Question about mammograms?

[Arraminta]

Had a mammogram nearly 2 weeks ago (had early BC 5 years ago, so have yearly ones, this was my 5th).

Freaked out when the breast nurse rang to say I need another mammogram because the radiologist wants to check an area where the breast tissue looks a bit distorted. The nurse explained this can happen when the breast tissue overlaps slightly on the mammogram plate, causing distortion. She reassured me that despite this distortion the radiologist had still rated my boob as only BI-RAD 2 (so 'normal' with 0% evidence of cancer).

But surely the radiographer would have been able to see straightaway that there was some tissue overlapping/distortion? Both her and a student spent ages getting my boobs into the correct position, and afterwards she actually told me that the images 'were nice and clear'?

Does anyone know? Thanks.

I would think they are being extra cautious because of your cancer diagnosis. I used to be recalled for MRIs all the time due to having cancer and a gene mutation. It is really quite stressful but it seems they aren't too concerned. Good luck, and I hope everything is fine.

I'd say that they are just being thorough as there's a bit that isn't clear enough to see properly. I went through a lot of anxiety after my first mammogram when something wasnt clear. Culminated in various attempts at biopsies which failed to clarify and I ended up having a minor op to remove what they couldn't 100% confirm was cancer free. They err on the side of caution but it does cause a lot of anxiety💐

Just being cautious I guess- which is a good thing!

Yes, the nurse said they are always ultra cautious about everything little thing after a BC diagnosis.

Thank you. I honestly think the waiting anxiety shaves slivers of your soul away and I'm not convinced you get them back? I feel completely hollowed out!

I'm so pleased that your scare turned out to be nothing. I just wish I knew why the radiographer didn't notice I had breast tissue overlapping whilst doing the actual scan?

Thank you, it's the waiting that's the worst. I've had a permanent headache since the breast nurse rang me.

I don’t necessarily think the radiographer would notice .. it’s not their expertise to read and interpret the scan, and they certainly won’t have the time to inspect every single scan anyway. That’s the whole purpose of it being sent to a specialist. It’s great they’re being extra vigilant, and great they’ve said normal with 0% evidence of cancer. I’d say try not to worry, but it’s a daft thing to say, as you’re bound to be worried. Sending you heartfelt thoughts and hugs instead 💐🤗

I had this happen to me only a few weeks ago! They said sometimes normal tissue can sort of squash down on each other and make it look like there's something there, I was thoroughly rechecked (another mammogram, ultrasound and cross checked against my previous mammogram image) and then they were happy.

Bless you, thank you. I guess I'm just surprised because she took ages positioning me, far longer than other radiographers ever have. So I just assumed the images would have been spot on?

Then again, I have lost nearly 3 stones since my last mammogram so no doubt my breast tissue looks and feels very different too?

Ah well, all I can do is wait for Thursday.

Thank you so much for replying, it's very reassuring. I'm just surprised because the technician was so careful when positioning me and she had a student helping her too. It took ages.

In previous mammograms I've been in and out in moments and the radiographer seemed very casual about the who thing.

Sorry, I forgot to ask, did they tell you on the day that everything was fine? Or did you have to wait for the results?

@Arraminta this all occurred at the breast clinic where I had been sent by the GP (due to a rash) so after the 1st concerning mammogram I was sent straight for ultrasound where they were pretty confident that all was OK but I was sent for another mammogram with a different attachment just to be sure which was reviewed straight away and told all was fine. The radiographer said it happens fairly often.

Thank you. It's the breast clinic I will go back to, so really hoping they can tell me there and then. Thank goodness you got good news.

I've done so much reading over the weekend about BI-RADs, and breast positioning and false positives etc.

It's one of the real downsides of the overall breast screening program, I think? Too much information leading to unnecessary anxiety and extra unnecessary testing etc.