What is an abnormal mammogram?
An abnormal mammogram is a breast X-ray with characteristics leading the radiologist to recommend some additional testing, either another mammogram within 6 months, or occasionally other procedures. A recommendation to have a repeat mammogram seldom results in a cancer diagnosis. Some characteristics seen on a mammogram are suspicious enough to indicate that additional tests (like a biopsy) are needed. These tests are more likely to result in a cancer diagnosis. An abnormal mammogram report is not the same as an incomplete mammogram report. Quite often, a woman may be called back after a mammogram to have additional X-rays taken, have an additional non-invasive procedure performed (such as an ultrasound) or be asked to provide earlier mammograms for comparisons. These evaluations are needed to better understand the current mammogram, and by themselves do not signal an abnormal mammogram.
