What Should I Do If My Mammogram Results Are Suspicious or Unclear?

We know that screening mammograms help your healthcare provider detect potential problems early, but in some cases, your results might not be clear-cut.

If your mammogram results come back as unclear or suspicious, you might feel confused or even worried and may not know what to do next.

That’s OK. A lot of healthy people have gotten mammogram results like yours.

Neither unclear results nor suspicious results mean that you have a disease like breast cancer. 

Let’s take a closer look at exactly what that means for your physical and mental health.

What does a clear mammogram result mean?

A clear mammogram result means the images obtained during your procedure indicate your breast tissue is normal, with no signs of any anomalies. 

These results indicate no breast abnormalities or signs that would raise any concern for potential breast cancer. 

However, as reassuring as clear results can be, it's crucial to continue with annual breast screenings because changes in your breast tissue can occur over time.

What does it mean if my mammogram results are unclear?

An unclear result can be unsettling, but remember, it's not an automatic cause for alarm. 

Unclear simply means the images obtained didn't give a clear enough picture for your healthcare provider to make a definitive interpretation. 

This could be due to various reasons, such as the overlapping of breast tissues or hormonal changes at the time of the scan. 

If your results are unclear, your doctor will discuss the next steps with you, which could include a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, or breast MRI.

Why did my mammogram results come back as suspicious?

Having your mammogram results come back as suspicious can certainly raise your anxiety levels, but it's important to remember that suspicious results don’t necessarily mean cancer. 

A suspicious result means that there's an area in your breast that looks different from the norm, which could potentially be a sign of a benign condition, or less commonly it may be a sign of breast cancer. 

Suspicious results will require further tests to figure out exactly what is going on. You may need to undergo further studies, such as a biopsy, to provide more information for a clear diagnosis.

How does a radiologist understand your mammogram results?

It's perfectly normal to have questions or to feel nervous about your mammogram results, especially if they come back as suspicious or unclear. 

Let’s look at how a breast imaging radiologist reads your mammogram results, and at what steps you might need to take next.

What specific details is a radiologist examining in my mammogram?

A radiologist is highly trained in certain areas of the body, allowing them to spot subtle differences and irregularities.

These could include calcifications (small calcium deposits), cysts (fluid-filled sacs), or masses (areas of abnormal density). 

The radiologist will also look at the symmetry between your breasts, and changes in size or shape from your previous mammograms, if your results are available.

The radiologist will closely examine the texture and density of your breast tissue. Dense breasts may be harder to assess, as dense breast tissue can sometimes mask potential issues. 

If you have dense breast tissue, you might require additional imaging, like a 3D mammogram or a breast MRI.

How does a radiologist differentiate between a normal and suspicious finding?

Now you might be wondering how a radiologist knows when a finding is just normal breast tissue and when it's something to keep an eye on. 

This comes down to their training, experience, and comparison between your previous mammograms. 

When they look at mammogram results, your radiologist is looking for calcifications, cysts, and masses. 

However, you should keep in mind that not all such findings are cause for concern.

For example, calcifications are pretty common, especially as you get older. They can be caused by aging, previous injuries, or benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions. 

Sometimes the shape, size, or pattern of calcifications can be indicative of a potential issue. 

Similarly, not all masses or cysts are problematic. 

It's the role of the radiologist to identify these features and refer any suspicious or unclear findings to your healthcare provider for further evaluation or treatment planning.

Should I be concerned that different radiologists will interpret my mammogram results differently?

Differences in interpretation can happen, which is a valid concern. 

Each radiologist might focus on things they've learned in their training and through their professional experience. Finding a radiology group that has subspecialties in certain areas of the body including breast tissue minimizes this concern.

However, potentially suspicious or unclear findings are always further investigated to ensure all relevant information is relayed to your doctor.

For mammography, it is important to choose a provider that has a comprehensive and integrated approach to breast health. Oftentimes, differences in interpretation occur if your annual mammogram screenings have been captured through various providers over time, resulting in differences in image quality and interpretation.

How do I know I can trust my radiologist’s interpretation of my results?

While a technologist's role is primarily to capture the images, a radiologist undergoes extensive training allowing them to interpret your results and work with your doctor to determine the best course of action.

Radiologists adhere to very strict standards and regularly participate in ongoing education to keep their skills in line with emerging research.

Also, it's important to remember that your mammogram results never depend on only one person's interpretation.

Your doctor will always play a key role in reviewing and interpreting the findings alongside a radiologist.

Expectations for follow-up studies after your mammogram

If you’ve never had unclear or suspicious mammogram results, then you might not understand what happens after you get your results back.

So let’s take a closer look at what kind of additional studies you may encounter, what steps you might need to take next, and how these studies will aid in providing a clearer picture of your breast health.

What kind of additional studies should I prepare for if my mammogram results are unclear?

The radiologist will work with your doctor to determine what additional studies should be recommended. 

These can include diagnostic mammograms, which are similar to your initial screening mammogram but concentrate on the specific area of concern. 

