After your first visit
You’ve had your screening mammogram and are now waiting to hear the results. Within two weeks of your exam, both you and your family doctor will receive letters with the results from your mammogram clinic.
The results for the majority of you will come back clear, and you can return to doing your regular self-examinations until your next mammogram with peace of mind.
However, about 5 to 10 percent of patients are recalled for further exams. If your letter suggests a return visit, here’s what to do and consider:
- If your doctor hasn’t already been in touch, call and make an appointment to discuss the results. You’ll need a referral for the diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound.
- Keep in mind that your test may not have shown any abnormalities. Sometimes the exam needs to be re-done simply because it was a bad film or the image was unreadable.
- Remember, too, that abnormalities don’t necessarily mean cancer. They could also be:
- Tiny calcium deposits known as breast calcifications that show up as white spots
- An irregular pattern of normal breast tissue
- A cyst or benign mass that may not need to be removed
- The procedure for the diagnostic mammogram will be much like the first. But where they only took four images the first time, they might take more now. The point of a diagnostic mammogram is to get a more magnified and focused look at the abnormality in question.
- If it was a mass they detected, you’ll likely have an ultrasound in the same visit.
- The radiologist might also suggest a needle biopsy, which will be done with local freezing and shouldn’t hurt any more than a blood test.
This appointment will take longer than your initial screening, but still shouldn’t run more than 30 to 45 minutes. About a week after the exam, your results will be sent directly to your family doctor, who will be in touch.
An important part is not to worry too much; 96 percent of women who had something abnormal appear on their screening mammogram are cancer free.
About the Author
Dr. Gordon is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Radiology, in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia.
She is Chair of the Academic Committee of the Screening Mammography Program of British Columbia, Senior Radiologist at the Breast Program at BC Women’s Hospital and does clinical breast imaging and intervention.
Dr. Gordon is a reviewer for several medical journals and lectures internationally on various aspects of breast diagnosis. She has authored or co-authored numerous publications related to breast radiology, and has a special interest in breast ultrasound and image-guided needle biopsy. In recognition of her achievements, she has been elected Fellow of the Society of Breast Imaging.
Comments