Getting an abnormal mammogram result can be scary. But it doesn’t always mean you have breast cancer. Many women get called back for more tests after a mammogram. Fewer than 10% of women called back for more tests after a mammogram are found to have breast cancer.
An abnormal mammogram may show masses, calcifications, or areas that look different from normal breast tissue. These findings need more checking to know what they are. Doctors might do extra mammogram views, an ultrasound, or a biopsy.
Most abnormal findings on a mammogram are not breast cancer. They could be cysts, dense breast tissue, or other non-cancer changes. The next steps after an abnormal result help figure out what’s really going on.
Key Takeaways
- Abnormal mammograms often don’t mean cancer and need more tests to know for sure
- Extra tests may include more mammogram views, ultrasounds, or biopsies
- Regular mammograms and follow-ups are key for good breast health
Understanding Your Mammogram Results
Mammograms are x-ray images that help detect breast cancer early. Different types of mammograms serve different purposes. Reading these images requires skill and training.
Types of Mammograms
There are two main types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. Screening mammograms check for signs of breast cancer in women with no symptoms. They usually take two x-ray pictures of each breast.
Diagnostic mammograms are used when there’s a concern. These take more detailed images of the breast. They might be done if a screening mammogram shows something unusual or if a person has breast symptoms.
Both types use x-rays to create images of breast tissue. The images look for changes that could mean cancer.
Reading Mammogram Images
Radiologists are doctors trained to read mammogram images. They look for several things in the images:
- Masses or lumps
- Calcifications (tiny calcium deposits)
- Changes in breast tissue
- Areas of distortion
Normal breast tissue looks different for each person. It can appear dense or fatty on the images.
Abnormal results don’t always mean cancer. They often need more tests to understand what’s causing the change. Sometimes, it’s just normal breast tissue that looks unusual on the image.
Types of Abnormal Mammogram Results
Abnormal mammogram results can show different types of changes in breast tissue. These changes may need more testing to check if they are harmless or signs of a problem.
Calcifications and Densities
Calcifications are tiny spots of calcium in breast tissue. They can be small and round or larger and irregular. Small, round calcifications are often normal. Larger, irregular ones may need more tests.
Densities are areas that look white on a mammogram. They can be:
- Normal breast tissue
- Cysts filled with fluid
- Non-cancerous lumps
- Possible cancer
Doctors look at the size, shape, and edges of densities. Some may need more images or a biopsy to check what they are.
Masses and Asymmetries
Masses are areas that look different from normal breast tissue. They can be solid lumps or fluid-filled cysts. Doctors check their size, shape, and edges.
- Round masses with smooth edges are often not cancer
- Irregular masses with rough edges may be cancer
Asymmetries are areas that look different in one breast compared to the other. They may show up as a patch of tissue that is denser in one breast. This can be normal, but it might need more tests.
Structural Distortions
Structural distortions are changes in how breast tissue looks. They can appear as:
- Pulled or twisted areas of tissue
- Changes in normal breast patterns
These changes might be from:
- Past breast surgery
- Injury to the breast
- A growth pulling on the tissue
Distortions can be hard to see. They may need more images or other tests to understand what’s causing them. Some distortions may be signs of cancer, while others are harmless.
Common Breast Changes Detected
Mammograms often reveal non-cancerous breast changes. These can include fluid-filled sacs and benign growths. Many of these changes are normal and do not require treatment.
Cysts and Fibroadenomas
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in breast tissue. They are common and usually harmless. Simple cysts appear as round or oval shapes on mammograms. Doctors may use ultrasound to confirm a cyst diagnosis.
Fibroadenomas are solid, non-cancerous lumps. They feel rubbery and can move easily under the skin. These growths are most common in young women but can occur at any age. Fibroadenomas typically don’t need treatment unless they cause discomfort.
Both cysts and fibroadenomas can change size with hormonal fluctuations. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
Benign Tumors and Proliferations
Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths in the breast. They can appear as dense areas on mammograms. Types of benign tumors include:
- Lipomas: soft, fatty lumps
- Papillomas: wart-like growths in milk ducts
- Adenomas: gland tissue growths
Benign proliferations involve an overgrowth of normal breast cells. Examples are:
- Ductal hyperplasia
- Sclerosing adenosis
These conditions may slightly increase breast cancer risk. Regular check-ups are important for monitoring. Most benign tumors and proliferations don’t need treatment unless they cause symptoms or grow rapidly.
