What is the difference between a mammogram and a screening mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. While screening mammograms are routinely administered to detect breast cancer in women who have no apparent symptoms, diagnostic mammograms are used after suspicious results on a screening mammogram or after some signs of breast cancer alert the physician to check the tissue.

What are the normal results of a mammogram?

A standard mammogram will usually be mostly gray, with some white areas showing healthy dense tissue. More white on the image does not always indicate a health problem. Everyone’s breasts are different, so no two mammogram images will be the same. Healthy mammograms can still vary in appearance.

What percentage of mammograms are abnormal?

How common are abnormal mammograms? Each year about 10 percent of women who receive mammograms will be told their mammogram was abnormal, and they will be recalled for additional testing.

Do you get results immediately after mammogram?

You can usually expect the results of a screening mammogram within two weeks. If you’re having a mammogram as a follow-up test, you may get the results before you leave the appointment. You can ask your doctor or your technologist how long it will take to get results, then keep an eye out for them.

What is a abnormal mammogram?

What is an abnormal mammogram? Abnormal mammogram results occur when breast imaging detects an irregular area of the breast that has the potential to be malignant. This could come in the form of small white spots called calcifications, lumps or tumors called masses, and other suspicious areas.

What if a mammogram is positive?

If your mammogram does show something abnormal, you will need follow-up tests to check whether or not the finding is breast cancer. Most abnormal findings on a mammogram are not breast cancer. For most women, follow-up tests will show normal breast tissue.