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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Calcification
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Calcification
by Huny, Oct 18, 2001 12:00AM
The past two years I have had diagnostic mammograms because calicification was found. This month when I went to have my yearly mammogram, I learned that in transfering film from one location to another, my film was lost. How concerned should I be that now there are no records with which to compare the current mammogram? Also, as people in the medical field, do you have any suggestions as to a course of action that I might take to get someone to care enough about my situation to even pursue looking for my lost records?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Oct 18, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Huny, When microcalcifications are seen on a mammogram there are certain patterns that make them more or less suspicious looking to the radiologist reviewing them. So even if they do not have your prior film to compare they will be able to see if there is something suspicious. The report that the radiologist dictated from the prior mammograms are also somewhat helpful to give information about what is being watched, and depending on how detailed or the radiologists own shorthand may be enough to help them to make an assessment regarding the current study. Unfortunately what will not be possible is to directly compare side by side the mammograms which if subtle changes have happened since your last mammogram would not be apparent.
In terms of finding the missing mammograms, try going through your doctor's office. They may have suggestions of different avenues to explore at your facility, such as where the mammograms go through the system. Another area is through medical records department, and keep following up as to their progress in finding them. Most places have systems in place to track records, but the human factor always tends to put bugs in the system. For the future, a suggestion, request that a copy of your mammogram be made for your own records. You will be charged for this but you will always have your own copy for future reference.
In terms of finding the missing mammograms, try going through your doctor's office. They may have suggestions of different avenues to explore at your facility, such as where the mammograms go through the system. Another area is through medical records department, and keep following up as to their progress in finding them. Most places have systems in place to track records, but the human factor always tends to put bugs in the system. For the future, a suggestion, request that a copy of your mammogram be made for your own records. You will be charged for this but you will always have your own copy for future reference.
I resent the assumption that we patients are too irresponsible to keep our own films without losing them. (This was the argument they tried to use with me). Can't imagine what rationale prompts them to think they can do a better job at this than me. I keep my own films and take them with me, so they have them for comparison when I get a mammo, but I don't leave until they hand them back to me.