Abnormal mammogram result: what usually happens next? When is a breast MRI done?
The mammogram report is sent to the treating doctor, and if further diagnosis is needed the doctor examines the breasts, or uses ultrasound or a fine needle to take tissue for testing (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026). MRI is recommended only as additional screening for some high-risk women (Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening, June 2020). Individual cases are decided by the treating doctor.
Abnormal mammogram result: what usually happens next?
Mammogram results are sent to the treating doctor; if further diagnosis is needed, the doctor examines the breasts, or arranges an ultrasound scan or uses a fine needle to take tissue from the lump for testing (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026).
Women followed up in primary care who have clinical features suggestive of breast cancer, or a mammogram report in BI-RADS category 4 to 6, should be referred early to a surgeon (Primary Healthcare Commission reference framework on cancer screening for women, first edition, February 2025).
A biopsy is usually done under local anaesthesia, and ultrasound, X-ray or MRI may be needed to locate the abnormal area (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026). Hormone receptor and HER2 tests on the tumour tissue can be used to decide whether the patient should receive hormone therapy or targeted therapy (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026).
What an individual report means, and which examination comes next, is decided by the treating doctor according to the patient's condition.
When is breast MRI considered?
The table below sets out the role of MRI in the breast cancer screening recommendations by women's risk category (Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening, June 2020); for the definitions of the risk categories, see With a family history of cancer, when do you need genetic counselling.
| Who | Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (2020) |
|---|---|
| High-risk women confirmed to carry a disease-causing BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, or who had radiotherapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30 | In addition to yearly mammography, yearly MRI can be considered |
| Women at moderate risk | MRI screening is not recommended |
| Women at average risk | MRI screening is not recommended |
Where to find out about related tests and fees
For the English name and meaning of MRI, see MRI, and for private charges, see MRI fees compared; for mammogram fees, see Mammogram fees, and for ultrasound fees, see Ultrasound fees compared.
If breast cancer is diagnosed, the steps that follow are in Breast cancer: from diagnosis to starting treatment, and the specialties involved are in How to choose a breast cancer doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Abnormal mammogram result: what usually happens next?
The report is sent to the treating doctor, and if further diagnosis is needed the doctor examines the breasts, or uses ultrasound or a fine needle to take tissue for testing (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026); a report in BI-RADS category 4 to 6 should be referred early to a surgeon (Primary Healthcare Commission reference framework on cancer screening for women, February 2025).
When would a doctor consider arranging a breast MRI?
High-risk women confirmed to carry a disease-causing BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, or who had radiotherapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30, can consider yearly MRI in addition; MRI screening is not recommended for women at moderate or average risk (Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening, June 2020). MRI may also be used to locate the abnormal area during a biopsy (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026).