Abnormal Mammogram

First of all, don’t panic! 

An abnormal mammogram does not mean that you definitely have cancer. When you hear the word ‘abnormal mammogram’, there is no need to jump out of your chair and lose your senses. 

As per the American Cancer Society, only 10% of women are tested with the chance of breast cancer. Although breast cancer is quite common among women, even in 100 women, only 5 come up with a definite breast cancer diagnosis. 

An abnormal mammogram is not a sign that a woman definitely has breast cancer; however, further testing is important to rule out the chances. Based on further testing, the doctor can come up with a definite diagnosis and a proper treatment plan. 

Coming to the main point – what exactly is an abnormal mammogram? 

An abnormal mammogram is nothing, but a significant change in your ‘normal’ mammogram. It can happen with anyone and definitely requires further testing to confirm what is causing the abnormality. 

What could cause an abnormal mammogram?

Mammograms are a wonderful way to finding out the abnormality in the breasts. It’s recommended for women above 40 to get regular mammograms to avoid the chances of breast cancer. Mammograms are usually recommended for women who are showing signs of breast cancer. It’s a recommended screening for breast cancer identification. 

Know that mammogram is not the only way to confirm a cancer diagnosis. Some problems in the breast require more than one type of testing to ensure that you are safe and sound. 

Here are some reasons that can make your mammogram appear to be abnormal. 

• Dense breast tissues 
• Benign tumors
• Microcalcifications 
• Cysts 

Any of these problems can lead your mammogram to appear abnormal in screening. Sometimes it’s because of an underlying problem, but sometimes it’s because of something harmless. 

What percentage of abnormal mammograms are cancer?

Only 10% of the women who receive regular mammograms get a call for further testing. Out of the 10%, only 0.5% of these women are diagnosed with cancer. 

Receiving a call from the hospital can be terrifying, but sometimes it’s nothing more than a harmless cyst that is causing the abnormality in the test. Since you’re not the doctor, therefore, anxiety in women is common once there is something up in their mammogram. 

Your doctor is likely to call you back to run a few more tests to confirm the diagnosis. The rate of false positives and false negatives are also pretty high with mammograms. Hence, there is no need to panic unless other tests confirm the diagnosis. 

What Happens After Getting an Abnormal Mammogram?

A follow-up appointment is the second step after getting an abnormal mammogram. Your doctor will call you for a follow-up appointment and will recommend you some tests to confirm the diagnosis. 

Here are some of the tests that you might have to get done:

Diagnostic Mammogram: A diagnostic mammogram is a series of diagnostic images that gives in-depth analysis into breast imaging. The test is performed in a special lab and tells about the current state of the breasts. If there is any abnormality found in your test, then this test can clarify the results. 

Breast MRI: MRI involves the use of magnetic fields and radio waves to give out a clear picture of the human body. The internal structures are clearly shown in an MRI, which clears out the type of abnormality in your breast. The whole process is painless, which is why it is preferred by doctors. However, pregnant women might not be able to go for this diagnostic test. 

Diagnostic Ultrasound: The test involves the use of sound waves that creates a clear image of the internal structure of the body. An ultrasound is an excellent procedure to get a better view of the breasts. A cold gel is used on the breast and the image of the breast is captured by rolling a transducer on the affected area. A diagnostic ultrasound shows better results as compared to a mammogram. Also, this test is safe for pregnant ladies as well. 

The additional information collected from the further testing is then reviewed by the doctor to finalize the diagnosis. Sometimes a doctor will come up with a treatment plan or sometimes you don’t have to do anything about it. In around 8-10% of cases, the doctor recommends a biopsy for further details. 

A breast biopsy is a procedure in which the cells from the affected area are extracted for microscopic examination. The removed mass from the body is tested to check for cancerous cells. It gives accurate results with minimal chance for inaccuracy. 

Although the procedure can be a bit painful, once it’s over, you will know exactly about the problem. Local anesthesia is also given to the patient to ensure that the patient does not feel any pain. You might get a small scar and some stitches after the procedure. 

Final Words

Abnormal mammogram results can be shocking and terrifying. Digital mammography is a wonderful diagnostic technique, but false positives and false negatives are pretty common with it. Mammography for breast cancer might not be enough, which is why some further testing is done by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis. 

Abnormal mammography does not always mean that you have cancer. It might be showing signs of some other underlying illness or condition, which is not as serious as it might seem. If you’re looking to get mammography services from somewhere, then it’s important to opt for a reliable lab. Wrong mammography screening can cost you a lot, which is why it’s necessary for you to make the right decision.

AQMDI is a wonderful and reliable lab. We have expert doctors who can read your abnormal mammogram diagnosis and make the right decision at the right time. Our staff is highly trained and looks after the patients with care. We offer affordable services to patients who are looking for a reliable solution. Book your appointment today!