does doctor get same mammogram report as patient

While health care providers routinely receive their patients’ test results, the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations have a unique provision that requires mammography

facilities to send each patient a written summary of the mammography report in lay terms.

Full Answer

Do I need another mammogram after a routine mammogram?

It’s not uncommon to need to get another mammogram -- and perhaps other tests -- after a routine mammogram. Find out what to expect when you need to get additional diagnostic tests after suspicious mammogram results.

Do I need to provide a written mammography report?

For patients who are self-referred, the written mammography report, as well as the written lay summary, must be provided to the patient herself.

What kind of Doctor will read a mammogram?

A doctor with special training, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram. He or she will look at the X-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems. Try not to have your mammogram the week before you get your period or during your period. Your breasts may be tender or swollen then.

What is the difference between screening mammogram and diagnostic mammogram?

The diagnostic mammogram might take longer than your routine screening mammogram did, because the technician may take more X-rays of the breast. They might, for example, magnify a specific area to get a more detailed picture or repeat the same views from the screening mammogram because those images weren’t clear enough.

Do radiologists read mammograms the same day?

The amount of time to get the mammogram results varies, whether it was a screening or diagnostic mammogram. Screening mammograms can be read by the radiologist on the same day. However, if you have received comparison images from an outside facility, it can take longer to receive the final report.

Can a doctor see cancer on a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.

Why do doctors compare mammograms?

When possible, the doctor reading your mammogram will compare it to your old mammograms. This can help show if any findings are new, or if they were already there on previous mammograms. Findings that haven't changed from older mammograms aren't likely to be cancer, which might mean you won't need further tests.

Do they compare previous mammograms?

A study found that when a radiologist compares the most recent mammogram with earlier mammograms, false positives can be reduced by 44%. The key was to ALWAYS compare current and earlier mammograms, instead of comparing mammograms only when the radiologist thinks it might help.

Can mammogram technician read results?

Should the technologist identify any immediate concerns, they will bring them to the attention of the radiologist; however, they are not legally permitted to divulge any results directly to you, the patient.

Do doctors tell you if they suspect cancer?

Doctors need the information about grade and stage to plan your treatment. It may take a few days before your doctor has the results of all the tests. They will then be able to tell you whether you have cancer, and talk with you about your treatment options.

Can a 2 cm breast mass be benign?

One or several fibroadenomas can occur, and they can develop in one or both breasts. Most fibroadenomas are 1–2 cm in size, but they can grow as large as 5 cm. Simple fibroadenomas are the most common type of fibroadenoma. They are made up of one type of tissue.

Does a mammogram show lymph nodes?

When women undergo breast imaging shortly after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in the arm, their tests may show swollen lymph nodes in the armpit area.

How does a radiologist read a mammogram?

At a basic level, the radiologist looks for anything that seems out of the ordinary—like asymmetries, irregular density, clusters of calcifications, or areas of thickening skin. [1] Having past images available for comparison helps the radiologist determine what is unusual or different this year.

How accurate are mammograms on dense breasts?

“With conventional mammography, while we can be as accurate as 98% in a fatty breast, our sensitivity can drop to as low as 30% in women with extremely dense breasts, which is why supplementary screening with ultrasound or MRI—depending on the patient's personal risk factors—can be such an important aid in finding ...

Can a mammogram miss a lump?

Mammography may miss some cancers. Some breast changes, including lumps that can be felt, don't show up on a mammogram. One woman said that, although her first mammogram was clear, four months later she discovered a lump that turned out to be cancerous.

How common are abnormal mammograms?

How common are abnormal mammograms? Each year about 10 percent of women who receive mammograms will be told their mammogram was abnormal, and they will be recalled for additional testing.

What Does Having A Mammogram Feel like?

Having a mammogram is uncomfortable for most women. Some women find it painful. A mammogram takes only a few moments, though, and the discomfort is...

When Will I Get The Results of My Mammogram?

You will usually get the results within a few weeks, although it depends on the facility. A radiologist reads your mammogram and then reports the r...

What Happens If My Mammogram Is Normal?

Continue to get mammograms according to recommended time intervals. Mammograms work best when they can be compared with previous ones. This allows...

What Happens If My Mammogram Is abnormal?

An abnormal mammogram does not always mean that there is cancer. But you will need to have additional mammograms, tests, or exams before the doctor...

Where Can I Get A Mammogram and Who Can I Talk to If I Have Questions?

1. If you have a regular doctor, talk to him or her. 2. Call the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-...

What is the intent of a mammogram report?

The intent of the report is a communication between the doctor who interprets your mammogram and your primary care doctor. However, this report is often available to you, and you may want to better understand it. Both experts suggest that you sit down with your doctor to discuss the findings of the report to avoid confusion.

What percentage of women need a biopsy?

If a patient is recalled, additional imaging will be performed, and only about 2 percent of women may need a biopsy. During a biopsy, a radiologist with breast imaging expertise inserts a small metallic clip in the breast to help locate the biopsy site in case further testing is needed.

Can dense tissue make it difficult to read a mammogram?

This means that you have moderately dense tissue, which is common and not a cause for concern. Sometimes, dense tissue can make it difficult to accurately read a mammogram. You and your doctor can discuss options for supplemental screening (i.e. screening method in addition to a mammogram), if necessary.

Is tomosynthesis better than mammography?

Yes. Compared to 2-D mammography, tomosynthesis provides a clearer image of each layer of the breast, which provides greater visibility for the radiologist. This allows more cancers to be seen and fewer false alarms; this is a state-of-the-art, improved mammogram.

What is the name of the doctor who categorizes mammograms?

A doctor called a radiologist will categorize your mammogram results using a numbered system. You should talk to your doctor about your mammogram's category and what you need to do next.

What is the name of the system used to describe mammogram results?

Doctors use a standard system to describe mammogram findings and results. This system (called the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System or BI-RADS) sorts the results into categories numbered 0 through 6. By sorting the results into these categories, doctors can describe what they find on a mammogram using the same words and terms.

Is a biopsy recommended for cancer?

Biopsy is very strongly recommended. 6. Known biopsy-proven malignancy – Appropriate action should be taken. This category is only used for findings on a mammogram that have already been shown to be cancer by a previous biopsy. Mammograms may be used in this way to see how well the cancer is responding to treatment.

Is a benign mammogram a negative?

Benign (non-cancerous) finding. This is also a negative mammogram result ( there’s no sign of cancer ), but the radiologist choose s to describe a finding known to be benign, such as benign calcifications, lymph nodes in the breast, or calcified fibroadenomas.

What doctor will read a mammogram?

Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period. A doctor with special training, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram. He or she will look at the X-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems.

How long does it take for a radiologist to read a mammogram?

Contact your health care provider or the mammography facility if you do not receive a report of your results within 30 days. An example of a normal mammogram.

What is the best test to detect breast cancer?

Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer.

What does a mammogram feel like?

What does having a mammogram feel like? Having a mammogram is uncomfortable for most women. Some women find it painful. A mammogram takes only a few moments, though, and the discomfort is over soon. What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed.

What to wear on a mammogram?

On the day of your mammogram, don’t wear deodorant, perfume, or powder. These products can show up as white spots on the X-ray. Some women prefer to wear a top with a skirt or pants, instead of a dress. You will need to undress from your waist up for the mammogram.

Can a mammogram tech tell you the results?

You will then wait while the technologist checks the four X-rays to make sure the pictures do not need to be re-done. Keep in mind that the technologist cannot tell you the results of your mammogram. Each woman’s mammogram may look a little different because all breasts are a little different.

Can a mammogram show cancer?

An abnormal mammogram does not always mean that there is cancer. But you will need to have additional mammograms, tests, or exams before the doctor can tell for sure. You may also be referred to a breast specialist or a surgeon. It does not necessarily mean you have cancer or need surgery.

What percentage of women get a mammogram back?

In the United States, approximately 5 to 15 percent of women are called back for additional imaging. Additional images might be another mammogram or a different imaging method, such as ultrasound or MRI. The findings of this additional imaging are usually benign, meaning the changes are not caused by cancer.

