Abnormal Mammograms are not unusual

Regular follow ups are done in such cases to keep a watch. The follow ups are less invasive than having biopsies to confirm whether there is a malignancy or not. If the follow up mammograms do not show any change, the abnormality is considered benign. The abnormalities can be calcifications, cysts, fibro adenomas or some other structure. Calcifications can be tiny flecks of calcium or "big" calcifications. The latter is typically not associated with cancer while the small flecks can represent increased cell activity that needs to be closely watched. Cysts are fluid filled lumps in the breast, distinct from solid cancerous tumors. They are very common but not cancerous. An ultrasound scan can detect whether the lump is liquid filled or solid. Fibro adenomas are solid lumps, but are made up of normal breast cells, not cancerous ones. They might get bigger and are usually removed. Fibro adenomas are the most common kind of breast mass and are not dangerous. They are seen more in younger women. While self examinations can detect solid masses, the tiny flecks of calcium and other small growths cannot be. This is why it is important to have yearly mammograms once women pass age 40. Those with a family history of breast cancer should start the mammograms earlier. If an abnormal result is obtained, there is no need for panic. In five to ten percent of cases, the abnormality can be nothing serious, as already indicated above. It is in cases where there is the least suspicion that follow up mammograms are recommended. Follow ups are mainly for monitoring and does not mean that cancer is present. In biopsy, tissue from the breast is removed and tested in the lab for the presence of cancerous cells. This is an invasive procedure and is done only if there is a strong suspicion of cancer. While mammograms are typically screening mammograms, they can also be diagnostic mammograms, where a number of photographs are taken of a selected area and coordinated to provide needed information. Abnormal mammograms do not always indicate cancer. They can be benign growths that are not cancerous. However, they are typically followed up to monitor for any changes that can indicate cancerous growth.