Medical Oncologist
Diagnosis and screening
False positives and the anxiety of a recall
Being called back after a mammogram is frightening, but most recalled women do not have cancer. This page explains why false positives happen, the tests that usually follow a recall, the harmless findings that commonly cause them and practical ways to cope with the wait.
MM
Medically reviewed by Dr. Muralidhar MuddusettyConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery, AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
17+specialists on panel
15,000+patients treated
35+centres across Telangana & AP
4.8★ / 800+Google rating
On this page
- What is a false positive mammogram, and how do you cope with the anxiety of a recall?
- Common harmless causes of a recall
- Tests you may have after a recall
- The vocabulary, in plain language
- Honest realities about false positives
- Coping with the anxiety of a recall
- Moving forward after a false positive
- What to expect from a biopsy after a recall
- What people assume about being recalled
- Common questions about false positive mammograms
The short answer
What is a false positive mammogram, and how do you cope with the anxiety of a recall?
A false positive happens when a screening mammogram shows something that looks abnormal, you are called back for more tests, and those tests show that there is no cancer. Being recalled after a mammogram is common, and most women who are recalled do not have breast cancer. Recalls happen because a mammogram is a flat image of overlapping tissue. Normal glandular tissue can overlap to look like a lump, benign cysts and fibroadenomas can look similar to tumours, and harmless calcium deposits can resemble the tiny specks sometimes seen with early cancer. A first mammogram, when there are no earlier images to compare, and dense breasts both make recall more likely. Over years of regular screening, many women will experience at least one false alarm. Recall usually means extra mammogram views, an ultrasound, and sometimes a needle biopsy. Most of these further tests are quick and show a benign result. Even so, the waiting period can be very stressful, and studies show that some women feel anxious for weeks or months after a false positive. Understanding why recalls happen, getting an appointment quickly, bringing someone with you, asking clear questions and returning for your next routine screen all help. A false positive is not a sign that screening failed; it is a trade-off that comes with looking carefully for early cancer.
Recalls are common
Most women called back after a mammogram do not have cancer.
Further tests are usually simple
Extra views and ultrasound resolve most recalls.
Anxiety is normal
Support and clear information help during the wait.
This page gives general information only. Your radiologist can explain your own results.Why recalls happen
Common harmless causes of a recall
These findings can look suspicious on a first image but turn out to be benign.
Overlapping tissue
Normal tissue layered on top of itself can look like a mass on a single view and disappears on extra views.
Cysts
Fluid-filled sacs that appear as round shadows and are easily confirmed on ultrasound.
Cysts are very common in women in their forties.Fibroadenomas
Solid benign lumps that can look like a small tumour until further imaging or biopsy.
Calcifications
Calcium deposits that are mostly benign but sometimes need magnified views.
Also more likely with
- A first mammogram
- Dense breasts
- Previous surgery or injury
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistWhat happens next
Tests you may have after a recall
Test
Purpose
Extra mammogram views
Spot compression or magnification separates overlapping tissue and looks closely at calcium
Breast ultrasound
Shows whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or solid
Short-interval follow-up
For probably benign findings, a repeat scan in a few months confirms stability
Needle biopsy
A small tissue sample for areas that still look uncertain
MRI
Occasionally used when other tests do not give a clear answer
Words you may hear
The vocabulary, in plain language
- False positive
- A test result that suggests cancer when there is none.
- Recall
- Being asked to return for more tests after screening.
- BI-RADS category
- A score on the report that shows how suspicious a finding is and what should happen next.
- Spot compression view
- A focused mammogram that presses a small area to separate tissue.
- Benign
- Not cancer.
- Probably benign
- A finding very likely to be harmless, usually checked again after a few months.
Leave a number, we will call you
One field. No form to fill in, and no charge for the call.
Being straight with you
Honest realities about false positives
False alarms are a real cost of screening, and it is fair to say so.
Some women need biopsies that show nothing
A benign biopsy is good news, but the procedure and wait can be distressing.
Anxiety can linger
Some women worry more about breast cancer for months after a false alarm.
Recall rates vary between centres
Experience, equipment and access to earlier images all affect how often women are called back.
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot tell you what your own recall means. Only the further tests and your radiologist can answer that.
Talk to our team
Have a question about your situation?
Call the helpline or leave your details, and someone will help you arrange a consultation at the CION centre nearest you. One helpline serves every CION centre.
Call 1800 202 8726
Helpline open 24/7
Managing the wait
Coping with the anxiety of a recall
The days between a recall letter and the result can feel very long. These steps help many women.
