A mammogram is an X-ray screening procedure to detect early signs of breast cancer in women. It can also be used to diagnose other types of breast disease in women with symptoms, like nipple discharge, pain, lumps, and skin dimpling. If the results indicate anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, this is referred to as an abnormal mammogram.

What Happens After an Abnormal Mammogram?

It can be scary to get a call back from your doctor explaining that you had an abnormal mammogram, but in many cases, this does not immediately mean there is cancer present. The surgeons at Ozark Surgical Group emphasize that sometimes an abnormal mammogram can be due to a benign cyst or just dense breast tissue.

Followup Appointment

At your followup appointment, your doctor will likely have you undergo a second mammogram for diagnostic purposes. Some women might also undergo an ultrasound or an MRI for further imaging so that the doctor can look more closely at the areas of concern. 

If the suspicious area turns out to be normal, then you can simply resume your regular mammogram schedule without an additional follow up. Sometimes, your doctor will have you come in for your next mammogram a bit sooner than usual, just to be safe and to monitor the area. In cases where cancer could not be completely ruled out, a biopsy will be taken for further diagnostic purposes.

Biopsy

During a biopsy, your doctor will remove a small amount of tissue using either a needle or an incision. The tissue will be sent to pathology to be examined under a microscope. You should expect to receive your biopsy results within a few days to a week. If the results do show signs of cancer, your surgeon will determine if a more extensive surgery is needed or may refer you to an oncologist for treatment of your specific type of cancer. 

While having an abnormal mammogram can be frightening, early detection is the key to success when treating breast disease. If you’re exploring your options for breast surgery or other surgical procedures, look no further than the trusted experts at Ozark Surgical Group in Mountain Home, AR. For more information, visit their website for a list of services, and give them a call at (870) 425-9120 to make an appointment.