A diagnostic mammogram often includes additional views or images from different angles, aiming to offer a more comprehensive look at the area in question. 

Ultrasound is another commonly used follow-up study. This imaging technique uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body and can be very effective in distinguishing between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts. 

Another type of study that may be recommended is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your breasts. 

An MRI is often used when the other images are still inconclusive or in women who are at high risk for breast cancer.

What will the next steps look like if my results are suspicious?

When results come back as suspicious, it means there's something on the mammogram that requires further evaluation. 

It's crucial to remember this doesn't necessarily mean cancer. In fact, most suspicious findings are not cancer. 

Additional imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, will be the first step. If these images still show a suspicious finding, your healthcare provider might recommend a biopsy. 

A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope. This is the most definitive way to determine if a suspicious finding is cancerous or not.

How are these additional studies different from my initial mammogram?

Your initial screening mammogram is like a broad overview, aimed at looking for any signs of concern in both breasts. 

When findings are unclear or suspicious, your healthcare team will likely order follow-up studies.

A diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound provide a more detailed look at the specific areas of concern identified in the initial, screening mammogram. They can give more information about the size, shape, and composition of any masses or calcifications. 

An MRI, on the other hand, can provide a highly detailed look at your breast tissue and is particularly useful in certain circumstances, such as dense breast tissue or high-risk factors.

How will these studies help bring clarity to my mammogram findings?

While a screening mammogram is a great tool for detecting any potential issues, the images can sometimes be hard to interpret. This is where the additional studies come in. 

Follow-up studies will give your provider a more in-depth look at your health, helping to distinguish between a benign tumor (which is non-cancerous) and a potentially malignant tumor. 

Don’t forget: unclear or suspicious mammogram results don't automatically mean something is wrong. Speak with your doctor to be sure.

How you can cope with unclear or suspicious mammogram results?

Don’t worry, everybody feels a little anxious when their mammogram results come back as suspicious or unclear. It’s always OK to be concerned with your health

No matter what happens, it’s a good idea to deal with the stress you’re feeling, so you can have peace of mind.

Here are some ideas for how you can start dealing with your anxiety today.

What can I do to manage my anxiety about breast cancer?

Dealing with uncertainty about potential health issues can naturally lead to anxiety. 

You can start managing your anxiety by keeping in mind that suspicious or unclear results are not a definitive cancer diagnosis, period. Rather, those results only mean that you should do additional studies to be sure. 

Try not to jump to conclusions, and instead, wait for your doctor's guidance. 

Practicing mindfulness, which involves focusing on the present moment without judgment, can also be very beneficial. 

Whether through deep breathing exercises, yoga, or guided meditation, mindfulness can help to reduce anxiety.

Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity is a very powerful stress reducer. 

This doesn't mean you have to start training for a marathon, or anything––even a daily walk around your neighborhood will help. Just start with a 10-minute walk to clear your mind.

How can I communicate my feelings and needs to my loved ones?

Sharing your fears and concerns with loved ones can be a great source for coping with fear and anxiety about your mammogram results. 

Open up about what you're going through, and don't be afraid to let them know what you’ve been going through. 

You might want to explain the situation, including what suspicious or unclear results mean, and talk about what your next steps are. You could even show them a blog like this one.

It could be helpful to tell your loved ones specifically what you need, whether it's someone to accompany you to appointments, or someone to help with chores and cooking, or just somebody to listen to you.

What resources in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area can I turn to for emotional support?

Our area has many resources available for emotional support. 

The Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia offers support groups, workshops, and educational sessions for those facing cancer, whether it's a potential or definitive diagnosis.

Two great local resources are Gilda’s Club South Jersey, which has five locations and offers online support, and Cancer Support of Greater Philadelphia, which has two main locations and offers programs at several healthcare facilities in the area.

Remember, these resources are there to support people in your situation, so please don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the services they offer.

What are some online resources for emotional support?

There's also a wealth of online resources that can offer support from the comfort of your home. 

Websites such as Breastcancer.org provide not only educational material but also support forums where you can connect with others who are going through the same experiences.

The American Cancer Society also offers a variety of online resources, including support communities and hotlines, which are available 24/7. Their Reach To Recovery program connects people with trained volunteers who have gone through similar experiences.

For a comprehensive collection of resources, the National Breast Cancer Foundation offers online guides, educational material, and connections to support groups.

How to schedule a mammogram appointment with us

We want to give you and your healthcare provider the most informative mammogram results possible, and we make it easy for you to get an appointment.

Our mammograms take less than 15 minutes to complete. We have locations across South Jersey, conveniently located near major highways and area bridges. We are here to help.

Reach out to us at any of the following locations to schedule an appointment:

• Cherry Hill Office – Cherry Hill, NJ
• Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
• Greentree Office – Marlton, NJ
• Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
• West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
• Women's Center at Cross Keys – Sewell, NJ
• Women's Center at Virtua – Voorhees Township, NJ
• Women's Center at Voorhees – Voorhees Township, NJ

Learn more about the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read and interpret studies at SJRA here.