Additional Tests for Further Evaluation
After an abnormal mammogram, doctors may recommend more tests. These help check the breast tissue more closely. The main tests are ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies.
Ultrasound Scanning
An ultrasound uses sound waves to make pictures of breast tissue. It’s often the first test after an abnormal mammogram. Ultrasounds can show if a lump is solid or filled with fluid.
Doctors use a small device on the skin to do the scan. The test is quick and painless. It doesn’t use radiation.
Ultrasounds work well for women with dense breast tissue. They can find small masses that mammograms might miss.
MRI Scans
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It uses strong magnets to make detailed pictures of breast tissue. Doctors may order an MRI if other tests are unclear.
During an MRI, the patient lies still in a tube-like machine. The scan can take 30-60 minutes. MRIs don’t use radiation.
MRIs can spot some cancers that other tests miss. But they may also show false positives. This means they find things that look like cancer but aren’t.
Biopsy Procedures
A biopsy takes a small sample of breast tissue. It’s the only way to know for sure if cells are cancer or not. There are different types of biopsies:
- Fine needle aspiration: Uses a thin needle to remove fluid or cells
- Core needle biopsy: Takes small cores of tissue with a hollow needle
- Surgical biopsy: Removes part or all of a lump through a cut in the skin
Biopsies are usually quick outpatient procedures. Most use local anesthesia to numb the area. Results can take a few days to come back.
Most biopsies show benign results. This means no cancer was found. But biopsies are important to rule out cancer for sure.
Interpreting Biopsy Results
A biopsy helps doctors check breast tissue for cancer cells. The results can show different things, from normal tissue to cancer. Let’s look at what these results mean.
Benign Conditions
Benign means not cancer. Many breast lumps are benign. Some common benign conditions are:
- Adenosis: Extra glands in the breast
- Fibroadenomas: Smooth, round lumps
- Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs
- Lipomas: Fatty lumps
These don’t need treatment unless they cause pain or worry. Doctors may watch them to make sure they don’t change.
Some benign conditions need more care:
- Intraductal papillomas: Wart-like growths in milk ducts
- Radial scars: Star-shaped lesions
- Sclerosing adenosis: Extra tissue growth
These might look like cancer on tests. Doctors may remove them to be sure.
Pre-Cancerous Changes
Sometimes, biopsy results show cells that aren’t normal but aren’t cancer yet. These are called pre-cancerous changes. Types include:
- Atypical hyperplasia: Too many abnormal cells
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): Abnormal cells in milk-making glands
These changes raise the risk of breast cancer. Women with these results need close watching. They may get more tests or take medicine to lower their cancer risk.
Cancer Diagnosis
If the biopsy shows cancer, the report will say what type it is. The main types are:
- Ductal carcinoma: Starts in milk ducts
- Lobular carcinoma: Starts in milk-making glands
The report also tells if the cancer has spread. This helps decide treatment. It may include:
- Cancer grade: How fast it might grow
- Hormone receptor status: If hormones fuel the cancer
- HER2 status: If the cancer has too much of this protein
This info helps doctors and patients make the best treatment plan. It might include surgery, radiation, or medicine. Each plan is unique to the patient and their cancer type.
Implications of Abnormal Mammogram Results
An abnormal mammogram result can have various implications. It may point to breast cancer or benign breast conditions. The outcome depends on several factors, including a person’s risk profile and medical history.
Risk Factors and Considerations
Fewer than 10% of women called back after an abnormal mammogram have breast cancer. Still, certain risk factors can increase the chances of a serious diagnosis:
- Age: Older women face higher breast cancer risk
- Family history: Having close relatives with breast cancer raises concern
- Dense breast tissue: Makes mammograms harder to read
- Previous breast biopsies: Especially those showing atypical cells
Doctors consider these factors when interpreting abnormal results. They may recommend more tests like diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, or biopsies.
Some abnormal findings turn out to be benign breast conditions like cysts or fibroadenomas. These don’t increase cancer risk but may need monitoring.
Impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect mammogram results. Women on HRT may have:
- Denser breast tissue
- More frequent abnormal mammograms
- Higher risk of breast cancer
HRT can make mammograms harder to read. This may lead to more false positives or missed cancers. Women on HRT often need extra imaging tests.
Doctors weigh HRT benefits against these risks. Some women might need to stop HRT before mammograms. Others may require different screening approaches.
HRT’s impact varies by type and duration of use. Short-term use has less effect than long-term therapy. Women should discuss HRT and mammogram scheduling with their doctors.
Next Steps After an Abnormal Result
Getting an abnormal mammogram result can be scary, but it doesn’t always mean cancer. The next steps focus on further testing and expert consultation to figure out what’s going on.
Scheduling Follow-Up Testing
After an abnormal mammogram, doctors often order more tests. A diagnostic mammogram is usually the first step. This takes more detailed pictures of the breast area that looked abnormal.
Other common follow-up tests include:
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Breast biopsy
The doctor’s office will help schedule these tests. They often happen within a few days or weeks of the abnormal result. It’s important to get these tests done promptly.
Some women may feel nervous about more testing. This is normal. The medical team can explain each test and answer questions.
Consulting with a Specialist
After follow-up tests, patients usually meet with a breast specialist. This doctor has extra training in breast health and can explain the test results.
The specialist will:
- Review all test results
- Do a physical exam
- Discuss next steps
If the tests show no cancer, the specialist may suggest more frequent screenings. If cancer is found, they’ll talk about treatment options. These might include surgery, radiation, or medication.
It’s okay to ask questions during this appointment. The specialist is there to help and guide patients through the process.
Guidance for Ongoing Breast Health
Taking care of your breast health involves regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices. These practices can help catch any issues early and reduce your overall risk.
Regular Screenings and Self-Exams
Mammograms are a key tool for detecting breast cancer early. Women should start annual mammograms at age 40, or earlier if they have risk factors. Between screenings, monthly breast self-exams are important.
To do a self-exam, check for any changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture. Feel for lumps or thickening in the breast tissue and armpit area. Look for nipple changes or discharge.
If you notice anything unusual, contact your doctor right away. Remember, most breast lumps are not cancer, but it’s best to get them checked.
Lifestyle and Risk Reduction
A healthy lifestyle can help lower breast cancer risk. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. These habits can increase cancer risk.
For women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic counseling may be helpful. Some may benefit from preventive medications or increased screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mammogram results can raise many questions for patients. Understanding common concerns and next steps can help ease anxiety and provide clarity about the process.
What are the most common reasons for a recall after a mammogram?
Abnormal mammogram results may show masses, calcifications, or areas of distortion. These findings require further evaluation to determine if they are benign or potentially cancerous.
Overlapping breast tissue can sometimes create shadows that look suspicious on initial images. This often leads to recalls for additional views.
How long typically does it take to receive mammogram results?
Most women receive their mammogram results within 1-2 weeks. Some facilities provide same-day results, while others may take up to 30 days.
Patients should ask their healthcare provider about expected turnaround times for results.
What does an abnormal mammogram imply about potential cancer?
An abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean cancer is present. Less than 10% of women called back for additional testing are found to have breast cancer.
Many abnormal findings turn out to be benign changes or non-cancerous conditions.
What next steps are taken following an abnormal mammogram result?
Follow-up tests may include additional mammogram views, ultrasound, or MRI. These imaging studies help clarify initial findings.
In some cases, a biopsy may be recommended to examine tissue samples and determine if cancer is present.
How does a normal mammogram differ from an abnormal one in terms of imaging?
Normal mammograms show no signs of masses, suspicious calcifications, or structural distortions. Breast tissue appears uniform and symmetrical.
Abnormal mammograms may reveal areas of increased density, clusters of tiny calcium deposits, or irregularly shaped masses.
Does needing an ultrasound after a mammogram necessarily indicate a serious issue?
Ultrasounds are often used as a supplementary tool to investigate unclear mammogram results. They do not automatically signify a serious problem.
Ultrasounds can distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, which are usually harmless. They also provide more detailed images of breast tissue in dense breasts.
