Abnormal Mammogram

How Does an Abnormality Appear on a Mammogram?

A potential abnormality on a mammogram may be called a nodule, mass, lump, density or distortion.

A mass (lump) that has an irregular border or a star-burst appearance (spiculated) may be cancerous and a biopsy is usually recommended.

How Accurate Is Mammography?

Mammography is 85% to 90% accurate. Mammograms have imp

roved the ability to detect breast abnormalities before they are large enough to be felt during a breast examination.

A diagnostic mammogram or additional studies may be recommended.

Biopsy Best After Abnormal Mammogram

Study Shows Many Other Tests May Miss Diagnosis of Cancer

Feb. 9, 2006 -- Several tests for breast cancer haven't been shown to be accurate enough to replace a standard biopsy, states a government report.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reviewed studies of four common noninvasive tests that can be used to detect breast cancer after a woman has an abnormal mammogram or abnormal breast exam.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Ultrasonography ( ultrasound)

Scintimammography (mammogram enhanced by a radioactive tracer)

A standard breast biopsy is done using a needle or an incision to sample the suspicious area.

Missed Cancers

According to the report, the tests would miss about 4% to 9% of cancers in women of average risk for cancer, says Clancy. "This rate is potentially greater for women who are at a higher risk for cancer."

Clancy doesn't dismiss any of the tests.

Most Biopsies Don't Show Cancer

"Only about one in five women currently getting a biopsy for an abnormal mammogram or breast examination will be found to have breast cancer," Clancy says.

"Accurate noninvasive tests could reduce the number of women needing to undergo a biopsy," Clancy says. Meanwhile, she advises women to talk to their doctors about their options after an abnormal mammogram or abnormal breast exam.

"Having an abnormal mammogram encompasses a wide range of potential risks, from 1% to over 90% risk of cancer.

Breast Cancer: Understanding Mammogram Results

What if the radiologist sees something suspicious or abnormal on your mammogram? Most abnormalities found in mammogram results are not breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends having a baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 40, and then a screening mammogram every year after age 40. Questionable mammogram results sometimes require additional evaluation. With further examination (imaging studies and/or biopsy), most of these abnormalities are found to be normal breast tissue or benign (non-cancerous) tissue.

What If Something Looks Abnormal?

Potential abnormalities are found in 6% to 8% percent of women who have screening mammograms. This small group of women needs further evaluation that may include diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, or needle biopsy.

What Is a Diagnostic Mammogram?

Diagnostic mammograms differ from screening mammograms in that the examination focuses specifically on an area of tissue that appeared abnormal in a screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammograms are also done for women who haven't had a screening mammogram but may be showing signs or symptoms of something abnormal in the breasts.

In some women, only additional mammographic images are needed.