Conflicting mammogram results: What should I do?

Before leaving on vacation, I had a digital mammogram that showed a concern in each breast. I went to a clinic at my vacation destination to get a follow-up mammogram. The second film mammogram showed no concern. Should I assume that everything is OK?

- Karen / Oregon

Answer

The answer to your question isn't straightforward. Most abnormalities found on screening mammograms turn out to be insignificant — in other words, not breast cancer — when additional views are completed. In most cases, it doesn't matter whether a mammogram is digital or film. In your case, what is most important is whether staff members at the second facility reviewed the images from your earlier mammogram. They need to do this to understand what the concern was and to determine which additional views may be needed. If the second facility didn't have these images, it would be best to return to the first facility to complete the original exam. Or you can have the films from the second facility sent to the first facility for review in order to decide if you need additional imaging.

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