daisyday

A little history first - I am 29 years old, breast cancer does not run in my family, but I was treated when I was 16 for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I received chemo & radiation to my chest, although the doctor's assured us that they were giving me the least amount of radiation possible and were only focusing on a very specific area. I haven't had any significant problems since then and have been cancer-free for 13 years!

However, due to the radiation treatment, I know that I am at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. They recommend that patients who received radiation to the chest when they were younger start having mammograms earlier than most - usually around ages 25-30.

I just had my first screening mammogram done last Friday, so they could get a baseline for future comparison (and it didn't hurt as much as I expected it to!).

I got the report back and this is what it said:

"There is an asymmetric nodular density involving the left subareolar, slightly lower outer breast. The remainder of the bilateral exam shows dense and nodular tissue but no other specific finding"

IMPRESSION: Nodular asymmetry may merely be due to fibrocystic changes with followup diagnostic mammography, sonography if indicated, recommended to exclude any underlying mass.

BREAST DENSITY: The breast tissue is heterogeneously dense. This may lower the sensitivity of mammography.

They want me to come back in for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound of my left breast. When I asked why, the woman said it is because of the density. She said that, if anything, it is probably just a cyst, but of course I am freaking out! I haven't felt any lumps and my bloodwork (which I have done every few months due to thyroid issues) is completely normal.

Just wondering if anyone else has a history of nodular density, fibrocystic changes, etc.

I'm trying not to worry, but it is very very hard not too!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!