Abnormal mammogram
Most of the time, women getting their routine mammogram will receive a letter within 30 days saying the results were normal. But if doctors find something suspicious, they’ll call you back – usually within just 5 days – to take new pictures or get other tests.
Getting that call can be scary, but a suspicious finding does not mean you have cancer.
What to Expect:
Most abnormal findings on a screening mammogram turn out to be benign (not cancer) or nothing to worry about. New findings or changes must be further evaluated.
A radiology doctor (radiologist) may see the following types of findings on a mammogram:
- A well-outlined, regular, clear spot (this is more likely to be a noncancerous condition, such as a cyst)
- Masses or lumps
- Dense areas in the breast that can be breast cancer or hide breast cancer
- Calcifications, which are caused by tiny deposits of calcium in the breast tissue (most calcifications are not a sign of cancer)
At times, the following tests are also needed to further examine mammogram findings:
- Additional mammogram views, called magnification or compression views
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI exam (less commonly done)
Comparing your current mammogram to your past mammograms helps the radiologist tell whether you had an abnormal finding in the past and whether it has changed.
When mammogram or ultrasound results look suspicious, a biopsy is done to test the tissue and see if it is cancerous. Types of biopsies include:
- Stereotactic
- Ultrasound
- Open
Source:https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003380.htm