When should women start mammography?

Women who are at an increased risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about starting mammography screening earlier than 40, having additional tests (such as breast ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent exams. Increased risk can include:

What is a breast imaging radiology?

Johns Hopkins breast imaging radiologists are subspecialty radiologists. This means they are fellowship trained, which provides additional training in all aspects of a specific body area or condition, and only read images in that area of expertise. Johns Hopkins breast imaging radiologists only read breast images and are able to focus on ...

What is the best way to detect breast cancer?

Annual mammograms are the best tool for early detection of breast cancer. Most cancers detected by mammography have no symptoms. To give you a behind-the-scenes perspective of your annual mammogram, Ginger Hill, mammographer at Johns Hopkins Medical Imaging, answers some commonly asked questions about how to prepare for your mammogram, ...

What is a radiologist?

Radiologists are doctors who have continued their education to complete a four-year residency in radiology. A radiologist may act as a consultant to your doctor, or act as primary doctor in treating a disease.

How many women have no family history of breast cancer?

Past breast cancer. Eight out of 10 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history; being proactive about your breast exam is a critical step in your overall health.

Is there a special care for mammograms?

There is typically no special type of care following a mammogram. However, your health care provider may give you additional instructions depending on your specific health condition. The radiologist will send the report to your doctor and be a resource in creating an action plan if needed.

What happens when a radiologist reports a mammogram?

When the radiologist reports the mammogram results, he/she might notice something and request a call-back or a follow-up. A screening radiologist has to be quite careful how his impressions are expressed and may be interpreted by the patient.

How long after mammogram can I get another mammogram?

A call back should be fairly immediate. A Follow-up is in 6 months, 1 year or 2 years. This post has everything you need to know about call-backs and follow-ups.

What percentage of the time does a mammogram turn out to be breast cancer?

If the diagnostic call-back letter asks for a second mammogram as well as ultrasound, the lesion turns out to be breast cancer about 20% of the time. When the doctors request a call-back diagnostic mammogram, and an ultrasound, and a biopsy, the suspicious mass turns out to be breast cancer about 37% of the time. Hope this page helps somebody.

How long does it take to get a mammogram results letter?

You get a mammogram results letter, saying they want to re-check something in 6 months. It makes you nervous. Quite often the most prudent measure for a very ‘low risk’ finding is simply to ‘observe’ the suspicious lesion on subsequent mammograms, at intervals ranging from six months to a year.

Why is it important to do a short term follow up on a mammogram?

In particular, short term follow-up is useful for breast lesions that appear ‘ likely benign ‘ due to their imaging characteristics .

What is the first mammogram?

By the way, the first mammogram would be the screening mammogram, and the extra views they get when you return, are a “diagnostic” mammogram or spot view. If anything abnormal is found on the first screening mammogram, it is likely that the breast cancer unit will request a call back for additional imaging studies.

Why do I not show up for mammogram?

This is unfortunate. Factors associated with a failure to show up for a subsequent mammogram include low socio-economic status and low levels of formal education. Women who perceive a higher than average level of cancer in their extended family tend to be the most motivated to attend a follow-up mammogram.

Why is breast cancer less likely to be detected on a mammogram?

This may be because younger women have denser breast tissue that appears white on a mammogram. Likewise, a tumor appears white on a mammogram, making it hard to detect.

What is a diagnostic mammogram?

As compared to screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms provide a more detailed x-ray of the breast using specialized techniques. They are also used in special circumstances, such as for patients with breast implants.

Why do you need a mammogram for breast cancer?

While screening mammograms are routinely administered to detect breast cancer in women who have no apparent symptoms, diagnostic mammograms are used after suspicious results on a screening mammogram or after some signs of breast cancer alert the physician to check the tissue.

What is a DCIS mammogram?

In addition to finding tumors that are too small to feel, mammograms may also spot ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). These are abnormal cells in the li ning of a breast duct, which may become invasive cancer in some women. These abnormal cells do not appear as a mass at all.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Breast pain. Nipple discharge. Thickening of skin on the breast. Changes in the size or shape of the breast. A diagnostic mammogram can help determine if these symptoms are indicative of the presence of cancer.

