Should I Be Worried About an Abnormal Mammogram?

Mammograms are an important tool when it comes to identifying breast cancer, and they have a success rate of 87% in women 50 or older. However, they can also result in false positives. Following up after an abnormal mammogram is crucial to determining the true nature of your diagnosis.

Dr. Jennifer Beatty and our expert staff at The Breast Place in North Charleston, South Carolina, provide comprehensive care for all of your breast concerns. Whether you've had an abnormal mammogram or you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, we partner with you on your care journey.

Mammograms

A screening mammogram typically consists of two or more X-ray images of each breast. It can often detect breast cancer in women with no symptoms and who can’t feel any lumps. It can also detect small deposits of calcium that may indicate the presence of breast cancer.

The benefit of screening mammograms is the ability to catch cancer in the early stages and possibly before it has spread. Early detection means starting treatment sooner and potentially having a better outcome.

Abnormal results

Abnormal results occur when the radiologist sees something out of the ordinary on the X-ray. It doesn’t necessarily mean a diagnosis of cancer and could instead be a false positive. Finding an abnormality when cancer is not present is relatively common.

Women who’ve had 10 annual mammograms have a 50%-60% chance of having had at least one false positive. This result is more common in younger women.

Causes of abnormal results

While cancer can cause an abnormal mammogram reading, a handful of other reasons can explain this finding as well. They include a cyst, calcification in the breast tissue, or having dense breast tissue. It could also simply be because the image isn't sharp enough to view clearly and a retake is needed.

Diagnostic tools

Anyone who receives abnormal results from their mammogram should follow up with their doctor or a specialist to determine what steps are needed to obtain more detailed images and a definitive diagnosis. These may include one or more of the following:

Diagnostic mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is conducted after abnormal results on a screening mammogram. It typically involves more X-rays from different angles to get a better view of the suspicious area.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound allows for the viewing of tissues and organs on a computer screen using high-energy sound waves. It can determine whether the lump is solid or made up of fluid.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An MRI creates a detailed picture of the inside of the breast or lymph nodes with radio waves and a specialized magnet connected to a computer. It can allow your doctor to see things not visible on a mammogram or ultrasound.

Your next steps

The steps you take after an abnormal mammogram depend on the results. If the screening detects a cyst, your doctor could take a sample of the fluid and send it for evaluation. In the case of a lump being found, a biopsy will be conducted.

For diagnostic results that come back normal, the advice is often to follow a typical mammogram screening schedule. If there’s any lingering concern, the recommendation may be to have a follow-up mammogram in six months.

If you’ve had an abnormal mammogram and you’re seeking further diagnostic testing, we can help. Click "Book online" to make an appointment anytime, or call the office today at 843-797-1941.