I went in for a mammogram yesterday and today they called me back for another one. The person that phoned me said it was a "follow-up". Should I be worried. There is no family history.
2007-05-16 05:00:15 · 7 answers · asked by whatever 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
There are a few reasons why you would be called back after a screening mammogram. Rarely, they need to repeat one or more of the same images. This can be due to a darkroom error, even a fingerprint on the pre-developed film. This does not happen often because mammographers check their images before they let their patients leave. A mammographer may miss these errors and they can be picked up by a radiologist. Every place I have worked at will tell the patient when they call the patient back, if there has been a screw up like this. In this case, there is no additional charge.
Another scenario is this. If you have dense breast tissue, they may need extra pictures. Breast tissue which is dense appears white on the x-ray film. All signs of breast cancer (masses and certain types of calcifications) are also white. If you have an area of dense tissue, they may need special images to try to see through the tissue to be sure there is not an underlying cancer. These are generally called spot compression views. At this point, there is an additional charge, and there are additional types of images taken.
Thirdly, the radiologist may have seen an area on the mammogram which he cannot be 100% sure is benign (not cancer). In this case, special images would be taken of that area only for more detail. These are called magnification cone compression views. The magnification will make the area larger so we can see the edges of the mass or calcifications better. Spot compression spreads out the tissue and more detail is achieved with more compression. If the area of concern is a mass, ultrasound may also be performed for further classification (u/s will not visualize calcifications). The far majority of these types of cases end up being benign.
You are more likely to be called back for more images if this was your first mammogram or if your prior mammograms were not available at the time of reading. If the radiologist has previous mammograms, he tell if an area in the breast has changed over time. If there is an area in the breast which has gotten smaller or not changed in 5 years (for example), then it is not cancer.
So anyhow, should you be worried? The odds are that you will end up with benign results. Worrying in that case would be a waste of time and energy. We, as humans, tend to do that to ourselves, yet the stress and worry is probably more detrimental to your health than your breast! If at all possible, don't worry about something unless you know there is something to worry about! Does that mean you can blow this off? NO! I would rather have one or two more extra exams to ensure I am okay. Best wishes........
2007-05-16 09:10:51 · answer #1 · answered by Lissacal 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The same thing happened to two friends of mine in their late 30s/early 40s, and they were both really worried. Fortunately, both of them turned out to be fine. Calling you back just means they saw something they want to get a closer look at. They may want to do an ultrasound, too. They probably can tell you right at the follow-up appointment whether there's anything to be concerned about. I hope the follow-up turns up nothing in your case, as well, but it will put your mind at ease to get the second mammogram and know for sure. Most people who get breast cancer do not have a family history, so you can't rule it out on that basis. Be well!
2007-05-16 05:08:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very common practice as further evaluation will be or may be recommended. This may be merely following the progression of the abnormality or additional views or tests such as image-guided needle biopsies. This information will be collated by the clinician and a diagnosis will be offered with a treatment plan. Mammograms are accurate but have limitations. Both false positives and false negatives can occur; between 55 and 75 per cent of abnormal mammograms turn out to be benign. Ultrasound is the most common complement to mammography.
2016-04-01 04:17:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Occasionally, a follow-up mammogram is performed if a suspicious spot is seen on the films. Also they may perform a ultrasound of your breast as a backup. I know you said there is no family history, but there doesn't always have to be. Good luck.
2007-05-16 05:09:54 · answer #4 · answered by Debbie H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry, probably someone fouled up and didn't get an adequate picture the first time..... saying it's a follow-up keeps you from suspecting their mistake. I wouldn't pay for two in this case, unless they can prove there is a very good reason for the second one.... other than of course their own mistake in taking the first one.
2007-05-16 05:04:53 · answer #5 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no the radiologist probably just wants more views and sometimes they can't see everything they need the first time. this has happened to me more than once.
2007-05-16 05:04:26 · answer #6 · answered by bella36 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't worry about it=they saw something and just want to confirm it =i had that and it was only some crystallization
2007-05-16 05:05:21 · answer #7 · answered by caffsans 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