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Original poster

Called back after mammogram

17 replies

TurkeyTrot · 26/09/2020 20:59

I had my first ever routine mammogram a couple of weeks ago.
I've been called back to a breast assessment centre this week....
Please tell me your experiences of this.
I have no idea what to expect and what the chances are of it being something or nothing.

OP posts:
FallonsTeaRoom · 26/09/2020 21:06

I had this. They will do another mammogram and an ultrasound scan of your breasts. If they find anything they need to investigate they'll arrange it. It most likely is dense tissue causing a false result. I know how scared you feel, if you want to talk about this by pm please do. Xx

Original poster
TurkeyTrot · 26/09/2020 21:11

@FallonsTeaRoom

I had this. They will do another mammogram and an ultrasound scan of your breasts. If they find anything they need to investigate they'll arrange it. It most likely is dense tissue causing a false result. I know how scared you feel, if you want to talk about this by pm please do. Xx
Were you all clear? Was it a long process?
OP posts:
CeliaCanth · 26/09/2020 21:28

I had this. Another mammogram, a biopsy and an MRI to follow. They found a tiny DCIS which is a non-invasive tumour but which could have turned dangerous. It was quickly removed and I am back to being low risk. Didn’t need radiotherapy or anything else and the whole process took about four months.

Essentially what I am saying is it’s not pleasant but it’s one of those times when we need to be brave and do what needs to be done. I was extremely well looked after by the NHS and grateful that it was all taken care of so quickly.

That said, it’s most likely to be nothing to worry about. Good luck.

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daisypond · 26/09/2020 21:28

I was called back after my first mammogram. I had an ultrasound and a biopsy there and then at the callback and maybe another mammogram - I can’t remember. It took two weeks for results, I think. It is much more likely to be not sinister. Mine was cancer, which was then treated.

Fresh01 · 26/09/2020 22:20

I had this a few months ago. It is a scary wait. In my letter it said appointment might take a while. In a few hours I had a ultrasound, 2 needle biopsies done. Then had to wait a bit for results. After all that I got told it was fatty tissue, nothing to worry about.

It sounds easy to say but try not to worry. There are so many different reasons the recall can be for.

JemimaTab · 26/09/2020 22:35

I had this too, also on my first mammogram (about 4 years ago). No symptoms, it was a routine call. When I was called back, I first had a needle biopsy which was inconclusive, and so I was then called back for a vacuum biopsy (which is a bit more invasive and leaves a little bit of bruising). The appointments were about 2 weeks apart. In my case, it turned out to be something called a “radial scar” - just a tiny little cluster of what looks like scar tissue, but is harmless.
I saw both specialist nurses and consultants at the various appointments. Everyone was very happy for me to ask question etc. and actually I never really felt that nervous - except a little bit before the final appointment when I got the all-clear.
I think the point is that, when in doubt, they will call you back. There are a number of different things it could be.

Original poster
TurkeyTrot · 27/09/2020 17:35

Sounds like biopsy is to be expected :(
I am quite nervous.....

OP posts:
ginghamtablecloths · 27/09/2020 17:51

I was called back once as the picture wasn't clear due to density. I needed another mammogram on a different machine and that was the end of that as nothing untoward was found - which is nearly always the case. I would say try not to worry but you're going to worry anyway which is only natural.

Fresh01 · 28/09/2020 17:02

The biopsy sounds worse than it is. It is over in a minute and the lovely nurse kept talking to me and distracting me whilst the Doctor did it.
Hope all goes well,

clopper · 28/09/2020 17:12

I had this for my first one and just had an ultrasound. It was fine and nothing was wrong. They just said my breast tissue was dense and fibrous!

Kez200 · 28/09/2020 17:34

I arrived and the radiographer took me into a room. Showed me the area on the image they were looking at. Answered my questions (there were some other things that looked strange to me and she told me why they were fine). She showed me my mammogram from last time and how this was a change and the other wasnt.

She then proceeded to do another mammogram but only of that area.

I was asked to return to the waiting room.

The doctor called me in. She explained the area again she was looking at and said from the more detailed image she thought it was a cyst and explained why. To be sure she asked if she could drain it. She then proceeded to drain it with a long needle and I could see her finding it on the screen. But you didnt have to look. She then asked for another mammogram of the area to check it had gone.

Final consultation. The cyst had gone and she showed me this on the final image. Confirmed a cyst. I was to be allowed to return in the normal time frame. I dont remember if the fluid was checked at all.

All excellent service and respectful treatment. I would suggest taking a friend as its stressful just the not knowing and its good to have company, to drive you home and share whatever the news is.

FallonsTeaRoom · 28/09/2020 17:44

@TurkeyTrot

Sounds like biopsy is to be expected :( I am quite nervous.....
It's a fairly quick procedure, they give a local anaesthetic and someone will be chatting to you while it's going on. You won't feel a thing.
TheNinjaWife · 28/09/2020 17:45

I was called back after my first one too. I was so worried I couldn’t eat during the ten day wait. I did a lot of googling and got myself even more worked up.
Being called back after the first one is apparently much more likely, because they have nothing to compare it to. I had a second mammogram, followed by an ultrasound. The doctor told me I had very dense breasts and that they were naturally lumpy. Fat in breasts shows up as black shadows. Mine looked like maps of the London Underground.
I have since had another clear mammogram.
Best of luck OP. Do try not to worry.

FallonsTeaRoom · 28/09/2020 17:46

All excellent service and respectful treatment. I would suggest taking a friend as its stressful just the not knowing and its good to have company, to drive you home and share whatever the news is

A friend might have to stay in the car park. It was definitely ”patient only” a month ago when I had my results.

NeedWineNow · 28/09/2020 18:11

I was called back after my first one. I was climbing the walls (I'm that way inclined). They found some micro calcification but the doctor did quite an intensive ultrasound and said she was satisfied there was nothing untoward. I've had several mammograms since including one at the breast centre last year which thankfully have all been ok. I would recommend having someone with you, although I do know that it is difficult at the moment.

rorosemary · 28/09/2020 18:26

Mum had it because they didn't think the picture was clear enough. MIL had it this year because of a patch that turned out to be scar tissue. I had one when I was 30 because I felt something and got called in extra for an ultrasound as well but turned out I just have some hardened tissue on one side. They are very very careful so call women back for the slightest of changes.

MJMG2015 · 28/09/2020 19:09

I have my first one next month. I'm more worried about getting my stomach out than the mammogram itself 🙄

What age do you stop having them
In England?

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