Receiving a callback for additional imaging after a mammogram can be unsettling, but it is a common part of breast cancer screening. This follow-up is a routine step designed to gather more detailed information and often does not indicate a serious problem.
Common Reasons for a Follow-Up Ultrasound
An ultrasound is frequently requested after a mammogram for several non-alarming reasons. One common scenario involves dense breast tissue, which appears white on a mammogram. This density can obscure potential findings, making it difficult to distinguish normal tissue from areas needing closer inspection. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves instead of X-rays, provides a view not affected by breast density, allowing for a clearer assessment.
Another reason for a follow-up ultrasound is to clarify a mammogram finding. An ultrasound can differentiate between a fluid-filled cyst, which is typically benign, and a solid mass that might require further investigation. If the mammogram shows a suspicious area, an ultrasound offers a real-time, detailed view, allowing examination from various angles. Additionally, mammogram images can sometimes appear concerning due to overlapping tissue or positioning, known as asymmetry. An ultrasound can then confirm whether there is a true abnormality or simply an imaging artifact.
What to Expect During Your Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is typically a straightforward and painless procedure requiring no special preparation. You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and wear a gown before lying on an examination table, with your arm raised above your head to position the breast. A sonographer, a healthcare professional specializing in ultrasound, performs the exam.
The technologist will apply a clear, water-based gel to your breast, which helps sound waves travel from the handheld device, called a transducer, into your body. They will then gently move the transducer over the area of concern, capturing images on a computer monitor. You may feel some pressure from the transducer, but the procedure is not painful. The entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. A radiologist may be present to review images in real-time or examine them immediately after the scan.
Understanding the Results and Next Steps
After your breast ultrasound, a radiologist, a doctor trained to interpret medical images, reviews the results. In some cases, you might receive preliminary information on the same day. However, a full report is sent to your referring doctor, which can take several days.
Many follow-up ultrasounds reveal benign findings. Common benign findings include simple cysts (fluid-filled sacs) or fibroadenomas (solid lumps). If the finding is clearly benign, you may return to your routine screening schedule.
If the ultrasound does not provide a definitive answer, further steps may be recommended, such as an MRI or a biopsy to obtain a tissue sample. Even a recommendation for further testing or a biopsy does not automatically mean cancer, as the majority of callbacks do not result in a cancer diagnosis. Your doctor will discuss these results to determine the appropriate next steps for your health.
Navigating Your Concerns
It is natural to feel anxious when called back for additional breast imaging after a mammogram. However, these callbacks are common; fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more tests are ultimately diagnosed with cancer. About 10% of mammograms lead to a callback, and of these, less than 1% result in a cancer diagnosis.
Focusing on factual information rather than fear can help manage anxiety. Additional imaging serves as a thorough diagnostic step to clarify initial findings. Communicate openly with your healthcare providers; ask questions and express concerns to understand the process and results. During the waiting period, engaging in self-care practices like mindfulness or light exercise can help reduce stress, and leaning on support systems can also provide comfort. Proactive screening is a positive step in maintaining your health.