Called Back After Your Mammogram? Here's What It Means

If you've been asked to come back for more imaging after your annual mammogram, it's normal to feel worried. Many women assume the worst. But a callback is not a diagnosis. It simply means the radiologist wants a closer look before finalizing your results.

Callbacks are common. According to the American College of Radiology's RadiologyInfo.org, about 10% of women need additional views or an ultrasound after a mammogram, and the vast majority of these findings turn out not to be cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more testing are found to have cancer.

How You'll Hear From Us

If you need additional imaging, our team will either let you know while you're still at your appointment or one of our Women's Center staff members will give you a call. You'll also receive a letter in the mail with your results asking you to contact us to schedule.

If you get a call or a letter, please reach out to schedule your follow-up as soon as you can. The sooner you come in, the sooner you'll have answers.

Why You Might Be Called Back

There are several reasons a radiologist may ask for more images. Most have nothing to do with cancer.

• An unclear or incomplete image. Sometimes the breast tissue isn't fully captured, or an area isn't clear enough on the original images, so additional views are needed.
• An area that looks different from the surrounding tissue. This is called an asymmetry. It may simply be normal breast tissue, and additional images can help confirm that.
• Calcifications. Tiny calcium deposits are common and are often benign. Certain patterns or clusters may call for additional views to determine whether they are harmless or need further evaluation.
• A mass or area of density. Additional mammogram views and/or an ultrasound can help show whether something is a fluid-filled cyst, normal tissue, a benign solid mass, or something that needs further evaluation. Ultrasound is especially useful for telling cysts apart from solid masses.
• Dense breast tissue. Dense tissue is extremely common and does not mean you have breast cancer. It can, however, make certain areas harder to see on a mammogram, which sometimes leads to additional imaging.
• No prior mammograms to compare. Callbacks are more common after a first mammogram, or when previous images from another facility aren't available. The radiologist may want to confirm whether an area is new or has been there all along.
• A previously seen area that needs another look. Sometimes the goal is simply to monitor something over time and make sure it hasn't changed.

What Happens at Your Follow-Up Appointment

Your follow-up visit is called a diagnostic exam. It's similar to your screening mammogram, but more focused. Depending on what the radiologist needs, you may have:

• Additional mammogram views that zoom in on a specific area
• A breast ultrasound, which uses sound waves (no radiation) to take a closer look

A radiologist who specializes in breast imaging reviews your new images and determines the next step. For most women, that next step is simply returning to routine annual screening. Some are asked to come back for a short-term follow-up to confirm an area is stable. A smaller number may be recommended for a biopsy, and most breast biopsies do not find cancer either.

A Few Things That Can Help

• Schedule promptly. Waiting is often the hardest part.
• Let us know about prior mammograms. If you've had mammograms at another facility, tell our team so we can request those images for comparison.
• Ask questions. Our Women's Center staff is happy to walk you through what to expect.

We're Here to Help

Being called back can feel scary, but it's a routine part of careful breast imaging. It's how our radiologists make sure nothing is missed and, in most cases, confirm that everything is fine.

The Advanced Medical Imaging Women's Center in Lincoln is an ACR-accredited Breast Center of Excellence and Lincoln's only ACR-designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center. If you have questions about your results or need to schedule additional imaging, please give our Women's Center a call.