Get the earliest appointment
Call the centre promptly and ask for the soonest available slot. Shorter waits mean less worry.
Remember the odds
Remind yourself that most recalled women do not have cancer.
Bring someone with you
A partner, friend or relative can help you remember information and offer support.
Ask clear questions
Ask what was seen, what tests you will have, when results will come and who will explain them.
Plan something calming
Arrange a small treat or distraction for after the appointment.
After a false alarm
Moving forward after a false positive
A false alarm can change how you feel about screening. It helps to keep perspective.
Keep up routine screening
Women who skip later mammograms after a false positive risk missing a cancer found early.
Future recalls are less likely
Having earlier images to compare makes future reading easier.
Keep your reports
Carry previous mammograms and results to your next screening, especially if you change centres.
If a biopsy is suggested
What to expect from a biopsy after a recall
Being told you need a biopsy can feel alarming, but most biopsies after a recall show benign results.
It is usually done with local anaesthetic
A needle biopsy is usually carried out with numbing medicine, often guided by ultrasound or mammogram, and takes a short time.
You can usually go home the same day
Most women return to normal activities within a day, with some bruising and tenderness for a few days.
A small marker may be placed
A tiny clip is sometimes left at the biopsy site so the area can be found again on future imaging.
Ask how results will be shared
Find out when the result will be ready and whether it will be given in person, which is often best.
Commonly believed
What people assume about being recalled
A recall means the doctors found cancer.
Most recalls turn out to be harmless findings.
A false positive means the mammogram was done badly.
Recalls are an expected part of careful screening.
If I was recalled once, screening is not for me.
Continuing screening remains important after a false alarm.
A biopsy will spread cancer if there is any.
Needle biopsies do not cause cancer to spread.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about false positive mammograms
How common is being recalled after a mammogram?
Recalls are common, especially after a first mammogram and in women with dense breasts. Recall rates differ between countries and centres. What matters most is that the large majority of recalled women are found not to have cancer after further tests.
How long will I wait for results after a recall?
Extra mammogram views and ultrasound results are often available the same day. If a biopsy is taken, results usually take a few days to about a week. Ask the centre about their timelines so you know what to expect.
Does a recall mean I am at higher risk of breast cancer?
Some benign findings, such as certain abnormal but non-cancerous cell changes on biopsy, are linked with slightly higher future risk. Most recalls, such as cysts or overlapping tissue, do not change your risk. Ask your doctor what your finding means.
Can I reduce my chance of being recalled?
Bringing previous mammograms for comparison helps. Avoid deodorant or powder on the day, as these can look like calcium specks. Screening at the same centre each time also makes comparisons easier.
What does a probably benign result mean?
It means the finding is very likely to be harmless. Instead of a biopsy, you are usually asked to return for a repeat scan after a few months, and then over a period of time, to confirm it is not changing.
Should I get a second opinion on my recall?
You can ask for a second opinion, particularly if you are advised to have a biopsy and feel unsure. Bring all images, not just reports. Do not let a second opinion delay a recommended biopsy for too long.
I feel anxious every time I have a mammogram now. What can help?
Tell the radiographer and ask how results will be communicated. Bring a companion, plan the appointment at a quiet time and consider speaking to a counsellor if anxiety is affecting your daily life or stopping you from attending.
Is ultrasound better at avoiding false positives?
No. Ultrasound is very useful for clarifying findings, but when used for screening it also produces false positives. Each test has strengths and limitations, which is why they are often used together.
Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Book Free ConsultationBook an appointment with our specialist
Share your name and number — we'll call you back within 30 minutes to schedule your consultation.
Real Stories. Real Voices.
15,000+ patients chose CION. Hear from them directly.
These aren't paid endorsements or written reviews. These are video testimonials from real patients and families — recorded on their own phones, in their own words. Pick any one. Watch it. Then decide.
4.8★800+ Google reviews
50+video testimonials
15,000+patients treated
Read all 800+ reviews on Google
Start Your Story. Book Free Consultation.Where to find us
Our centres in and around Hyderabad
Addressed by landmark, because that is how this city navigates. Each centre also names the areas it serves, so you can place it without a map. Consultation and day-care Chemotherapy run at every one of them.
Warangal
Vizag
Talk to our team
Speak to a breast cancer specialist
Call the helpline or leave your details, and someone will help you arrange a consultation at the CION centre nearest you. One helpline serves every CION centre.
Call 1800 202 8726
Helpline open 24/7
Sources
- American Cancer Society — Getting called back after a mammogram
- National Cancer Institute — Mammograms
- NHS — Breast screening results
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.