Dense breasts--do you always get a call-back from a mammogram?

[Anonymous]

I had a call-back 2 years ago for a "mass". Ultrasound showed that it was a cyst.
No call-back last year.
Got another call-back this year for another "mass". Same breast as before but slightly different location. '

Any similar experience?
These are my first 3 mammograms. I'm late 40s.
Apparently "extremely dense" breasts.

[Anonymous]

My mom and I both have dense breasts. She always gets a callback, I never have. It’s very common however dense you are I think.

[Anonymous]

I have dense breasts. Have had 5 mammograms and only one call back, turned out to be a cyst.

[Anonymous]

No, I have extremely dense breast and have been getting mammograms for 8 years. I did have DCIS that was detected on a mammogram, and before that ADH, but other than that I haven’t had callbacks.

[Anonymous]

Yes! It happens at least 50% of the time, unless I can get Doctor to order a diagnostic mammogram initially. Also if you get a good tech and they understand you have very dense breasts, they will work harder to ensure they get good results (ie so doctor doesn't need to call you back)

But yes, it's extremely frustrating to have it happen every other year

[Anonymous]

Not since I started doing the 3d version.

[Anonymous]

I got callbacks two years in a row. Then my internist started referring me directly for a diagnostic mammogram. That way you learn that day if there is anything really wrong. It is much less stressful.

You might discuss that with your referring PCP.

[Anonymous]

In my 40s, I did not get any callbacks. In my 50s, I have had 2 callbacks and one biopsy. Due to family history I am now considered 'high risk' so have been referred to a breast specialist and will alternate between mammogram and MRI every 6 months. I think it is just the new way of doing things.

[Anonymous]

I'd say 3 times in 20 years. I have dense breasts with calcifications. I usually have the more expensive screener now (tomography). Never had anything crop up that needed intervention.

[Anonymous]

Was called back 2/2 times. First was a cyst, second ADH. Third time no callback but that was 3D.

[Anonymous]

I have dense breasts and family history - I’ve always gotten a 3D/Tomo and never had a callback. The technician does seem to work hard to ensure the images are good, which I deeply appreciate!

[Anonymous]

I’m going tomorrow for a full diagnostic mammogram ultrasound biopsy and doctor ordered cyst aspiration if needed too. This would have been my first screening mammogram since I’m 40 but had to have it switched since I have a painful lump. This is making me feel better!

[Anonymous]

I go to a place that does everything on the same day so there is no "call-back."

Bay Radiology, Annapolis. It's a schlep but it's once a year.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes but not since I had an ultrasound.

[Anonymous]

I've had two routine mammograms and my letter always mentions my dense breast tissue, but I've never received a callback. I have three maternal aunts who had breast cancer.