Question: "I have a question about by mammogram. Since I went to a new facility for my last mammo, they did not have comparison films from my previous, they think that my mammo is abn… do you know where I can have copies made?"

Answer: Get your prior mammograms sent to the new place.

• It is very important for a radiologist to have prior mammograms when reading current mammograms. It is one of the most important things needed to accurately read a mammogram.
• At least a 2 year old prior mammogram is best.

Explanation:

• There are many large textbooks on mammography, and the details of interpretation are way beyond the scope of this entry.
• Overall, reading mammograms is difficult because there is a wide range of what normal looks like. In addition, there is overlap between what disease and normal looks like.
• Looking at a mammogram reminds me of looking at the sky; there are all kinds of different possible patterns.  Because mammograms often look amorphous, one of the most powerful tools a mammographer has when reading a mammogram is the prior exam to see if there is a change.
• For example, on initial review a pattern in the breasts may look concerning.  However, if it is found to be stable for many years it may be deemed as benign. This is because cancers grow over time and stability would unusual for a cancer.  Old biopsy changes often cause breast distortion that can look concerning. However, biopsy changes should be stable or resolve over time. A cancer will grow. 
• On the other hand, a subtle asymmetry on a mammogram could be a cancer that will only be noticed if you see there was nothing there on the prior exam.

What do you need to do?

• You need to get your prior mammograms sent from the older facility, to the place where you just had the mammogram.
• You can get copies at the place you had the mammogram, but film mammograms usually don’t copy well. The original is best.  However, if you had a digital mammogram done, then a CD copy is just as good.
• Once you have your old mammos sent to the place of your recent mammogram, the facility radiologist should reinterpreted your mammogram at no additional cost and provide you with an updated final report.

(image credit from Society of Breast Imaging, sbi-online.org)

Can you tell if this is abnormal or not?

It is really hard to say. 

A comparison would definitely help.