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Overview | Bone Densitometry | CT | IVP | Mammography | Ultrasound Exams (Sonograms) | Maps & Directions
 What is Mammography?
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-ray system for the examination of breasts. A mammography exam, called mammogram, is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge.
 Mammography plays an important part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend a screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advise about whether they should begin screening before the age of 40 and about the frequency of screening.
Computer-aided detection (iCAD)
These systems use a digitized mammographic image that are obtained from either a conventional film mammogram or a digitally acquired mammogram. The computer software then searches for abnormal areas of density, mass or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to the need for further analysis.
What are Some Common Uses of the Procedure?
Mammography is used to aid the diagnosis of breast diseases in women. Screening mammography can assist your physician in the detection of disease, even if you have no complaints or symptoms. Initial mammographic images are not always enough to determine the existence of a benign or malignant disease with certainty. If a finding or spot seems suspicious, your radiologist may recommend further diagnostic studies.
Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings—such as a breast lump or lumps—that have been found by you or your physician. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammography, in order to determine the cause of the area of concern on the screening exam.
Before the Mammogram
When scheduling a mammogram, it is recommended that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. Additionally, inform your physician of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period.
If you are, or suspect that you might be pregnant, let your doctor, nurse or technologist know as soon as possible.
The ACS also recommends you:
- Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
- Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
- If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
- Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor or imaging center.
 During the Exam
During the exam, a specially qualified radiologic technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic).
Breast compression is necessary to:
- Even out the breast thickness so that all the tissue can be visualized.
- Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won't be obscured by overlying tissue.
- Allow the use of a lower X-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged.
- Hold the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.
- Reduce X-ray scatter to increase sharpness of the picture.
The technologist will stand behind a glass shield during the X-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions slightly between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an oblique side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast.
The examination process should take about half an hour. When the procedure is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist examines the images to determine if more are needed.
 How Does the Procedure Work?
The breast is exposed to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal breast tissue. The image of the breast is produced as a result of some of the X-rays being absorbed, whole others pass through the breast to expose either a film (conventional mammography) or digital image receptor (digital mammography). The exposed film is placed in a developing machine, producing images much like the negative from a camera; digital images are stored on a computer.
What Will I Experience During the Procedure?
You will feel pressure on the breast as it is squeezed by the compressor. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, schedule the procedure when your breasts are least tender. The technologist will gradually compress your breast. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.
Who Interprets the Results and How do I Get Them?
A radiologist, who is a physician experienced in mammography and other X-ray examinations, will analyze the images. He/she will describe any abnormalities and suggest a likely diagnosis. The report will be dictated by the radiologist and then sent to your physician.
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