Outcomes Evaluation for Operative and Nonoperative Management of the Abnormal Mammogram

Background: This study reviewed the outcome of women with an abnormal mammogram and no mass (n = 194). Methods: Patients were immediately biopsied (34%) or followed up mammographically (66%). Information was collected prospectively over a 13-year period. Results: Eight of those initially biopsied (12%) proved to be cancer. Of the remaining 129 patients, 20 were lost to follow-up, leaving 109 for further review. Thirty of these patients ultimately came to biopsy, with 5 (17%) proving to be cancer. Of those followed up mammographically and not biopsied, the majority (92%) of lesions either remained unchanged or resolved. The average follow-up time is 53 months. Biopsy was avoided in 51%. Of the 179 patients with follow-up information, 40 (23%) developed new lesions. Fourteen of these lesions have been biopsied, and 36% were cancer. Conclusions: Most mammographic lesions resolve or remain unchanged. Women who have a lesion on mammography are at increased risk for further mammographic abnormalities.