WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 1999: Re: Mammo Results

Re: Mammo Results

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 31 Oct 1999 10:52:25 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Beth: "Mammo Results"

At Fri, 29 Oct 1999, Beth wrote: >
>I just received a copy of my latest mammo report which states the
>following:
>
>The breasts are bilaterally symmetrical in size and composed of dense
>fibroglandular tissue bilaterally. Begnign-appearing calcifications are
>noted scattered about the breasts bilaterally. No skin or nipple
>abnormalities are noted.
>
>What are these calcifications and should I be concerned? I have yet to
>review this with my doctor on Monday, but I wanted to know what
>questions to ask if any, and if I need to ask for any further
>evaluation. Thank you.

These reports were originally sent to physicains and due to the Federal Mammography Act (can't remember the real name) the patinets are getting the results but they should be getting them in "plain understandable language".

They have stated "benign appearing calcifications". Well, they're saying that they look benign. You SHOULD have received a report saying you were either fine, needed followup testing or repeat mammo and/or sono in a certain time period or other such possibilities. You got a doctor caliber report and my understanding of the law is that you should have gotten an understandable version.

There is also a BIRADS classification system which is now being used and can help doctors and patients alike. the scoring system goes 0-5, where 1 is normal, 2 is a little off and needs followup and so on. Zero is no diagnosis due to need for more testing to complete the evaluation.

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
and/or interventions.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Catheter Question/Post Childbirth"
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Pelvic Floor Repair"
In reply to: Beth: "Mammo Results"

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