Missing from images titanium marker and calcification
The last 2 mammograms I have received, I have asked mammogram technicians to please look for the titanium marker placed to monitor a suspicious calcium deposit. I explained that the marker was very difficult to locate and unfortunately has taken 2 people to help position to get an image, due to location of the calcium deposit that it marked. I was dismissed by the first technician, who looked and denied seeing anything after a very cursory exam and subsequently received a radiology report that indicated no concerns, no lesions, "see you in a year." I made a mental note to scheduled another mammogram elsewhere, asap. I got busy and did not. The second appointment was in a new location, a year later. About 2 weeks before the appointment, my new provider called the technician in to speak with me regarding my concern. She shared that she is pretty quick with the mammograms, but the equipment is very thorough, if something is present, it will be detected. The day of the mammogram appointment, I was hopeful. However, she reported that there was no clip, and the picture was as thorough as she could make it. I showed her the scar to prove that I had a biopsy, which she acknowledged, then waived it off saying the clip may have migrated...I asked what about the calcification, why aren't they showing, especially the deposit that was marked. She acknowledged that was strange. We agreed to allow the radiologist to interpret, she said she would make a note of my concerns. Several days later, the report stated there are no concerns, everything seemed normal, no lesions..... I learned that the "Radiology Dept" is a 3rd party vendor, who has no direct interface with the technicians or medical facility. Images are sent, and the facility receives a report. In my experience the radiologist, "okays" clear images before the patient leaves the exam. I did some research after the mammogram last week, I understand clips can migrate, but calcium deposits do not. I think this implies that in both mammogram experiences, the technicians did not get the images needed so the radiologist could provide data on any changes. Also, disappearing calcium deposits are rare (they change, but they do not self-resolve) and when they do disappear, it suggests malignancy. I left a note in My Chart with my new Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, even provided a link about how calcifications do not self-resolve. Although, I did have a lot of referrals going on outside of the mammogram, that he and his staff had coordinated (and I appreciate), I feel very worried and upset when I think of being dismissed when I have requested of the technician that the marker and the calcium deposit be identified in images, and the subsequent denial of any concerns. What can I do?
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maried02 @maried02
Welcome to Mayo Connect. I understand your concern about why the mammograms are not showing the marker or the classification.
You did right thing to reach out to your primary care provider for answers. You might ask if a MRI is an option if mammograms are not giving you adequate results. Though, sometimes insurance companies are not willing to pay for MRIs.
Do you have older mammograms that show the marker and classifications. If so, have the locations where your having imaging done ask for previous images for compression?