Is it likely that this is breast cancer if they call you back for x-rays after a mammogram?

Not always: Sometimes we need a second more detailed look at a "spot" or calcification in the breast with different xray views. This helps us decide if you need to do nothing, more tests, a biopsy, or 6 month repeat mammogram. Also if you have any mammograms performed at a different imaging center, please try to get those films for the radiologist to compare and see any changes over time in your breasts.

No: Often they need to change the compression/ include areas they missed to get it perfect -that should be done while you are still in the mammo. Room -sometimes they bring you back for mag views for calcifications to assess their number/shape or compress an area of distortion/overlapping shadows - vessels- ducts -cooper's ligaments or do an ultrasound to see if a mass is a cyst.1st call is?Bx needed.

Odds are not: Screening mmgs involve 2 quick views - one from the top and one from the side. Depending on how hard they pull or squeeze or position the breast, tissue can overlap and look more dense. With additional compression, this spreads out and disappears thus benign. If its a true mass, the surrounding tissue thins and the mass becomes more obvious. Characteristics of calcs are better seen on mag views.

Can be: But additional views are needed sometimes to be sure. They are sort of like close up pictures. Not always cancer. May lead to ultrasound or MRI of the breasts.

No....: It is more likely that you are fine. Depending on the center you are seen at, recall rates vary from 1 in 20 to 1 in 10. Of those recalled, approximately 15% will need biopsy and of those biopsied 20% will be cancer. These numbers are from research studies and may not reflect the performance of your local mammography center.

No, it is: the opposite. At least 80% of the time these recalls turn out to be nothing of concern.