What does focal asymmetry on a mammogram mean?
By definition, a focal asymmetric density is seen on two mammographic views but cannot be accurately identified as a true mass (,,,Fig 4). Although a focal asymmetric density may represent normal breast tissue, further evaluation is often warranted to exclude a true mass or architectural distortion.
How serious is focal asymmetry on mammogram?
If breast asymmetry is new or changes, it is called developing asymmetry. If a mammogram screening identifies developing asymmetry, there is a 12.8 percent chance that the person will develop breast cancer.
What percentage of focal asymmetry is cancer?
Developing Asymmetry About 13% of developing asymmetries are malignant when detected at screening, and 27% are malignant based on diagnostic findings.
Should I be concerned about focal asymmetry?
Benign, noncancerous masses can appear as a focal asymmetry. Breast cancer can present either as an area of focal asymmetry or when advanced can even present as a new asymmetry in breast size. This is why you should always talk to your doctor if you notice an unexplained change in the size of a breast.
What causes breast asymmetry?
Significant breast asymmetry has several possible causes: it may be linked to a breast disease, a developmental problem, a hormonal problem, an unknown syndrome, an injury or periods of significant bodily change such as pregnancy or breastfeeding. One of the diseases linked to breast asymmetry is breast cancer.
What does focal asymmetry look like?
A focal asymmetry is seen in two images, but lacks the outward border or a mass. A global asymmetry is similar to a focal asymmetry but occupies more than one quadrant of the breast. A developing asymmetry is a focal asymmetry that is new or more conspicuous when compared with the previous mammograms.
What is the difference between asymmetry and developing asymmetry on mammogram?
Does losing weight make breasts less dense?
No. Fat content in what you eat and exercise do not directly change breast density. But if you lose or gain a lot of weight, your breasts can look more or less dense on your mammogram – though the amount of dense tissue will stay the same.
How is asymmetry of the breast treated?
What is the treatment? The only solution to breast asymmetry is plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. The surgical techniques used depend on the surgeon and on the patient’s characteristics. However in many cases, breast augmentation, breast reduction or a combination of both will be done.
What is a developing focal asymmetry?
Abstract. A developing asymmetry is a focal asymmetry that is new or increased in conspicuity compared with the previous mammogram. It is challenging to evaluate, as it often looks similar to fibroglandular tissue at mammography.
How common is developing asymmetry mammogram?
In contrast, in our study of consecutive screening and diagnostic mammo- grams, the finding of developing asymmetry on screening and diagnostic mammography was rare (0.16% and 0.11%, respectively).