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Breast Cancer/Mammography/Ultrasound difference
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Question
My wife had her first screening mammogram (age 36), and got called back for a follow up mammogram. When she went back, she had another mammogram, and then the radiologist wanted her to have another mammogram which had an area the radiologist was concerned about. She then had an ultrasound, and they couldn't find anything at all on the ultrasound. She was told to come back in 6 months and they would track it.
From what I've read, I wonder is she should see a specialist to see if she should have a biopsy now, rather than waiting 6 months for another mammogram.
Thank you in advance.
Mammography & ultrasound are in principle different modalities so they show different things. So this situation is not uncommon. In unclear cases like this also MRI breast scans can be of value. You are quite right. I see no reason for your wife to have to wait for 6 months - or even more if the results are still unclear then. So I suggest needle biopsies of any unclear findings seen by mammography. That can be done stereotactically based on mammography. That way surgery may not be necessary! Good luck!
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Answers by Expert:
Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.
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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.
Experience
I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.
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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.
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