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Medical Reviewer:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Next Steps

Follow-up

Recommended mammograms should be part of your routine health maintenance screening. Keep track of when your last mammogram was done and inform your doctor when you are due for another, based on your doctor's recommendations. Be aware of your body and the changes you notice on examining yourself. If you notice a mass, this should also be reported to your health care provider.

• Follow-up care will vary depending on the cause of your breast pain, severity of symptoms, and treatment strategy. You should discuss a follow-up plan with your doctor. Regular and routine mammograms are an excellent investment in your future well-being.

• If you have a breast infection, you will usually be seen for a recheck in 24-48 hours. Take all antibiotics as prescribed.

• Close follow-up of any breast lump or infection is also important to rule out breast cancer. Mastitis does not cause cancer, but cancer can mimic mastitis in appearance. If a breast infection is slow to go away, your health care provider may recommend a mammogram or other tests to rule out cancer.