A friend told me her routine mammogram was abnormal. what does this mean and what should someone do if she receives this type of report?

Don't panic: Many mammograms are reported as abnormal and require further testing. Most turn out to be normal.

Check the label.: Every mammogram report should include a birads score which indicates the next steps necessary after a routine screening mammogram. Birads 0 means that additional testing is needed, like a DX mamm. Or an ultrasound. Birads 3 means the abnormality is probably benign, but to be safe, we would repeat a mamm. In 6 mos. Birads 4 means biopsy recommended; even then, it's cancerous ~25% of the time.

The results: letters that patients receive are required to be in "lay" language and often don't say much more than "normal" or "abnormal, call your doctor". She needs to contact her physician for the details. The majority of the time these end up being nothing, but sometimes not.

Have your friend: discuss it with her doctor who has the test results and can best explain it.What was the birad score?