What a Mammogram Can Show

Posted: Oct. 1, 2005

After your mammogram, the radiologist will look at your X-rays for breast changes that do not look normal. He or she will compare your past mammograms with your most recent one to check for changes.

Lumps (or "mass")
The size, shape, and edges of a lump sometimes can give doctors more information about whether or not it is cancer. On a mammogram, a growth that is benign often looks smooth and round with a clear, defined edge. On the other hand, breast cancer often has a jagged outline and an irregular shape.

Calcifications
A calcification is a deposit of the mineral calcium in the breast tissue. Calcium in the diet does not create calcium deposits in the breast. Calcifications appear as small white spots on a mammogram. There are two types:

• Macrocalcifications are large calcium deposits often caused by aging. These are usually not cancer.
• Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium that may be found in an area of rapidly dividing cells. If they are found grouped together in a certain way, it may be a sign of cancer.

Depending on how many calcium specks you have, how big they are, and what they look like, your doctor may suggest that you:

• Have a different type of mammogram that allows the radiologist to have a closer look at the area
• Have another screening mammogram, usually within 6 months
• Have a test called a biopsy

Are mammogram results always right?
No. Although they are not perfect, mammograms are the best method to find breast changes. If your mammogram shows a breast change, sometimes other tests are needed to better understand it. Even if the doctor sees something on the mammogram, it does not mean it is cancer.

Changes that need more follow-up
Sometimes your doctor needs more information about a change on your mammogram. Your doctor may do follow-up tests such as an ultrasound or more mammograms. The only way to find out if an abnormal result is cancer is to do a biopsy. It is important to know that most abnormal findings are not cancer.

Follow-up tests to tell you more
Doctors often use ultrasound or biopsies to follow up after finding signs of a breast change.

An ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of breast tissue. This picture is called a sonogram. It helps doctors look more closely at lumps. An ultrasound shows if a lump is solid or filled with fluid (cyst).) An ultrasound also can help your doctor decide if more tests are needed. It is important to know that an ultrasound may not find all abnormal changes.

Source: National Institutes of Health

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