Potential Benefits and Risks of Mammograms

What happens if I have an abnormal mammogram result?

If you have an abnormal mammogram result, you will need to have some further test(s) and you may need to see a surgeon. The diagnostic tests that are done to find out if the abnormal area on your mammogram is cancer may include one or more of the following:
Physical examination: Examination of your breasts might be done by your doctor or a breast surgeon to find out if there is a lump in the area where the mammogram is abnormal.
Diagnostic mammogram: Special mammograms that magnify the breast image might be done to better see abnormal spots in the breast.
Ultrasound test: Sound waves might be used to look at abnormal spots to see if there is a cyst that contains fluid.

Needle aspiration: A long needle might be used to remove fluid and cells from the area of the breast that has the abnormal spot. The cells are then examined to see if there is cancer. This test is usually done under local anesthesia.
Surgical biopsy: A part or all the area of the breast that has the abnormality might be removed. If there is not a lump in the area of the breast where the mammogram is abnormal, mammograms are first performed to show the surgeon where the abnormal area of the breast is located, and then needles are placed in that breast area. When the needles are in place, the surgeon removes the breast tissue that was abnormal on the mammogram. This test can be done under local or general anesthesia. Biopsies usually leave a scar.

Image adapted from Breast Health with permission of the publisher ©(1994) Business and Legal Reports, Inc., 39 Academy Street, Madison, CT, 06443.

Potential Benefits & Risks of Mammograms