Why a Mammogram May Miss Tumor

There are several reasons why a mammogram may miss a tumor:

Breast density: Dense breast tissue can make it difficult to detect tumors on a mammogram. This is because both dense tissue and tumors appear white on a mammogram, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

Tumor size: Small tumors may not be visible on a mammogram, especially if they are located in dense breast tissue.

Tumor location: Tumors that are located behind the nipple or in the armpit may not be visible on a mammogram. This is because the X-rays used in a mammogram cannot penetrate these areas as well as they can penetrate other areas of the breast.

Motion: Movement during a mammogram can blur the images, making it difficult to detect tumors.

Technical errors: Errors in the way a mammogram is performed or processed can also lead to missed tumors.

Radiologist error: Even experienced radiologists can sometimes miss tumors on a mammogram. This is because tumors can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from normal breast tissue.

Patient factors: Certain factors related to the patient, such as breast implants or previous breast surgery, can make it more difficult to detect tumors on a mammogram.

It is important to note that a mammogram is not a perfect screening tool. While it is very good at detecting many types of breast cancer, it is not able to detect all tumors. This is why it is important to follow up with other screening tests, such as a clinical breast exam and breast ultrasound, if you have any concerns about breast cancer.