My mother went for a mammogram Weds and they called her today and told her they they did find something on her breast and they want her to come in Monday. I am going with her Monday but of course I am worried.
My question is this.... When there is something found is it likely cancer??? I mean is there a high percentage of a risk that it is?
I understand it can be a number of things but I am curious.
2007-09-27 16:47:47 · 5 answers · asked by lilbobo1980 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
There are a few reasons why a woman would be called back for more images after a mammogram. Vary rarely, the images are of poor quality or have an artifact on them. This doesn't happen often because the mammographer checks her images before she lets the patient leave. Occasionally, the mammographer will miss something that the radiologist catches.
More often, there is an area of the image that needs further evaluation. This could be because the patient has dense breast tissue. Dense tissue appears white on the x-ray film....and so do all signs of breast cancer (both masses/lumps or calcifications). You cannot see white pathology through white, dense tissue. Sometimes, compression views are needed in these cases, just to ensure nothing is "hiding" behind that white tissue.
Other times, the radiologist sees a mass or calcifications. Many masses and different types calcifications are benign. There are special views we can take (magnification views) which will show those exact areas better. In the case of microcalcifications, these images will show the edges of the calcifications in more detail, so the radiologist can determine which type they are. In the far majority of cases, the radiologist will determine they are benign....not cancer. Even after these special views, a radiologist might ask for a breast ultrasound, and maybe even a biopsy. Even if your mother's case goes as far as a biopsy, around 85% of these are benign.
So, it is not a bad sign to be called back for more images. It probably happens to about 1 in 10 women after their screening mammogram. Best wishes.......I hope your mother gets a benign result.
2007-09-28 10:52:04 · answer #1 · answered by Lissacal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they found a cancerous mass on my mammogram and ultrasound, I had a phone call to come and see a Dr, emergency appointment within the hour.
Given they are happy to wait until Monday, I am guessing that it is either a benign mass, or inconclusive.
Once the Dr's are sure something is cancer they move FAST!!!!!
2007-09-27 16:57:14 · answer #2 · answered by Tarkarri 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had some lumps come up on mine before. It wasn't anything serious, it was cystic mastitis,caused by caffeine which later cleared up.I hope all works out well. Its probably nothing serious, but something to cause worry about until you know for sure. Best wishes and I hope all goes well, take care.
2007-09-27 17:05:42 · answer #3 · answered by Gladys C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right, it could be anything. Lumps are not uncommon and they arent necessarily cancerous. Should it turn out to be cancer, that is not a death sentence as there are treatments and high survival rates with early detection. Good Luck
2007-09-27 16:51:59 · answer #4 · answered by MHnurseC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on age/family history/lifestyle etc
I don't know the % or anything...but i think my mum found a lump a while ago and it turned out to be fine.
good luck and try not to worry too much!
2007-09-27 16:53:32 · answer #5 · answered by ... 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