Mammogram

Breast tissue that shows no signs of a mass or calcification is considered normal.

Most abnormal findings on a screening mammogram turn out to be benign or nothing to worry about. However, any new findings or changes must be further evaluated.

A radiology doctor may see the following types of findings on a mammogram:

• A well-outlined, regular, clear spot (this is more likely to be a noncancerous condition such as a cyst)
• Masses or lumps
• Dense areas in the breast that can be breast cancer or hide breast cancer
• Calcifications, which are caused by tiny deposits of calcium in your breast tissue. Most calcifications are not a sign of cancer. See: Mammogram - calcifications for more information.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has developed a grading system for radiology doctors to use when they report the results of a mammogram. Terms you may hear your doctor use include:

• Negative
• Benign (noncancerous) finding
• Probably benign
• Suspicious abnormality
• Highly suggestive of malignancy or cancer

Often, the following tests are also needed:

• Additional mammogram views -- called magnification or compression views
• Breast MRI exam
• Compare your current mammogram to your past mammograms. This will help tell whether you had an abnormal finding in the past, and whether it has changed.
• Sometimes, the doctor will use ultrasound to further examine your breast and determine the next best step

When mammogram or ultrasound results look suspicious, a biopsy is done to test the tissue and see if it is cancerous. See also:

• Breast biopsy - stereotactic
• Breast biopsy - ultrasound

Images

Mammary gland

Breast lumps

Abnormal discharge from the nipple

Fibrocystic breast disease

Female breast

Mammogram

Causes of breast lumps

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Mammography Overview

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Mammography Risks

Review Date: 12/28/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)