Mammograms are a key screening tool for breast health. While these screenings are a routine part of preventive care, receiving a callback for further imaging can cause concern. However, a callback is a common occurrence and does not automatically indicate cancer. It is simply part of a thorough evaluation process.
What a Mammogram Callback Means
A mammogram callback means the initial screening images require additional investigation or clearer visualization. The radiologist needs more information for a complete assessment. Reasons include unclear or incomplete images, new findings, or an area that appears dense or overlapping. This is a standard procedure to gather necessary details for accurate interpretation.
Callbacks are a routine aspect of breast imaging, designed to provide a more detailed look at specific breast areas. The goal is to clarify any ambiguities from the initial screening, helping professionals distinguish between normal tissue variations and areas needing closer attention.
The Low Percentage of Cancer Diagnoses
Only a small fraction of callbacks lead to a cancer diagnosis. The vast majority, typically 90% to 97%, do not result in a cancer finding. This means for every 10 women called back for additional imaging, only about 1 will ultimately be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Most callbacks are due to non-cancerous issues or the need for clearer images. Approximately 8% to 12% of women undergoing screening mammograms receive a callback. This reflects the cautious and thorough nature of breast cancer screening, aiming to confirm an initial finding is benign or to gather more information.
Diagnostic Procedures Following a Callback
Following a callback, several diagnostic procedures may be used. A common next step is a diagnostic mammogram, which takes focused images from different angles or with magnification. Unlike a screening mammogram, it evaluates a specific area of concern, providing a clearer view.
Another tool is a breast ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images. An ultrasound is useful for determining if a lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst. In some cases, a breast MRI may be recommended, especially for women with dense breast tissue or a high cancer risk. If imaging results are inconclusive or suggest a suspicious area, a biopsy might be performed. This involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis to determine if cancer cells are present.
Typical Non-Cancerous Findings
Many non-cancerous factors can lead to a mammogram callback. Dense breast tissue is one common reason, as it can appear white on a mammogram, making it difficult to distinguish from potential abnormalities. Overlapping breast tissue can also create an impression of an abnormality, requiring further imaging to confirm its benign nature.
Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, are another frequent non-cancerous finding. These benign lumps are often easily identified with an ultrasound. Benign calcifications, tiny calcium deposits in the breast tissue, are also common. Fibroadenomas, non-cancerous solid lumps composed of fibrous and glandular tissue, are another type of benign finding. These conditions are frequently identified during follow-up imaging and are not associated with an increased cancer risk.