Concerned about wording on orders for diagnostic mammogram
My mind is going in all directions. I've had mammograms before, normal and abnormal. Abnormal then nothing, abnormal and microcalcifications that lead to stereotactic biopsies on both sides, everything was benign. This time a regular screening then a letter stating I need to get further testing because of abnormal results. Then I get the orders for the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. It says…Other abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast. Malignant neoplasm of left female breast, unspecified estrogen receptor status, unspecified site of breast. I see the word Malignant and my head has not stopped spinning since. This is just the orders for the diagnostic mammogram. Do I need to be concerned like I am?
Comments
-
@luckypupof2 I think it's totally in-bounds to call the office of the provider who wrote the orders to ask for clarification. It seems odd to include that wording based on a screening mammogram alone. Good luck and keep us posted!
0 -
Hi @luckypupof2, I’m sorry you got an imaging order that sounds scary. Only a biopsy can tell whether something is cancer so you don’t have a diagnosis yet. Radiologists use voice activated notes systems so words are occasionally missed. I’ll bet they said “Suspicion of malignant neoplasm” and the first word wasn’t picked up. They are supposed to check before submitting but that is not always done. This happened to me on a chest CT which said “Neoplastic reticular pattern” when “non neoplastic” was intended. The diagnostic imaging will determine whether a biopsy is needed. Only after biopsy pathology do you get an answer. All the best for a good outcome.
0
