Is it normal to have an abnormal mammogram

The mere thought of undergoing follow-up tests can be scary for anyone. In most cases, the radiologist just discovered something that simply requires a closer look. Schedule a Mammogram at Envision Imaging. It could be just a cyst, a benign breast condition, a harmless lump, dense breast tissue or a non-cancerous tumor. In such a scenario, you must retake the test for the doctor to obtain clearer images.

Thank you Pure Mammography for your professionalism and for being you! PURE provides the latest in mammogram technology and comfort, using 3D mammography and providing a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Expert specialists who are committed to patient comfort and care increase the likelihood that the first set of images will provide accurate results.

However, if specialists find abnormal mammogram images, a patient may be called back to PURE or one of our other Medical Arts Radiology locations for further testing. This is to look at any new abnormalities that have appeared or grown over time. Liquid cysts or solid lumps can cause an abnormal mammogram.

Solid lumps could be cancerous. Microcalcifications often lead to abnormal mammograms. These are calcium deposits, and additional magnified views will be necessary to determine if they are suspicious and merit a biopsy. Dense breast tissue can show up white on a mammogram, the same as breast cancer tumors do. This makes it difficult to discern whether the white is made up of milk glands, milk ducts, and fibrous tissue, the makeup of dense breast tissue.

Women need to be aware of whether they have dense breast tissue, as other tests, such as ultrasound or an MRI may be better diagnostic tools. Having regular 3D mammograms performed by an experienced board-certified breast imaging specialist is the best way to detect abnormalities early. You can also call or fill out the form on this page to pre-schedule an appointment or learn more about PURE.

Life is a beautiful thing. Let's keep it. Who is at risk for irregular mammogram results? What should I do if I have an abnormal mammogram? How common are abnormal mammograms?

What do I do in the event cancer is detected after further testing? What tests can be done after an abnormal mammogram? Diagnostic ultrasound These tests use sound waves to create their images that are then displayed on a computer monitor.

How do I know if I need a biopsy after an abnormal mammogram? This means waiting menstrual periods to see if the lump goes away on its own, then getting checked again. For example, your mammography center might contact you if something is unclear in your mammogram.

In the U. The most likely next step is a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound. In some cases, a breast MRI or a biopsy may be recommended. Mammography can be used as a follow-up test when something abnormal is found on a screening mammogram or CBE.

This is called a diagnostic mammogram. The basic procedure for a diagnostic mammogram is the same as for a screening mammogram, but the diagnostic mammogram includes more images of the breast.

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make images of the breast. Breast ultrasound can tell the difference between a liquid-filled cyst and a solid mass which may or may not be cancer. Breast magnetic resonance imaging MRI uses magnetic fields to create an image of the breast.

Breast MRI can be used to get more information after an abnormal mammogram. A biopsy removes cells or tissue from the suspicious area using a needle or surgery. The cells are studied under a microscope to see if cancer is present. Susan G. Growths in the breast can be malignant cancerous or benign non-cancerous. Benign breast conditions. Some benign breast conditions can cause discomfort or pain and need treatment. Many benign breast conditions mimic the warning signs of breast cancer and need tests—sometimes even a biopsy—for diagnosis.

Calcifications and microcalcifications. Calcifications are bits of calcium that can show up on mammograms as small, bright white spots. Non-invasive breast cancer.