When to Seek a Second Opinion for an Abnormal Mammogram
Receiving news that your mammogram results are abnormal can feel confusing or even frightening—but it doesn’t always mean cancer. In fact, many breast changes turn out to be benign. Still, it’s important to know when to advocate for a second opinion and what kind of specialist to turn to for the most comprehensive and confident next step in your care.
At Serenity Breast Health and Wellness, Dr. Jilma Patrick, a fellowship-trained breast surgeon, partners with women across the Chicago area to review imaging results, assess breast cancer risk, and provide clarity after an abnormal screening.
Let’s explore why getting a second opinion matters and when it’s the right move for your breast health.
Why Second Opinions Matter for Health Assessments
Your mammogram is just one piece of the puzzle. An abnormal result might lead to additional imaging, like an ultrasound or even a biopsy. But what happens next? Often, women are sent back to their OB/GYN for guidance. In many cases, that may be enough, but not always.
Dr. Patrick explains that not all providers are comfortable assessing breast imaging findings, particularly if there's any uncertainty. That’s where a breast health specialist makes all the difference.
“If something turns out to be abnormal, you want to be with the specialist who can stay with you throughout the journey, not just for evaluation, but for risk management, surveillance, and care,” says Dr. Patrick.
When to Get a Second Opinion on Your Mammogram
You may want to seek a second opinion from a breast surgeon if:
Your mammogram or ultrasound shows suspicious findings, and you’re unsure what the next steps are
You were told a biopsy isn’t needed, but you still have concerns
You’ve had multiple abnormal mammograms and are being monitored but feel unclear or uneasy
You have a strong family history of breast cancer, and want a personalized risk assessment
You want expert insight into your imaging results, personal risk factors, or available treatment options
Remember, peace of mind is reason enough.
What a Fellowship-Trained Breast Surgeon Can Offer
Contrary to common belief, breast surgeons aren’t just for patients needing surgery. Fellowship-trained specialists like Dr. Patrick provide comprehensive support for every stage of breast health, including prevention, diagnosis, and management of high-risk or benign findings.
Breast health is its own specialty that requires dedicated training and experience. If you decide to seek a second opinion, make sure you're seeing a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who has received additional training in:
Breast imaging and pathology
Risk assessment and surveillance
Collaborative care with oncologists and radiologists
Oncoplastic surgical techniques (when needed)
This level of specialization ensures you receive the most accurate, up-to-date guidance based on your personal situation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Understanding Your Options Regarding Breast Health
If you’ve received an abnormal mammogram and feel unsure about your next steps, trust your instincts. It’s always okay to seek a second opinion—and in many cases, it can lead to earlier detection, more personalized care, and better long-term outcomes.
Dr. Patrick encourages patients to ask their current provider questions like:
Do I need to see a breast surgeon for further evaluation?
Do you offer risk assessments for breast cancer?
What is my lifetime risk based on my family history or past biopsies?
Should I be doing more than annual mammograms?
If the answers feel unclear or the provider seems uncertain, it’s time to see a breast specialist.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Jilma Patrick
At Serenity Breast Health and Wellness, we’re here to offer clarity, support, and advanced care, whether you're navigating a recent mammogram or want to understand your personal risk. Specialized services that we offer include:
Advanced imaging interpretation beyond what’s often covered in primary care
Risk stratification using personal and family history, breast density, and biopsy results
Guidance for surveillance, including personalized screening plans
Evaluation of benign but high-risk lesions, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia
Second opinions for surgical options, if a procedure is needed
Referrals to trusted radiology centers, as imaging is performed externally
“Even having a biopsy alone can increase your future risk,” Dr. Patrick notes. “That’s why follow-up and understanding your personal risk profile is so important.”
Early action leads to better outcomes. You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to be proactive.
Contact Dr. Patrick at Serenity Breast Health and Wellness today and take the next step with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An abnormal result can mean many things, not always cancer. It may indicate dense tissue, cysts, calcifications, or areas that need closer evaluation.
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Not always. Additional imaging, like an ultrasound, may be the next step. A breast health specialist can help determine whether a biopsy is appropriate based on your risk and findings.
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Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. That’s why personalized risk assessments (not just genetics) are essential.
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Yes. In fact, it's ideal to see a breast surgeon for evaluation before any diagnosis. We specialize in evaluating imaging, assessing risk, and offering next steps, surgical or not.
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A breast surgeon has additional fellowship training focused solely on breast conditions, imaging, risk management, and advanced surgical options. General surgeons may treat breast concerns but don’t have this level of specialization.
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Absolutely. Your comfort, confidence, and peace of mind matter. If something still doesn’t feel right (or isn’t clearly explained) it’s always appropriate to seek another perspective.
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In most cases, no. It can actually expedite your care by ensuring you're on the best path from the start, with clarity and confidence in your decisions.
