When Should You Worry About an Abnormal Mammogram?

It’s never easy to wait.

After your yearly mammogram, your mind naturally wanders to the horrible game of “what if?” You want your results as soon as possible, and you always breathe a sigh of relief when the results come back normal.

But what if they don’t?

Should you worry about an abnormal mammogram? These aren’t uncommon—and it doesn’t automatically mean you have breast cancer. We’re sure any result outside the normal range is concerning. Therefore, we’ve compiled this useful information on abnormal mammograms, what to expect during a callback, and how we work with your healthcare team.

We know regular mammograms are key to detecting breast cancer early when it is most treatable and beatable. We also know that it’s easier to get a mammogram when it’s convenient. That’s why you can receive one of our 3D mammograms as part of your regular OBGYN yearly exam. We can easily schedule them on the same day, saving you time. To request an appointment, all you have to do is contact us. We would love to be your medical home.

Should You Worry About an Abnormal Mammogram?

A mammogram that is not normal may be cause for concern, but not necessarily worry. As we mentioned earlier, it doesn’t automatically mean you have breast cancer.

In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, fewer than 1 in 10 women who received callbacks had breast cancer.

However, it does mean that you’ll need additional imaging tests, typically an ultrasound, to discover the source of the irregularity. Sometimes, a breast biopsy is needed. Again, while this could be cause for concern, 80 % of breast biopsy results are benign.

Although these statistics are encouraging, they do NOT mean that you should skip your follow-up appointments. Any abnormal result should warrant a closer look—you should never take chances when it comes to your health. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, and early detection is vital. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide.

What Does My Abnormal Mammogram Mean?

Typically, a callback means there’s an area of concern that needs more detailed tests to discover the source of the irregularity. There are a lot of reasons you may have an abnormal mammogram other than breast cancer.

What Could Cause an Abnormal Mammogram?

It could be due to:

Images that weren’t clear
Images that didn’t capture all of your breast tissue
The radiologist sees an area that looks different from other parts of your breast
The radiologist may see something suspicious. This does not always mean that it is cancer. It could be a cyst or other non-cancerous solid mass like a fibroadenoma.

Should I have a 2D or 3D Mammogram?

A 3D mammogram has a much higher resolution and is a better choice, especially for women with dense breasts. 3D mammograms take multiple images from various angles, processing around 300 images so physicians can clearly examine the smaller details.

We’ve outlined the differences in greater detail in our earlier blog article, “What’s the Difference Between a 2D and a 3D Mammogram?”

Have You Seen These Changes in Your Breast?

Now is a good time to check for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions below, please schedule a mammogram as soon as possible—don’t wait for your yearly exam:

Have you felt a lump in your breast?
Do you have discharge coming from your nipples?
Do you have scaly or redness on your breast skin?

What Should I Do While I’m Waiting?

We know you want your follow-up to be completed as soon as possible and have the results immediately. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. So how do you deal with the stress and concern in the meantime?

Talk to someone. Chances are a friend or a family member has had a callback as well. Mention your worries and lean on your emotional support system. You may also wish to speak with a member of the clergy.
Try to distract yourself. Participating in your favorite hobby can get your mind off of the situation and provide stress relief.
Don’t isolate yourself. In times of need, it’s too easy to withdraw. Instead, schedule time with friends, even if it’s just a cup of coffee.
See a counselor if needed. If your anxiety is so severe that it’s causing trouble in your everyday life, then consider speaking with a licensed counselor.

Associates in Women’s Health: With You Throughout Your Journey

We are proud to have served residents of the Raleigh area for decades. We believe in a holistic, team-based approach to medicine, and that’s one reason we offer the convenience of mammogram services in our office.

While your breast health is important, it’s just one snapshot into your overall wellness, and we want to be with you throughout your life, helping you identify potential health issues before they become serious. We invite you to experience our compassionate, state-of-the-art care firsthand by scheduling an appointment.

The information in this article and the other articles on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.