Understanding Your Mammogram Results

A mammogram uses X-ray technology to give a comprehensive glimpse into how healthy your breasts are. The scan will show any lumps or masses.

It can be alarming to see irregular lumps on a mammogram, but there’s no need to panic because they are often noncancerous. And if they are cancerous, they are treatable especially if caught early.

Mammograms can elicit more questions than answers from a patient’s perspective. Let’s talk about what your mammogram may indicate, and where you can go for world-class cancer prevention and treatment right here in the Wooster area.

WHAT CAN MY MAMMOGRAM RESULTS TELL ME ABOUT MY BREAST HEALTH?

A lump or mass in or near your breast can indicate a number of things, including the following:

Cysts

Breast cysts make up about 25% of all detected masses found on mammograms. These fluid-filled sacs can be isolated or may occur in groups. Cysts are usually noncancerous and are common in women over age 40.

Calcifications

If you see white dots or specks on your mammogram, your doctor will likely tell you that those are calcium deposits. Calcifications are generally not a serious concern and are actually quite common. The older women get, the more likely they are to have breast calcifications.

Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas are felt as painless, smooth, and firm masses. These can look like well-defined round masses on a mammogram. As with most lumps discovered in tests, these are usually noncancerous.

Fibroadenomas are caused by reproductive hormones, and they may shrink or grow depending on hormonal fluctuations. These are common in women who are in their 20s or 30s.

Some fibroadenomas only show up on a mammogram and cannot be felt manually. Most of the time, these do not require treatment. If you have a fibroadenoma that continues to grow, your gynecologist may recommend continued monitoring and possibly removal.

Breast Cancer

A mammogram is a gold standard for breast cancer screening and detection. Breast cancer has various types, depending on which breast cells have abnormal growth. On a mammogram, a breast tumor may look like an irregularly shaped mass or as a cluster of specks.

Lumps in your breast aren’t the only symptom of breast cancer. Other symptoms include pain, skin dimpling, and abnormal discharge from your breast.

SCHEDULE YOUR MAMMOGRAM AT WOOSTER HOSPITAL

Women who are age 40 and older are advised to get a mammogram every 1 or 2 years for continuous monitoring; women who have a family history of breast cancer may be recommended to start having mammograms even earlier than that. Early detection of breast cancer can save your life.

The Women’s Specialty Center at Wooster Community Hospital aims to provide you with quality care at every step, from screening to treatment if necessary. Our team of expert healthcare providers always has your comfort and preferences in mind when recommending the best course of action.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (330) 263-8660 or by filling out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!