiting that kills you by millimetres. I explained to DH that each time you get one of these dreadful shocks e.g. your BC diagnosis, or a recall after a mammogram, it feels like a little part of your soul/spirit burns away, and you don't get it back.

Fingers crossed that the results from your latest mammogram are nice and boring x

I know exactly what you mean - just one thing can bring everything back.

I think it could be due to weight loss or just a badly taken mammogram - sometimes I think they just don't get a very good picture.

Thanks and I hope everything is ok for you too

@Arraminta please
Come back and let us know how you got on 😊

Thank you, yes I will. Appointment is tomorrow afternoon.

Hope it all goes well 😊

Oh God, me too x

Good news, thank goodness. Nothing to see on either my mammogram or ultrasound and I'm now officially discharged! Hard to feel any actual relief though, as just feel incredibly drained and hollowed out by the whole horrible experience.

@Arraminta I'm so pleased for you. I bet you feel wrung out after all the worry. Hope you get a lovely nights sleep tonight.

Thats great news i had breast cancer in 2016 and im always so.scsred at annual mammogram amd mine always comes up with post operative scar tussue on mine.whuch is normal now for me .