Recheck on recent mammogram

[Fitzey]

I am 87 years young.  I have had numerous mammograms throughout life; and during my middle years had many cysts drained, etc.  But not in the last 20 years.   Now I get a call back for a recheck--what is going on here, I am small breasted so no big deal, nurse said it was just something that looked a little different from the last one.   What in the world could it be?


This discussion is related to mammogram recall.

[zouzi]

Hi again,
Yes I know how difficult it is waiting for your next Mammogram …A week is not too long though,I remember having to wait 2 weeks for my spot compression Mammogram. If you find it's too hard waiting, you could try calling the Radiology Department and see if they can get your appointment brought forward a little in case they have a cancellation.
The good thing is that when you have a Diagnostic test, the breast Imaging Radiologist will discuss the findings with you before you leave the facility.
Hang in there …Positive thoughts coming your way!

[Fitzey]

Thank you for your response.   I have settled down some about the test.   However at my age I thought I was through with worrying about mammograms.   I am not large in that area and it is a bit hard getting the pictures to begin with, so not looking forward to the second meeting.  Thanks again for the comeback, everyone tries to make me feel better but I wish I didn't have to wait for a week.  

[zouzi]

Hi,
The first thing Radiologists do is to compare current mammograms to previous ones to see if anything has changed. If a change has occurred ,it’s not unusual at all to be called back for further investigation. You will probably have a spot compression Mammogram which will focus on the area of concern and help clarify things..
Sometimes the tissue can fold over on itself and cause a "density or shadow”" to appear. A spot compression will often smooth out the tissue and the density will vanish. Often a second mammogram will confirm that all is okay. If the abnormality can still be seen on films it doesn’t mean that cancer is present. It could be one of many benign lumps or benign calcification. However if something looks suspicious, the Radiologist will advise you to have other tests and if necessary also a biopsy to achieve a correct diagnosis.
I hope that all will be just fine with your second mammogram and hopefully you won’t be needing any additional testing. .
Best wishes and please let us know how things are proceeding…
Good luck !