Can breast Cancer be determined from a mammogram

[KinkyAfro]

Mum had breast Cancer some years ago, she had a mammogram and then a biopsy which confirmed that it was cancer, luckily stage 1 DCIS and was treatable. She has now been cancer free for 4 years, yay.

'D'bro has messaged mum this morning saying that his GF has BC and it's been definitely confirmed by a mammogram, no other tests have taken place. Is this possible?

There is a huge backstory here in that DB and his GF have told some pretty shocking lies over the years so I'm loathe to believe this one

[RedBullBlood]

I was under the impression that a mammogram would likely show any irregularities that would then lead to a biopsy. I've certainly never heard of breast cancer being confirmed by mammogram only, however I'm not in the medical profession. I'd be a bit wary.

[CMOTDibbler]

No - obviously they may say from the mammogram that there's a strong possibility from the mammogram, but a biopsy is always taken which is what the diagnosis is given from. It provides very important information which is used in developing a treatment plan which can't be found from the mammo

[BelladiNotte]

No. A mammogram can determine the presence of an unidentifiable mass in the breast, but it needs a biopsy of part of the tissue to identify whether c. Is present. Usually done initially by a fine needle bio. Many masses show as benign, tho, so it deffo needs a bio of the tissue to determine.
Hope this helps.

[shovetheholly]

No, PPs are right - you have to have a biopsy to confirm abnormal cells (and to identify the type). The biopsy would be taken at the same time as the mammogram.

Because there is a wait and you really can't tell in a lot of cases from the mammogram alone, most medical staff try to say soothing things between mammogram and biopsy results. I.e. not "you definitely have cancer".

It's awful to suspect someone of lying about something so important - and even worse to lie about it. As someone with some, ahem, unreliable family members, I feel your pain.

[flanjabelle]

My mil has recently been diagnosed. She was told after the mammogram that it was likely, but it was not confirmed until the biopsy came back. The actual type of cancer was not confirmed until after her operation to remove the cancerous lump and check the lymph nodes.

[EtTuTuttiFrutti]

There tends to a recall from first mammogram (in my experience they don't say anything at the first mammogram.

On the recall, there are further mammograms, ultrasound and core biopsies (the latter give cancer grade for staging). At this appointment the radiographer confirmed that I'd got cancer in her judgement.

You're then referred within a week to a surgeon or oncologist.

I don't know of anyone diagnosed just by mammogram.

[yerbutnobut]

Diagnosed myself last year, had lump, went to clinic, had mammogram first, they said looked sus so had ultra sound on area then biopsy. Was told same day it certainly looks like a cancer but had to wait result, 9 days later confirmed it was .A mammogram is not sufficient at clear diagnosis and they would never tell you it is without more tests .

[phillipp]

As op said they can not definitively say from a mammogram. It only tells them if there is something there that needs further investigation.

Not what it is.

I take it you suspect either her or him or both are exaggerating or out and out lying? I would suspect it too.

[GinIsIn]

No - PPs have it spot on - a mammogram can identify with certainty that there is a mass, but that mass needs to be tested via biopsy to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

[Vixster99]

They are probably extremely worried because some sort of abnormality has shown up on the mammogram and have convinced themselves it has to be cancer. Its not necessarily attention seeking behaviour, so I'd give them the benefit of the doubt for now, without necessarily going along with it. If its a deliberate lie then they will be caught out sooner or later.

I know a young man who told everyone he has prostate cancer on the basis on one slightly raised PSA test. (Biopsy showed he hasn't.) He is a bit of a drama queen, but he was really worried & convinced himself it was cancer.

[KinkyAfro]

It's not I agree vikster but she has faked miscarriages, deaths of family members and told everyone she was adopted which is why I'm taking it with a pinch of salt....for now