Mammogram Double-Take

If you went for a mammogram and were called back by your doctor for additional x-rays, don’t fret yet. If your radiology office is using digital technology, you may just be a victim of technological progress.

Radiologists are moving quickly to switch to digital mammography, where the x-rays are displayed on a computer monitor instead of x-ray film. The New York Times reports that 32% of radiology offices now have these digital machines, and x-ray film will likely be phased out in the near future.

Since the radiologists are learning this new technology and are trying to be cautious about leveling a health diagnosis, women who get mammograms may be getting calls for follow up visits or additional tests. Usually, word that you need to come in for additional testing meant that bad news was sure to come.

But the key here is not to think the worst right away. As radiologists switch to this new technology, there will be some second-guessing, and these call backs are usually just to double-check their initial reading. Your doctor may not tell you this until after he or she is satisfied with the test results, so it’s important to keep your cool if you are called in for a follow up. [The New York Times]