Recall after 3D Mammogram and Ultrasound that was clean?

Jossy2

Hi everyone,

Can't sleep! Very worried and facing a ruined weekend. Can't eat either! Today I went for my 3D screening mammogram and and a screening ultrasound (US). I was told by the Breast Center that a 3D mammogram and the US are the standard of care for women who have dense breast tissue, and because "95% of women have dense breast tissue" almost everyone has both tests.

So I had the mammogram, but it seemed very brief for a 3d mammogram, which last time I did it, involved around 6 different shots. today it was just four and not very uncomfortable as it usually is. Then I went for the US, and the tech (16 years experience) was nice enough to tell me it all looked good.

A few hours later I receive a call telling me I had to come back for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram and a diagnostic ultra sound on my left breast. I was further advised it was not an emergency and that that I could even wait 4 weeks. I at once became very upset and pressed for details. All I was told was that there were calcifications and a nodule.... when I asked how a nodule was defined i was told it was tissue that appeared solid, but could just be fat, or some calcification.

I was also told that this call back was quite common, that in fact I was the seventh call back today! At most they saw 15 - 20 patients today as they closed early. Doesn't that seem to be a large number of call backs?

Why did the US seem fine if it is used to find solid tissue?

For further info, since my last mammogram I have lost about 25 pounds ( by design) and am now 114 pounds, my pre-marriage weight from long ago. Could the weight loss have something to do with apparent change in the images?

Thanks for being here....

AliceBastable

If you look around the topics here, there have been MANY posts about call backs. The vast majority of them have been to just get a more detailed base mammogram. If they had seen anything in the least suspicious, they'd have asked you to come in right away. Go enjoy your weekend.

Beesie

First, the tech isn't supposed to tell the patient anything. The fact that the tech told you that the imaging looked good, based on a very quick view while she was doing the imaging, doesn't mean that it was clear. It's the Radiologist (who is a doctor specially trained in reading imaging) who does a more detailed assessment of the imaging later and decides if the patient should be called back.

Second, yes there are a lot of call-backs. This is because Radiologists are cautious and usually want to take a closer look at anything that shows up, even if it appears likely to be harmless. The diagnostic mammo and ultrasound provides a magnified view of the area of concern so that it can be seen more clearly. With this closer look, most of the time the Radiologist is satisfied that there is nothing worrisome there, and the patient is sent on her way. Because of caution there are lots of call-backs, but the vast majority turn out to be nothing.

Take a look here. On average about 10% of screening imaging results in a call-back (it sounds like the % was higher on the day you were in), and of those, only 5% end up with a diagnosis of cancer. So 95% of call-backs are not cancer.

Yes, of course it's concerning to be called back, but don't make yourself sick with worry over something that is likely to be nothing.

Jossy2

Thank you so much Beesie. The graph really helps me put things in perspective. And yes, the US tech should not have said anything without an in depth review by the radiologist. However, I suspect she did not see anything. I am thinking whatever showed up was on the mammogram. But it's just a guess at this point. I think I am overreacting because I am alone now, having recently experienced a terrible divorce; I feel like my reserves are depleted at this point.

Jossy2

Thanks AliceBastable. I will try to do just that. Grand baby coming and I will lose fears with him around!

Anxiousworriedmama

Hi I am in the same boat as you!! Got called back on Valentine's Day with the same results. Nodule and microcalcifications. I feel horrible thinking about it since my sister was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I am 45. I won't know much more until Thursday when I have spot compression and ultrasound. I will follow this thread and think good thoughts for us!!

Jossy2

Hi Anxiousworriedmama, Nice Valentine's Day news, right?

Thanks for your good wishes! My followups are scheduled for early tomorrow. I am over 65 so I am worried. From what I have read on the Internet, nodules are more commonly benign for your age group. Try not to worry too much. My wishes for good results go with you!

Anxiousworriedmama

Thank you Jossy!! Yes Happy Valentine's! I spent lunch with my husband crying 😳 I am feeling better because it seems if it is cancer it is so early....I'm hoping I have some clarity Thursday and you have yours tomorrow. Keep me posted. Waiting is awful!!!