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

[Anonymous]

I don't have dense breasts but do have cysts that show up well. They come and go in different places. I think that's normal.

[Anonymous]

I have dense breasts & got called back at least once a year for the decade of my 40s; in my early 50s now & have had one biopsy & 2 call backs. Never had cancer.

[Anonymous]

I can't recall getting a call back. I do get a letter informing me that I have dense breasts and imaging may not capture a cancerous (non cancer?) mass because it will be the same color as the dense tissue. 47 yo. No family history of cancer. If I had close relatives with any type of cancer, I'd probably follow up. Maybe I should anyway.

[Anonymous]

Double check. I thought mammograms were not effective at spotting cancers in dense breasts and that additional screening was recommended, perhaps ultrasound.

I may be biased because a mammogram did not pick up my cancer but an ultrasound did, back in 2000, my first ever ultrasound.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Double check. I thought mammograms were not effective at spotting cancers in dense breasts and that additional screening was recommended, perhaps ultrasound.

I may be biased because a mammogram did not pick up my cancer but an ultrasound did, back in 2000, my first ever ultrasound.

It is good for women with dense breasts to add another mode of detection.

[Anonymous]

I’ve had 3 mammograms and only called back on the first mammogram. Had to do an ultrasound for the call back.

[Anonymous]

I have dense tissue and I've been called back once out of four times. I knew to expect it from my sister's similar experiences.

[Anonymous]

I just start with a diagnostic mammogram rather than a screening one because of this. It costs me about $300 but it’s worth it. The radiologist reads it instantly, lets the tech know if more images or ultrasound are indicated, and I leave with the results that day. No callbacks, no stressful waiting. Highly recommend.

[Anonymous]

Very common. I was always called back.

[Anonymous]

If you have dense breasts, ask doctor to order a diagnostic mammogram to save you the call back.

[Anonymous]

I have dense breast and was not called back for about ten years until they found ADH in one breast.

[Anonymous]

No call back but the referring Dr suggested I get an MRI every 3 years, which I’m still on the fence about. I’d probably have to pay out of pocket since I’m not high risk and seems like the pros/cons in cases like mine are the subject of ongoing research. MRIs apparently flag a lot of things for biopsy which are not actually cancer, and I’m typically quite leery of unnecessary, invasive procedures.
But to the point of one pp, the dense breast situation makes mammograms less effective. Curious to know if others are going ahead with MRI even if the mammogram doesn’t show anything.

[Anonymous]

Mostly yes, rarely no. Its annoying as I always tell them when making the appointment that I'll need more as I always have lumps. Last time I got called back and have to go back in 6 months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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!

Biopsy Thursday, my cyst was inflamed and so was a lymph node. Pain last month in the same spot when I had Covid and went away. Now back a few weeks later. Radiologist said I don’t think it’s cancer…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No call back but the referring Dr suggested I get an MRI every 3 years, which I’m still on the fence about. I’d probably have to pay out of pocket since I’m not high risk and seems like the pros/cons in cases like mine are the subject of ongoing research. MRIs apparently flag a lot of things for biopsy which are not actually cancer, and I’m typically quite leery of unnecessary, invasive procedures.
But to the point of one pp, the dense breast situation makes mammograms less effective. Curious to know if others are going ahead with MRI even if the mammogram doesn’t show anything.

Many states, including Virginia, are trying to pass laws that insurance must cover breast MRIs when indicated by dense breast tissue. I have it too so I am going the law will pass. Out of pocket estimates are $1000. Although when my daughter needed one on her back, it was $250 OOP, which is less than I pay for my diagnostic mammograms each year ($300) to avoid the dreaded call back.