What To Do If You Get An Abnormal Mammogram

An abnormal result is not usually cause for concern

If you’re a woman over 40, add getting a mammogram to your list of yearly health checks. This routine diagnostic test looks for early signs of breast cancer or changes in your breasts. Most results are normal. But if results come back abnormal, your care team may need to take another look. The good news? Abnormal results are mostly harmless. Here’s what to know.

What does an abnormal mammogram mean?

“An abnormal mammogram result means the radiologist saw something on the images that needs a closer look,” says Kayleigh Taylor, MD, a diagnostic radiologist at Geisinger.

Abnormal results don’t automatically mean you have breast cancer. It can mean there was an area of your breast that:

Was unclear on imaging or didn’t provide enough detail
Looked different than it did in prior years
Needs additional testing to better understand what’s on the image

What causes abnormal mammogram results?

Most abnormal mammogram results are caused by harmless things like:

Dense breast tissue
Calcium deposits
Benign masses or cysts
Changes from prior surgery, injury or infection
Overlapping breast tissue

Wearing deodorant or lotion on the day of your test can also interfere with the results.

What are the next steps?

If a mammogram comes back abnormal, start by staying calm. “While it's normal to feel worried, many abnormal findings turn out to be harmless,” Dr. Taylor says.

If a radiologist determines your mammogram needs a closer look, they will recommend follow-up testing.

“These tests help determine whether the finding is benign or if additional evaluation is needed,” Dr. Taylor says.

Tests your provider may recommend include:

Diagnostic mammogram

This specialized X-ray takes more detailed pictures than a traditional mammogram. During this test, your technician will take more pictures than they do with a standard mammogram. They may take views from different angles and zoom in on areas that need a closer look.

Another key difference? A doctor will look at the images and give your results right away.

Breast ultrasound

During a breast ultrasound, a technician will move a specialized wand around your breasts, using sound waves to capture images. This procedure helps your healthcare provider take a closer look at small areas that may have looked unclear before.

Breast MRI

This test uses strong magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the inside of your breasts. A breast MRI can also look for enlarged lymph nodes in your armpit or chest.

Biopsy

During this test, a provider will use a needle to remove fluid or a small piece of tissue from your breast. That sample will be sent to a specialist, known as a pathologist, who will review the cells under a microscope and determine if cells are cancerous or if other treatment is needed.

“A biopsy may be recommended if the area needs further evaluation,” says Dr. Taylor.

Evaluating results

No matter what testing you have, your care team will review results. Once test results come back, your provider will determine next steps. And, if needed, they’ll work with you to build a treatment plan to help you live your healthiest life.