Specialist Breast Imaging
My Mammogram Was Normal But I Still Have Breast Symptoms
A normal mammogram is reassuring, and most breast symptoms turn out to be harmless. Even so, a new or ongoing symptom is worth checking — often with breast ultrasound as a first step.
A Normal Mammogram Isn't Always Enough
Mammography is an excellent screening tool, but no test detects every change. A normal result reduces the likelihood of a problem, but it does not completely exclude one — particularly in women with dense breast tissue, which can make mammograms less sensitive.
For this reason, any new, persistent or changing breast symptom should be assessed, even if your most recent mammogram was reported as normal. Most symptoms turn out to be benign, but a proper assessment provides clarity and peace of mind.
Symptoms That Should Still Be Checked
If you have any of the following after a normal mammogram, see your doctor about further assessment:
A new breast lump or thickening
Any new lump or area of thickening you or your doctor can feel.
Focal or persistent breast pain
Pain in one particular area, or pain that does not settle.
Nipple discharge
Particularly clear or blood-stained discharge from one nipple.
Nipple changes
New inversion, retraction or a change in the shape of the nipple.
Skin changes
Dimpling, puckering, redness or thickening of the breast skin.
A change you can feel
Any new change in the breast that was not there before.
Why Breast Ultrasound Is Often the Next Step
Breast ultrasound complements mammography. It uses sound waves rather than radiation and can detect changes a mammogram may not show, which makes it particularly useful for assessing a specific symptom or examining dense breast tissue.
At Canberra Breast, your ultrasound is reviewed by a specialist breast team on the day, and we can compare it with any previous imaging you have had. If an area needs sampling, an ultrasound-guided biopsy can often be performed during the same visit.
What to Do Next
See your GP about your symptoms. If further assessment is needed, they can refer you for a breast ultrasound. We accept referrals written on any referral form, even if they are addressed to another imaging provider.
Once you have a referral, you can book online or email it to us, and our team will arrange a suitable time.
Information for GPs and Referrers
A normal screening mammogram should not delay the assessment of a symptomatic patient. Any new, focal or persistent breast symptom warrants clinical and imaging assessment, particularly in women with dense breasts.
Canberra Breast provides specialist breast ultrasound, breast assessment and ultrasound-guided biopsy, and can review imaging performed elsewhere. Referrals can be sent to referrals@canberrabreast.com and are accepted on any referral form.
Frequently Asked Questions
I had a normal mammogram — should I still worry about a lump?
A new or persistent breast lump should always be assessed, even after a normal mammogram. A normal result reduces but does not completely rule out a problem, so any lump you or your doctor can feel warrants further evaluation, usually with a breast ultrasound.
Can a mammogram miss breast cancer?
Mammography detects most breast cancers, but no test is perfect. Its sensitivity is lower in women with dense breast tissue. This is why a new or ongoing symptom should still be assessed, even when a recent mammogram was reported as normal.
Should I have a breast ultrasound if my mammogram was normal?
Often, yes. If you have an ongoing breast symptom, ultrasound is frequently the next test performed after a mammogram. It complements mammography and can detect changes a mammogram may not show, particularly when assessing a specific symptom or in women with dense breasts.
What are dense breasts and why do they matter?
Dense breast tissue is common and normal, but it can make mammograms harder to interpret and is a modest risk factor in its own right. Women with dense breasts may benefit from additional assessment with ultrasound, especially when they have a symptom.
Do I need a new referral?
A referral from your GP or specialist is required for a breast ultrasound. We accept referrals written on any referral form, even if it is addressed to another imaging provider. You can email your referral to referrals@canberrabreast.com or bring it to your appointment.
Book a Breast Assessment Appointment
Book online, or email your referral to referrals@canberrabreast.com. You can also call us on (02) 5114 4899.
Book online