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) with a smooth, well-defined border is often benign. Ultrasound is needed to characterize the inside of a mass — if the mass contains fluid, it is called a cyst. • A mass (lump) that has an irregular border or a star-burst appearance (spiculated) may be cancerous and a biopsy is usually recommended. • Microcalcifications (small deposits of calcium) are another type of abnormality. They can be classified as benign, suspicious, or indeterminate. Depending on the appearance of the microcalcifications on the additional magnified images, a biopsy may be recommended.
