A mammogram is an X-ray imaging method used to examine breast tissue for the early detection of breast diseases. It uses low-dose X-rays to create images that can reveal abnormal areas, often before symptoms become apparent. This screening tool helps identify potential changes that might indicate breast cancer.
The Waiting Period and Getting Your Results
After a mammogram, the waiting period for results can vary, typically ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. The results are often sent to you by mail or made available through online patient portals. Your healthcare provider will also receive a copy of the report. If an abnormality is detected, you might be contacted sooner by phone to discuss next steps. If results are delayed beyond the typical timeframe, contacting the breast screening service or your healthcare provider can provide updates and reassurance.
Interpreting Your Mammogram Results
Once your mammogram images are reviewed by a radiologist, the results will indicate whether your breast tissue appears normal or if further evaluation is needed. A “normal” or “clear” result means no suspicious findings were identified, and you will typically be advised to continue with routine screening as recommended. Conversely, you might receive a “callback” or “recall,” indicating that additional imaging or assessment is necessary. A callback does not automatically signify a cancer diagnosis; almost 90% of callbacks do not result in a cancer diagnosis.
Callbacks are common for several reasons. Dense breast tissue, which appears white on a mammogram, can obscure potential abnormalities, making interpretation difficult. Overlapping breast tissue can also create areas that look suspicious but are simply normal tissue superimposed.
Other reasons for a callback can include unclear X-rays, calcifications (small calcium deposits), cysts (fluid-filled sacs), or an area of asymmetry that requires a closer look. If it is your first mammogram, a callback is also more likely, as there are no previous images for comparison to establish a baseline for your breast tissue.
What Happens After a Recall
If you receive a recall after a screening mammogram, you will typically undergo diagnostic imaging procedures to further investigate the area of concern. A diagnostic mammogram involves taking more detailed X-ray pictures of the breast, often from different angles or with magnification views, to get a clearer image. Unlike screening mammograms, a radiologist may be present during a diagnostic mammogram to guide the technologist and review images in real-time.
Following or in conjunction with a diagnostic mammogram, a breast ultrasound may be performed. This non-invasive test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the breast’s internal structures, useful for distinguishing between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts. An ultrasound can provide more detailed information, especially in cases of dense breast tissue where mammograms may be less effective.
In some situations, a breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) might be recommended, particularly for high-risk individuals or when other imaging results are inconclusive. A breast MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves, rather than X-rays, to create highly detailed images. This procedure often involves an injection of a contrast material to enhance visibility of abnormal areas. While a breast MRI provides comprehensive views, it is generally a supplemental tool and not typically a standalone screening method for average-risk individuals.
Next Steps After a Finding
After these diagnostic tests, findings generally fall into two categories: benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). For benign findings, next steps depend on their specific nature. Simple cysts often require no further action unless they cause discomfort, while some benign masses or calcifications might warrant short-term monitoring with follow-up imaging. Your healthcare provider will discuss whether routine annual screening is sufficient or if more frequent imaging is advisable.
If the diagnostic process indicates a malignant finding, the next step typically involves a biopsy. This procedure involves removing a small piece of tissue from the suspicious area for examination under a microscope to confirm cancer cells and determine their type. A biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose cancer. Once a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, you will be referred to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, to discuss treatment options tailored to your specific diagnosis and stage. A comprehensive treatment plan will be formulated, varying widely depending on the type and extent of the cancer.