Mammographic follow-up of low-suspicion lesions: compliance rate and diagnostic yield

Radiology. 1991 Jan;178(1):155-8. doi: 10.1148/radiology.178.1.1984295.

Abstract

All recommendations for mammographic follow-up of low-suspicion lesions seen at mammography during a 6-month period were reviewed to establish compliance rate and eventual outcome. One hundred forty-four of 2,650 mammograms (5%) showed minimal abnormalities that warranted short-term and periodic mammographic follow-up. Rates of compliance at 4 months and at 1, 2, and 3 years were 88%, 71%, 60%, and 47%, respectively. Progressive mammographic change was found in 10 patients, only one of whom had a carcinoma. It was concluded that mammographic follow-up of low-suspicion lesions is a reasonable alternative to surgical biopsy, although patient compliance remains a significant problem.

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Mammography*
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors