A mammogram is an essential process that can offer you confirmation of the health of your breasts. However, the process can be somewhat stressful due to the very nature of the kinds of issues they are intended to address. Below, we have our guide to getting called back after a mammogram.

Sometimes, if your doctor perceives an abnormality or inconsistency in your mammogram that makes them want to look deeper into the issue, they will call you back for further tests and observation. In this situation, it serves to be informed about the best way to comport yourself.

Guide to Getting Called Back After a Mammogram

If you’ve been called back from a mammogram, just know that it doesn’t mean that you have breast cancer necessarily. However, there are certain steps to take to make sure your mammography solutions go smoothly.

What Is a Mammogram?

An X-ray test called a mammography is used to identify breast cancer. Additionally, diagnostic mammography and screening mammography are the two types of mammograms. Still, these two processes differ from one another in the following ways:

• Screening mammography: A type of mammography intended to identify breast abnormalities that may be signs of cancer development. Early detection of cancer can potentially save lives by preventing its formation.
• Diagnostic mammography: To look at any suspected breast masses, a diagnostic mammography is done. The most prevalent situation in which this operation is carried out is when a patient already has complaints about the way their breasts feel or look.

Why Would You Be Called Back from a Mammogram?

There are many different reasons that one might be called back after a mammogram, and not all of them indicate cancer. Some of the common ones include:

• The original images that were taken didn’t come out clearly
• The radiologist detected a mass of some sort in your images. This could be any number of things, ranging from a cyst to a solid mass.
• The radiologist perceives any abnormality at all.

Although getting called back can be a somewhat alarming experience, most of the time, detected masses don’t end up being cancer.

What Might Occur at Your Follow-up Appointment?

If you are called back to the radiologist’s office, you can expect the following types of follow-up images to be performed:

• Diagnostic Mammogram: In a diagnostic mammogram, images that are taken at closer angles reveal a clearer picture of the geography of the inner breast. Areas of concern are highlighted in this type of test.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound might be performed, which uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your breast.

Will I Need a Biopsy?

If your doctor deems it prudent, a small biopsy may be taken out of your breast. This is, unfortunately, the only way to confirm whether or not there is cancer present in your breast.

There are several types of biopsies, including ones that use a small needle, while others use a small cut through the skin. Which type is used depends on the nature and size of the mass that is being sampled.

There are some helpful steps you can take while you wait for your results. Some common steps that are taken include:

• It’s normal to feel worried
• Talk with a loved one or a counselor
• Talk with other women who have been through this process
• Try not to worry so much

What If I Have Cancer?

A cancer diagnosis is obviously a life-changing diagnosis that has the potential to impact several other areas of one’s life. There are some steps that you can take in the event of a diagnosis that many have found helpful in the past. Some of these steps include:

• Prepare a list of questions that you might have about the diagnosis.
• Take a family member or friend with you for emotional support, as well as for taking down notes about the diagnosis.
• Consider attempting to record some of the conversations you have about the diagnosis.
• If someone uses a word you don’t know, make sure you clarify the meaning behind the words.
• Ensure that you have the doctors or nurses explain anything that you don’t understand.

Overall, you should be as thorough as possible with the entire procedure. This can help you immensely in terms of moving forward with your treatment as time goes on.

The Best Mammogram in Texas

Breast GYN Imagers offers its patients extremely high-quality care every step of the way. If you’re in the market for receiving a mammogram in Texas, then contact us today in order to get the ball rolling on the breast imaging services you deserve.