Being notified that your mammogram was abnormal can be stressful, whether you’ve just had your first screening or you’ve had breast cancer treatment in the past.

Most abnormal mammogram results do not mean cancer. In fact, it’s common to be called back after a screening mammogram, and fewer than 1 in 10 women who are called back actually have cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

To help you navigate the stress of getting a callback, here’s what you need to know about abnormal mammogram results. You’ll also find information on why you might get a callback, what happens next, and how to manage the anxiety it can cause.

Why Your Mammogram May Appear Abnormal

There are several reasons why you might be asked to come back, but a callback doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. In fact, the majority of issues identified by a mammogram are benign (noncancerous).

Sometimes, you simply need a more in-depth mammogram, called a diagnostic mammogram, so the radiologist can take a closer look at your breast tissue. Here are some other potential reasons why you might get a callback for an abnormal mammogram.

Unclear images

It’s not always easy to get a clear picture of your breast tissue with a mammogram. Sometimes, a 3D mammogram (an imaging test that creates a more detailed view of the breast) or another imaging tool can provide a better picture.

Cysts

About 7 percent of women will get a breast cyst (a noncancerous, fluid-filled sac) at some point in their lives, according to Cleveland Clinic. Breast cysts are usually evaluated with additional imaging, such as an ultrasound.

Dense Breast Tissue

Having dense breasts, which affects about 40 percent to 45 percent of women in the U.S. between ages 40 and 74, is a common reason for a callback.

Dense breast tissue means there is more glandular and connective tissue than fatty tissue in the breast, which can make mammograms harder to read.

Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas are benign tumors. They may disappear on their own or need to be removed surgically.

Other times, fibroadenomas may get larger over time, but they usually don’t raise your risk of breast cancer.

Calcifications

After age 50, it’s common to develop calcifications (small calcium deposits) in the breasts. These spots don’t always require follow-up testing, but sometimes healthcare providers want to examine them more closely.

Asymmetry

Having a different pattern of glandular tissue between the breasts on your mammogram is called breast asymmetry. Most of the time, this is normal, but some findings may be related to how the image was taken.

Changes

Early mammograms are designed to establish a baseline (a first image used for comparison later). If your screening shows breast changes since your last mammogram, your healthcare provider may want further testing to find out why.

Mass

Sometimes, a breast cancer screening will show a mass or tumor. A mass may be a cyst, another benign finding, or, less commonly, cancer. Follow-up testing can help your healthcare provider learn more.

What Happens Next?

If you’ve received a letter or a call about an abnormal mammogram, make sure you follow through with the additional testing recommended. Mammograms and other breast imaging tools can be lifesaving because they can help find breast cancer early. Follow-up testing is simply one part of the cancer screening process.

“All of the different types of imaging … give a different type of view of the area being scanned, kind of like when editing pictures and using different types of filters,” explained one MyBCTeam member.

Here are some of the tests that may be recommended.

3D Mammogram

A 3D mammogram, sometimes called digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), creates three-dimensional images of your breast. This machine takes multiple pictures of your breast tissue and then uses a computer program to create a 3D image.

Overall, a 3D mammogram used alongside a traditional mammogram may be better at finding tumors than a traditional mammogram alone, especially in the case of dense breast tissue.

However, more research is needed to determine if it's more effective at reducing breast cancer deaths.

Breast Ultrasound

An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to take pictures of the inside of your breast. This breast cancer imaging tool is usually used when more information is needed after a mammogram or breast exam. It can make breast changes, such as cysts, easier to see.

Ultrasounds may be used if you have dense breast tissue, and they can be useful in guiding needles during biopsies. These tests are fairly easy to do and don’t expose you to radiation.

“The diagnostic ultrasound saved my life,” said one MyBCTeam member.

Breast MRI

With magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a large magnet combined with radio waves and a computer creates detailed images of your breast. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (the type used in X-rays).

A breast MRI can sometimes find areas of concern that a mammogram may miss. It may be useful for people with breast implants, dense breast tissue, or a higher risk of breast cancer.

A breast MRI can also be used to look for cancer in the other breast. This may be especially important for people who’ve had breast cancer before because having cancer in one breast can raise the risk of developing cancer in the other breast.

Your individual risk depends on factors such as:

• Your age
• Genetics
• The type of breast cancer you have

Breast MRIs are also used to evaluate nipple changes and other abnormalities.

Breast Biopsy

Sometimes your healthcare provider will recommend a breast biopsy. During this procedure, small pieces of breast tissue are removed and evaluated under a microscope. This test doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. In fact, more than 1 million women in the United States get biopsies each year, and only 20 percent of those are cancerous.

“The biopsy should give a better idea of what is happening and give guidance to the doctors on the best way to proceed,” said one MyBCTeam member.

There are two main types of breast biopsies:

• A needle biopsy, which uses a small, hollow needle
• A surgical biopsy, which involves making a cut in the skin

Your healthcare provider will determine which option is best for you.

Managing Anxiety From an Abnormal Mammogram

It’s not uncommon to have strong emotions — like anxiety, fear, and concern — when you get a callback for an abnormal mammogram. Try to remember that most abnormal mammogram findings don’t mean you have cancer.

Still, your feelings are valid and deserve to be acknowledged by people who understand. Look for a support group in your area or connect with others in breast cancer-focused communities online, such as MyBCTeam. Members can encourage and support each other, and they may also provide unique insights because they’ve been there.

Therapy can also be helpful if your worries are interfering with your day-to-day life. Other options for managing stress and anxiety include:

• Getting a massage
• Stretching your muscles
• Taking a warm bath
• Trying progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and relaxing muscle groups one at a time)
• Reframing your thoughts (looking at a worry in a more balanced way)
• Practicing mindful meditation (paying attention to the present moment without judging your thoughts)
• Going for a brisk walk

Join the Conversation

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

If you’ve received an abnormal mammogram result, how did you cope with the anxiety? Let others know in the comments below.