mammogram

[drpff6991]

I am a 63 year old woman with no history of abnormal mammograms.  I had a screening done early this week and received a letter saying that my screening needed further study and I needed to schedule a diagnostic.  I am very nervous and, as it is the weekend, can't do anything about this.  Has anyone experienced this?  Thank you.

[barb5971]

Google percent of mammogram positives in 10 yrs.  There are several studies/  The American Cancer Society says that by the time a woman has 10 mammos,  50% of the women will have false positives. So, if you start at 40, by 50 you will have a good chance of them finding something" that is not cancer.  The Univ. of Washington and Harvard study also says 50% and adds 20% will undergo a biopsy.  Maybe the radiologists are erring on the side of caution?

[tiredpoet]

That's a really interesting statistic!  I'd love to read more; can you tell me where to find that info?

[barb5971]

Probably nothing.  I got a callback because of assymetry.  It turned out to be nothing, but I still worried until I got the final answer Check out the statistics.  It goes something like this.  izf you've have 10 mammos in your life, chances are about 46% that the more yyou have, the more they find.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm glad you've gotten things in motion, and hope things turn out well for you.

Best wishes!

[drpff6991]

I saw my dr and scheduled the diagnostic.  The doctor said that I have a small nodular density in my left breast.  There are no suspicious calsifications or masses.  The dr didn't seem overly concerned.  I am feeling better, but will wait to be reived until after the diagnostic.  Thanks again for your positive words.

[drpff6991]

Thank you so much.  Your words helped tremendously.  I will update as soon as I know anything.  Thanks again for your positive thoughts!

[bluebutterfly2222]

Things like this do seem to often happen  on a weekend!  :-(

It is pretty common to be called back in for futher studies, such as a spot compression mammogram focused on a particular area about which the radiologist might have question, or an ultrasound. That has happened to me 2 or 3 times, with no follow-up needed except the next yearly mammogram.

And keep in mind that  even if something is found for which a biopsy is recommended, about 80% of those turn out benign.

It is natural to be concerned, but try not to panic. Keep busy to keep your mind off it, as much as possible, until Monday.

Please write again after you get the results from the diagnostic workup ( or before then if you have more questions) to let us know how things turn out.

Best wishes...
.