[stephiebob/lpn2rn]

I wanted to know how you may handle giving the news to a patient that their mammogram is abnormal and needs followup studies done. I usually tell them that an abnormal area showed up on the xray and that the radiologist is unable to determine what the area is without a followup ultrasound. I know this scares the crap out of the patients & I feel like I may not be telling them in the best way. Any suggestions?

[J Lynn]

That's all you can really tell them. It's exactly what I say. Everyone in the past has understood that a screening mammogram cannot fully give a diagnosis. It's the same with an u/s or x-ray. There is always going to be further testing involved when there is something suspicious.

[firstaiddave907]

That sounds like a tough one . when my grandma found out there was something suspicious she broke out into tears because she found out she had breast cancer . she is in remission right now. may the good lord willing that she wont have to go through the kemo and she satys in re mission.