Can a radiologist read a mammogram?

You may also ask if the radiologist is a breast imaging radiologist. This also contributes to getting an accurate reading of your mammogram. If you had prior mammograms done at a different facility, get those mammograms either sent to the new facility where you are going or pick them up yourself and take them there.

Does DCIS progress into cancer?

Not all DCIS findings progress into invasive cancer. There are studies currently being done to help determine which do to help physician’s plan what treatment is best for a woman’s specific findings of DCIS inside the duct of the breast.

Why does a mammogram take longer than a routine mammogram?

The diagnostic mammogram might take longer than your routine screening mammogram did, because the technician may take more X-rays of the breast.

How long after mammogram should I return?

Recommend that you return for another mammogram in 6 months.

What is the name of the doctor who will examine breast tissue?

After the biopsy, your breast tissue will be sent to a lab and a doctor called a pathologist will examine it under a microscope. The pathologist will determine whether or not cancer cells are present. The results of the biopsy are usually available within a week and your doctor will go over them with you.

What to do if you need additional breast tests?

If you need additional tests or treatment, you may be referred to a breast specialist or surgeon. Putting Your Mind at Ease. Many women feel anxious and uncertain while they’re getting follow-up exams and waiting for test results.

How to undress for mammogram?

Just as you did for the screening mammogram, you’ll need to undress above the waist and stand in front of the mammographymachine. The technician will place your breast between two plates. The plates compress the breast to spread out the tissue for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken.

Do you need a biopsy for microcalcifications?

For example, microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium) in certain patterns and masses that are not cysts often need to be biopsied. If You Need a Biopsy. A biopsy, if needed, will typically be scheduled for another day within the next week. Many breast biopsies are done as outpatient procedures.

Can you get another mammogram after a mammogram?

Suspicious Mammogram Result: Next Steps. It’s not uncommon to need to get another mammogram -- and perhaps other tests -- after a routine mammogram. Find out what to expect when you need to get additional diagnostic tests after suspicious mammogram results. Skip to main content .

What kind of doctor do you see on a mammogram?

A radiologist is on hand to advise the technologist (the person who operates the mammogram machine) to be sure they have all the images that are needed. You may also get an ultrasound test, which uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your breast at the area of concern. Some women may need a breast MRI.

What does a radiologist see on a mammogram?

The radiologist (doctor who reads the mammogram) sees calcifications or a mass (which could be a cyst or solid mass). The radiologist sees an area that just looks different from other parts of the breast. Sometimes when more x-rays are taken of the area or mass, or the area is compressed more, it no longer looks suspicious.

Why do I have to be called back after mammogram?

You could be called back after your mammogram because: The pictures weren’t clear or didn't show some of your breast tissue and need to be retaken. You have dense breast tissue, which can make it hard to see some parts of your breasts. The radiologist (doctor who reads the mammogram) sees calcifications or a mass ...

How long does it take for a mammogram to show cancer?

The area is probably nothing to worry about, but you should have your next mammogram sooner than normal – usually in about 6 months – to watch it closely and make sure it's not changing over time. The changed area could be cancer, so you will need a biopsy to know for sure.

What is a mammogram called?

You’ll likely get another mammogram called a diagnostic mammogram. (Your previous mammogram was called a screening mammogram .) A diagnostic mammogram is done just like a screening mammogram, but more pictures are taken so that any areas of concern can be looked at more closely. A radiologist is on hand to advise the technologist (the person who ...

Why do women get called back for more tests?

In fact, fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more tests are found to have cancer. Often, it just means more x-rays or an ultrasound needs to be done to get a closer look at an area of concern. Getting called back is more common after a first mammogram, or when there’s no previous mammogram to compare the new mammogram with.

What to do if you have breast cancer?

If you do have cancer and you’re referred to a breast specialist, use these tips to make your appointment as useful as possible: Make a list of questions to ask. Take a family member or friend with you. They can serve as an extra pair of ears, take notes, help you remember things later, and give you support.