What is Mammography?
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses
a low-dose x-ray system for examination of the breasts. By this time everyone has
heard that early detection is the key to successful cancer treatment. Traditional
Mammograms have given women an opportunity to detect cancer cells, often prior to
noticing a lump. Current guidelines from 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 screening mammography
every year for women, beginning at age 40.
What is Digital Mammography?
Traditional Mammograms – are analog hard copy films, which are used in most mammography
facilities. These films have create some diagnostic limitations, cannot be manipulated
to a clearer or larger photo. So what's changed? Digital Mammography doesn't use
film—it uses the computer. The process remains the same in that your breasts are
still compressed between two plates and a lower dose x-ray is then taken. But with
Digital Mammography, these images now are available within 10 seconds on your radiologist's
computer screen. There are no films to be developed. The resolution and quality
of the images are a lot better. In addition, the radiologist can manipulate the
computer photo image by enlarging it, adjusting the contrast, until they have the
clearest image possible. The benefit of this computer-aided diagnostic picture is
we now have the ability to observe cancer in women who were previously difficult
to diagnose.
What are the Different Types of Mammograms?
Screening Mammography is used as a screening tool
to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms. It is done once
a year.
Diagnostic Mammography is used to evaluate a patient
with abnormal clinical findings, such as breast lump, nipple discharge, pain, etc.,
that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also
be done after an abnormal screening mammography in order to evaluate the area of
concern on the screening exam.
How should I prepare for Mammogram?
Before scheduling a mammogram, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that
you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition,
inform your doctor 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. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility
that you are pregnant.
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 the mammography facility.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology
examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care
physician or the physician who referred you for the exam, who will share the results
with you. In some cases the radiologist may discuss results with you at the conclusion
of your examination.
What are the limitations of Mammography?
While mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer available today,
mammograms do not detect all breast cancers. Also, small portions of mammograms
indicate that a cancer could possibly be present when it is not (called a false-positive
result). Initial mammographic images themselves are not usually 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.
Because some breast cancers are hard to visualize, a radiologist may want to compare
the image to views from previous examinations. Not all cancers of the breast can
be seen on mammography.
Breast implants can also impede accurate mammogram readings because both silicone
and saline implants are not transparent on x-rays and can block a clear view of
the tissues behind them, especially if the implant has been placed in front of,
rather than beneath, the chest muscles. Our technologists are experienced in performing
mammography on patients with breast implants and know how to carefully compress
the breasts to improve the view without rupturing the implant.
Research is being done on a variety of breast imaging techniques that can contribute
to the early detection of breast cancer and improve the accuracy in distinguishing
non-cancerous breast conditions from breast cancers.