Question 1

does losing weight cause your mammogram to look different?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Weight loss obviously causes your breasts to be smaller and less dense. Your mammograms will look different. Fat doesn't show up on a mammogram; it is the grey in the background. The breast ducts and vessels do show up. If you lose fat in your breasts, you may see more ducts and vessels in your mammogram.

Question 2

what does it mean if mammogram tech asks if you had change in weight since your last mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Xray density: If there has been a gain in weight, the breast will have more fatty tissue to "look through" with the mammogram. If a weight loss, there is sometimes more fibrous tissue increasing the density. Comparisons of two or more previous mammograms make it easier to spot changes and possible tumors.

Question 3

will weight loss cause a change in focal density on a mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Depends: With the breasts being a fat storage site, a weight change may alter the mammographic density of the breast. This change may necessitate additional evaluation of the breast to ensure that this is not a cancer.

Question 4

why would a mammogram tech ask if you have gained weight since your last mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Weight: The breasts may have appeared more denser compared to previous mammogram.

Question 5

i had the change at 52. i have taken some form of estrogen since then (40 years). do i need mammogram?

Accepted Answer

YES: In general, you should have an annual mammogram and clinical breast exam performed.  The presence of menopause and estrogen exposure potentially increase your risk of breast cancer.  The older we get the more risk for breast cancer we have.  Estrogen exposure and breast cancer risk is debateable as a causal effect, but most studies show a slight or modest correlation with breast cancer.

Question 6

my 2013 mammogram result: some calcifications no changes from 2012. dr said is good since no chng but i'm worried. wat r calcifications?

Accepted Answer

Calcium deposits: There are calcium depoists in breast tissue that could be benign or malignant and they look quite different.  If the report said benign finding then it's not a worrisome finding.

Question 7

what does it mean that i got insulted when a mammogram tech asked if i gained weight since last mammogram and then she hurt me?

Accepted Answer

It means that: You have thin skin about your weight, and hate the "compresion" associated with mammograms - -do you really think the tech was being cruel and sadistic?  If you do, file a complaint at the center that did you mammo.  But i'll bet you did gain weight and you are sensitive about it! ;-}.

Question 8

after routine mammogram, they need additional views. they said i had change in dense areas. i saw alot of white on image.? is this common at age 53.

Accepted Answer

Common at any age: The 'white' portion on a mammogram represents the glandular tissue in the breast.  While it tends to decrease in percentage with age, every woman's mammogram appearance is different.  "Additional view" call backs in mammography are also very common and a routine part of our process in screening for many women.

Question 9

had a mammogram and was told that i have two masses on my  right side and radiologist said i need more tests  as my test i had in 2010 showed changes?

Accepted Answer

Follow their advice.: Not sure what to make of that? Sounds like you need more tests such as an ultrasound or perhaps needle localization biopsy.

Question 10

how long can a cluster of cysts stay in the breast? i have had mine for 1.5 years. 3 mammograms & 1 u/s done already & no change in size.

Accepted Answer

Keep up with mammos: Stable cysts and lumps suggest a good prognosis. If not enlarging or if the cluster of calcifications is not suspicious, careful follow-up is the way to go.. They may never go away.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Losing weight and mammogram changes

A member asked:

Does losing weight cause your mammogram to look different?

A member asked:

What does it mean if mammogram tech asks if you had change in weight since your last mammogram?

A member asked:

Will weight loss cause a change in focal density on a mammogram?

A member asked:

Why would a mammogram tech ask if you have gained weight since your last mammogram?

A member asked:

I had the change at 52. i have taken some form of estrogen since then (40 years). do i need mammogram?

A member asked:

My 2013 mammogram result: some calcifications no changes from 2012. dr said is good since no chng but i'm worried. wat r calcifications?

A member asked:

What does it mean that i got insulted when a mammogram tech asked if i gained weight since last mammogram and then she hurt me?

A member asked:

After routine mammogram, they need additional views. they said i had change in dense areas. i saw alot of white on image.? is this common at age 53.

A member asked:

Had a mammogram and was told that i have two masses on my right side and radiologist said i need more tests as my test i had in 2010 showed changes?

A member asked:

How long can a cluster of cysts stay in the breast? i have had mine for 1.5 years. 3 mammograms & 1 u/s done already & no change in size.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?