A negative mammogram does not exclude cancer in a palpable lump, particularly in dense breasts. Targeted ultrasound of the area the patient or clinician can feel is the standard next step.
Mark the palpable site, scan it directly, and correlate the finding with what is felt. If imaging is negative but clinical suspicion remains, the decision on biopsy rests on the clinical examination.
- Place a skin marker over the palpable lump before mammography.
- Perform targeted ultrasound at the marked site even when the mammogram is normal.
- State in the report whether the palpable area was imaged and what was seen.
- Advise clinical follow-up or biopsy when suspicion persists despite negative imaging.
Why it matters
A reassuring mammogram is one of the commonest routes to a delayed breast cancer diagnosis.
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