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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Cause Shadowing On Both Breasts Found In Mammogram With Past History Of Breast Cancer?

Hello Dr., I just came back from having my mammogram and breast ultrasound. The Radiologist found shadowing o both breasts, on the ultrasound. I do have a past history of breast cancer, Stage 0, DCIS, and was put on Tamoxifen for five years after a breast biopsy and lympectomy. I have been cancer free for six years. My mother had breast cancer as well. I now need a MRI with contrast. I am a RN, but of course I am concerned. What can cause the shadowing on the ultrasound? I do have dense breasts, fibrocystic disease and saline bilateral implants behind the muscle. What are your thoughts please? Thank you!
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 13 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 14 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on
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Oncologist, Radiation,  's  Response
DCIS(stage 0) is a precursor lesion for breast cancer, meaning if left untreated it progresses to Cancer.

Thats why it is surgically removed and adjuvant treatments are offered to prevent its recurrence and futher progression to breast cancer.

Coming to your question, Having dense breast tissue, fibrocystic disease and saline implants leads to varying tissue density , the shadowing can be a result of that. An MRI with contrast and breast coil is recommended to get complete information as the normal tissue is disturbed by surgery and implants.

Nevertheless a 50 % chance of malignancy is present in normal woman with such findings.

Risk of recurrence in your case is very low. I would also advise you to consult your onoclogist regarding continuation of tamoxifen for 5 more years. If you are post menopausal , letrazole/anastrazole is advised.

Regards
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What Could Cause Shadowing On Both Breasts Found In Mammogram With Past History Of Breast Cancer?

DCIS(stage 0) is a precursor lesion for breast cancer, meaning if left untreated it progresses to Cancer. Thats why it is surgically removed and adjuvant treatments are offered to prevent its recurrence and futher progression to breast cancer. Coming to your question, Having dense breast tissue, fibrocystic disease and saline implants leads to varying tissue density , the shadowing can be a result of that. An MRI with contrast and breast coil is recommended to get complete information as the normal tissue is disturbed by surgery and implants. Nevertheless a 50 % chance of malignancy is present in normal woman with such findings. Risk of recurrence in your case is very low. I would also advise you to consult your onoclogist regarding continuation of tamoxifen for 5 more years. If you are post menopausal , letrazole/anastrazole is advised. Regards