Follow Up On Your Mammography Results
Learning the results of your mammogram is very important. The Food and Drug Administration is further strengthening the nation's standards for mammography centers by requiring that all women who have mammograms must be directly notified in writing about their results.
Chances are your mammogram will be normal. But do not assume that your mammogram was normal just because you have not received the results. If you have not received your screening results within 10 days, ask your doctor or call the mammography facility.
If your screening mammogram shows anything unusual, talk to your doctor as soon as possible about what you should do next. Your doctor may schedule a diagnostic mammogram, or you can schedule it yourself -- but have it done soon. Discuss the results with your doctor.
When a diagnostic mammogram shows something abnormal, the radiologist may recommend another type of exam. A biopsy is a way to obtain a small piece of breast tissue for study under a microscope. Sometimes a biopsy is needed because of something your doctor found in checking your breast even though the mammogram appears normal.
Whenever a mammogram uncovers a problem or a need to check something further:
Make sure you understand what you need to do next.
Always get results of any test that you have.
Ask questions about your results if something is hard to understand.
If you do not have a doctor or other health care provider, you will need to find one if you have an abnormal mammogram. Ask the mammography facility to help you find a doctor. Then make an appointment right away so you can discuss your results and what should be done next.
Mammography is very effective, but it does not detect all breast problems. If you find something unusual in your breast, see your doctor.
You're in charge of your breast health:
Schedule screening mammograms as often as your doctor recommends.
Always find out the results of your mammogram.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for follow-up and schedule diagnostic mammography, if needed, as soon as possible.
Have your doctor check your breasts as part of your regular physical exam.
Check your breasts yourself each month. Ask your doctor for instructions on how or look at BreastHealthOnline's Breast Self Exam information.
Consider Breast Thermography in conjunction with yearly mammograms.
If you have a breast lump or change at any time, even if your last mammogram was normal, see a doctor as soon as possible.
