Typically, there are around eight types of abnormalities that can be shown on a usual mammogram, including asymmetric breast tissue and asymmetric density.
Asymmetrical breast tissue is diagnosed by comparing tissue in the other breast, though it is a pretty unclear finding because there is no focal mass, no central density, no distorted architecture, and no breast calcifications to determine an actual diagnosis.
Of all mammograms that are undertaken, the number of women found to have asymmetrical breast tissue is around three per cent. Any untoward features of a mammogram means that an invitation will be issued for another test such as an ultrasound, which is a totally painless procedure. Of the women who have to have an ultrasound because of having asymmetrical breast tissue, only a few will need to have a biopsy, and of these, only a very small percentage will be diagnosed as having breast cancer.
There is usually no real cause for concern unless asymmetrical breast tissue is also linked with a clinically palpable asymmetry, as breast asymmetry is a normal and usual state for some women.
If a mammogram finds that there is an asymmetric density, this usually means that there is opacity within the breast. This means that part of the view of the breast is obscured, when viewed from one angle of the x-ray. If this is the case, it is usual for more x-rays to be undertaken so diagnosis can be made.
The causes of asymmetric density can be the result of post surgical scarring, fibrosis and sclerosing adenosis, breast cysts, or the growth of focal fibro glandular tissue that could have developed because of hormone supplements, which are all benign.
On the other hand, asymmetric density could also be a result of a lobular or ductal carcinoma. Unless there is actually a ‘mass’ it is unlikely that there is breast cancer present, but follow up tests and possibly a biopsy will be necessary to make sure.
Asymmetrical breast tissue is diagnosed by comparing tissue in the other breast, though it is a pretty unclear finding because there is no focal mass, no central density, no distorted architecture, and no breast calcifications to determine an actual diagnosis.
Of all mammograms that are undertaken, the number of women found to have asymmetrical breast tissue is around three per cent. Any untoward features of a mammogram means that an invitation will be issued for another test such as an ultrasound, which is a totally painless procedure. Of the women who have to have an ultrasound because of having asymmetrical breast tissue, only a few will need to have a biopsy, and of these, only a very small percentage will be diagnosed as having breast cancer.
There is usually no real cause for concern unless asymmetrical breast tissue is also linked with a clinically palpable asymmetry, as breast asymmetry is a normal and usual state for some women.
If a mammogram finds that there is an asymmetric density, this usually means that there is opacity within the breast. This means that part of the view of the breast is obscured, when viewed from one angle of the x-ray. If this is the case, it is usual for more x-rays to be undertaken so diagnosis can be made.
The causes of asymmetric density can be the result of post surgical scarring, fibrosis and sclerosing adenosis, breast cysts, or the growth of focal fibro glandular tissue that could have developed because of hormone supplements, which are all benign.
On the other hand, asymmetric density could also be a result of a lobular or ductal carcinoma. Unless there is actually a ‘mass’ it is unlikely that there is breast cancer present, but follow up tests and possibly a biopsy will be necessary to make sure.
