For asymptomatic women and patients who are not at high risk, an annual screening mammogram is recommended beginning at age 40. If something of interest is discovered in routine screening, patients may be called back for a diagnostic evaluation, which may involve extra views, magnification views or possibly ultrasound.
National statistics reveal that about 10 percent of mammograms require the patient to return for additional imaging. The majority of these secondary screenings confirms a normal finding, so don’t get too alarmed if you are called in for additional imaging.
When Something Shows Up
There is a large overlap in appearance between benign and cancerous findings, according to Chris Comstock, M.D., who specializes in breast radiology. “We call back about 10 percent of patients for additional screening and 80 percent to 90 percent of those are benign or a false alarm,” he said. Ten percent to 20 percent of patients may be recommended for a biopsy, he said, of which only about 30 percent turn out to be positive.