A mammogram is a test that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine the breasts for early signs of breast diseases, specifically breast cancer in women. The National Cancer Institute recommends all women ages 40 and older have a mammogram performed at least once every two years. Most of the time your mammogram will come back normal, but it is important to know what to do if your results are abnormal.
Notification
If your mammogram is clear, it is possible that the radiologist will let you know immediately after your procedure. However, the ordering physician may want to look at the X-ray first, in which case he will likely call you with the results. Some radiology centers send the results of the mammogram directly to you through the mail.
A Normal Report
If the report is normal, you will be instructed to schedule your next mammogram in one to two years, depending on your age and other risk factors. If you haven't received any results within a few days, you should not automatically assume everything is fine. Call your physician and request your results.
An Abnormal Report
If you receive an abnormal report, do not panic. There are many reasons for a mammogram to come back with irregularities and most of them do not indicate cancer. If there is anything unusual or suspicious revealed by your mammogram, your physician will arrange an appointment for further evaluation. Most abnormalities turn out to be benign conditions, such as cysts, fibroadenoma or just unusually dense breast tissue.
Follow-up
It is important to follow up as soon as possible to either confirm or rule out the possibility of serious breast disease. Follow-up testing may include ultrasound, additional mammograms, needle biopsy or in some cases surgical lumpectomy. According to the American Cancer Society "most doctors feel that early detection tests for breast cancer save many thousands of lives each year," so the sooner you follow up on an abnormal mammogram, the better.
Tags: your mammogram, breast cancer, come back, your physician, your results
