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Are Abnormal Mammogram Results Common for Women Who Have Undergone Breast Reductions?

asked 9 months ago by JoBibbi
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 611 times
Tags: 1 year post-op, abnormal, mammogram

I underwent my breast reduction in July 2010 and I had my first post op mammogram last week (I informed the Tech of my BR). Unfortunately, I was called this morning and told that I needed to come in for additional testing because the radiologist noticed a cluster in my right breast and other changes that weren’t noted in my previous mammograms. Of course I plan to follow up, but I was wondering if call backs for additional testing common for women who’ve undergone breast reduction surgery?

7 answers to Are Abnormal Mammogram Results Common for Women Who Have Undergone Breast Reductions?

+2

Abnormal mammo

This is not uncommon following a breast reduction.Soemtimes there are areas of fat breakdown which can calcify so this may be what that is.Usually they can tell so iot is important to followup.
Robert Brueck, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

www.beauty-by-brueck.com

+2

Mammograms after breast reduction

It is very common to have an a change in mammogram after reduction. The good news is that it is usually easy to distinguish post-surgical changes from cancer or pre-cancer using repeat scans and other modalitites such as ultrasound and MRI. Many women have these changes after surgery, so don;t worry too much, but do follow-up with your doctor's recommendations for screening.
Daniel Greenwald, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+2

Abnormal mammogram after breast reduction

There can be changes after any breast surgery due to scarring, calcifications or fat necrosis, which can look different or suspicious on mammogram. It's so important to get routine studies and do any follow-up recommended so that the radiologist can compare the imaging studies and determine if anything else needs to be done. For now, make your appointment for the additional testing and try to relax knowing that you are taking care of yourself!
Michelle Spring, MD

Marina Del Rey Plastic Surgeon
+2

Mammograms after breast reduction

Your first mammogram after breast reduction will be a new baseline, as the breast will be changed and contain the artifacts of the reduction procedure. Comparing your new mammogram to the old is very likely to have an architecture which is different, and may require an additional view to sort things out. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

I like to get a baseline Mamogram at around six months.

This is a very interesting question and this is something I discuss with my patients. Yes, there can be changes after mamoplasty. Fat necrosis and scaring can be confusing on mamogram. I usually send my patients for a "baseline" post op mamogram when the breasts have softened and I think they have reached an end result. I warn them that they could get that call back from the radiologist and not to get too concerned. Often I can discuss the case with the radiologist and he will be... more
Thomas R. Walek, MD

Providence Plastic Surgeon
+2

Abnormal mammography after breast reduction

Any breast procedure will create regions of calcification within the breast tissue as part of the healing process. Its unavoidable. These larger calcification patterns are easily distinguishable from the micro-calcifications that signify malignant breast tissue on digital mammography and breast MRI. Your pre and post reduction mammograms will be very different in appearance, and it sounds like your mammographer is seeking additional views in order to 'clear' the changes he/she is... more
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Changes on Mammogram after Breast Reduction

Thank you for the question. After breast reduction surgery, mammograms may “visualize” scar tissue/calcifications related to the surgical procedure. These findings may generate more callbacks for additional testing compared to patients who have not had surgical procedures. Despite knowing that there may be “false positives” on mammogram studies I tell patients that is still worth undergoing biopsy for any radiographic lesion that appears to... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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